Indian Motorcycle Unveils the 2013 Indian Chief Vintage Final Edition
December 7, 2012
Limited Units Available of Special Highly Collectible Model Designed to Commemorate the End of One Era in Motorcycling History, and the Beginning of Another
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LONG BEACH, Calif. — Indian Motorcycle, the original American motorcycle company, today announced the 2013 Indian Chief Vintage Final Edition, the final version of the Kings Mountain era of Indian Motorcycle, which is available in very limited quantity. The new model year 2013 Indian Chief Vintage Final Edition was unveiled before a gathering of the motorcycle industry press from the floor of the International Motorcycle Show in Long Beach, California, which takes place today through December 9th at the Long Beach Convention Center.
Today’s announcement marks the end of the Kings Mountain era of the Indian Chief, and signifies an important milestone in the 111-year storied history of the Indian Motorcycle brand. With a paint scheme emulating the iconic Indian Chief on display at the 1939 World’s Fair in New York, the stunning new collectible 2013 Indian Chief Vintage Final Edition is a fully accessorized motorcycle that befits its place in the history of motorcycling. The extremely limited number of these bikes available is sure to excite collectors and pave the way for the new era in Indian Motorcycle under the leadership of Polaris Industries.
Zero Motorcycles 2013 Double Horsepower And Range 12/08/2012
Electric motorcycles have come a long way in a few years years and Zero Motorcycles has made them easy, affordable and simple. This year, they double up to impress us further.
Zero Motorcycles has diversified its electric motorcycle nicely over the last few years while steadily perfecting them. The little dirt bike we once knew in 2009 has morphed into a street bike and other sportier versions. This year promises more horsepower, faster charging and most importantly, better range.
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Technically Speaking. They just announced today their 2013 model line boost an average power increase of 99% and hailed as the world’s longest-range production electric motorcycle. The Zero S packs 137 miles in average city drive and uses the company’s revolutionary new Z-Force™ motor. The new Z-Force motor and powertrain is air-cooled. This is where Zero Motorcycles show the most promise with this efficient, passively air-cooled and compact electric motor. It now finds its way into every 2013 motorcycle and operates using a new higher voltage Z-Force power pack.
Faster Charging. To nip things in the bud somewhat, riders will have the option to charge faster than ever, using the CHAdeMO standard which gives you a 95% in less than an hour. Perhaps most exciting, Zero plans to begin initial deliveries of its complete 2013 model line to North America in January 2013.
Zero Motorcycles 2012, Newer, Better. Almost everything in every motorcycles has been refined in order to implement the newer technology the company has. A smart mobile phone integration helps you tweak the motorcycles and leave your phone perfectly under your eyes using Bluetooth, riders can sync their iPhone or Android mobile phones to see detailed motorcycle information. They can even adjust performance characteristics.
Modular Design. Basing its philosophy on sophisticated simplicity for 2013, Zero Motorcycles maximize the feel of the ride. With instant torque, a nearly silent belt-driven system and no shifting, riders need only focus on enjoying the ride. One thing that makes the Zero Motorcycles intelligent is a surprisingly well thought hot swappable battery blocks. The Zero FX, the Zero XU and Zero MX have neatly integrated storage in the ”tank” area allows up to two battery. Best yet, the controller can adapt to use the one with more charge so that you could ride with a depleted battery using the other.
According to Richard Walker, CEO of Zero Motorcycles: "With up to 137 miles range in the city, a top speed of 95 mph and a CHAdeMO accessory that allows recharging in around an hour, the 2013 model line is truly exceptional. This year's lineup offers breathtaking acceleration, new eye-catching designs and the innovative ability to customize the riding experience to each individual's preferences via a mobile application. We invite consumers to discover the experience of riding a 2013 model by contacting an authorized dealer to sign up for a test ride or to place an order. The new lineup arrives in January."
A Motorcycle For Almost Anyone. For 2013, Zero Motorcycles introduces the Zero FX as the ultimate “do anything” and “ride anywhere” urban bike. It is the fastest accelerating motorcycle in the company's lineup with 70 ft-lbs of torque, 44 hp and a low weight of only 275 lbs. The, now features the world's first truly modular quick-swap power pack technology. Riders can now use one or two battery modules and can upgrade any of the previously mentioned models from 2.8 kWh to 5.7 kWh in seconds. With increased range, vastly improved handling and impressive power, the now full-sized Zero MX is capable of comfortably launching off significantly larger jumps at the motocross track.
[B]Price Wise. [/B]Zero Motorcycles may qualify to receive government rebates or credits and are sold through authorized dealerships. They are street-legal and come with a two year limited warranty, while the Zero MX comes with a one year limited warranty. The Zero S will set back $13,995. The Zero $13,995. The Zero FX $9,495, the Zero XU $7,995, while the Zero MX $9,495.
Seeing riders come up to the stand is probably the best way to gauge interest in electric motorcycle. If my brief and informal talks with them is anything to judge, they have come far in a few years. Riders are a passionate bunch, they get it, at least the first time they jump on one. In fact stay tune for what happened next when a Long Beach motorcycle police officer actually drove the “police” version we had on the street. In the meantime Zero Motorcycles continues to refine its electric motorcycle and this year’s new electric motor and added range should please a few.
Motorcycle of the Year 2012: Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R By Motorcycle USA Staff
Thursday, December 27, 2012
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There wasn’t any shortage of great new motorcycles in 2012. But nothing impressed us more, or was more exciting to ride, than Kawasaki’s re-tooled Ninja ZX-14R, our selection for Motorcycle of the Year.
Kawasaki’s top-shelf hyperbike has always been a good motorcycle, but this year it truly became great, offering one of the smoothest, most refined, and, of course, speediest riding experiences. With over 186 horsepower and 110 lb-ft of torque available at the twist of the wrist courtesy of its 1441cc Inline-Four engine, there’s no question that the Ninja is quick.
Manufacturer of the Year 2012: KTM
By Motorcycle USA Staff
Thursday, December 27, 2012
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KTM dirt bikes have been a staple of the off-road community for decades, but the orange brand is making huge strides on the street in recent years. Branching out into new segments and markets, KTM is producing exciting new models that retain that unique KaTooM vibe. For its accomplishments, new directions and bold global ambitions, MotoUSA selects KTM as Manufacturer of the Year.
The Austrian marque has been a powerhouse in off-road racing for a number of years, especially in series outside the U.S., but in 2012 Team Orange stepped up its game big-time. It finally clinched an AMA Motocross title, thanks to Ryan Dungey, who did so by a wide margin. Prior to that,
Vega Helmet Corp. is recalling more than 30,000 XTS motorcycle helmets after testing found that a few did not meet crash protection safety standards.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said people using the helmets may not be adequately protected in a crash. The recall will start in late January and centers on large, extra-large and extra-extra-large (or XXL) helmets. The models in question were made between May 2011 and last October, according to a notice posted Saturday on the NHTSA's web site.
Vega, based in Tukwila, Wash., said it will replace the recalled helmets.
The NHTSA told Vega that four extra-large helmets didn't meet safety standards when tested earlier this year. The company investigated and found that the helmets fell out of compliance partially due to changes in the model's shell design. Vega told regulators that the helmet's design would be reconfigured immediately.
Vega doesn't know how many of the helmets in the recalled population failed to meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard so the company is recalling all of them, according to a letter from an attorney representing the company to an NHTSA official.
__________________
Rick
Nitro Year: 2007 (1 of 113,000 sold)
Nitro Model: R/T 4X4 Stone White
CAT-BACK Exhaust, CAI, Projector Head Lamps
Fully-Equipped w/all factory options
US Extends Federal Tax Credit for Electric Motorcycles through 2013
01/03/2012
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With most of the top-drawer electric motorcycles being more expensive than the traditional machines in the same "class", seeing the US authorities extending the tax credit as incentive for buying electric motorcycles is really a nice move for the end of 2012 and early 2013.
With pretty much all the talks ending up with the same “we need more money” some feared that the crisis will have these government incentives pulled off... well, things are still on the right path, with the tax credit still in place.
This means a tax credit which can cover up to 10% of the vehicle's price, but no more than $2,500 (€1,896). This federal tax credit applies to all plug-in two- and three-wheeled vehicles. So, you can either go for a really cheap electric scooter and end up paying even less for it, or you can revise your plans and finally get an exquisite Brammo bike or something like it.
With the increasing number of charging stations, such incentives may help the EV industry pick up the pace even more.
10 Best Motorcycles for Women
... and shorter riders too! 9 January 2013
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One in 10 motorcyclists is female, but the range of motorcycles out there doesn’t tend to cater for the average female rider that well. We’re talking seat height. Most men don’t worry about how tall a motorcycle’s seat is, but our female readers say it’s often the first thing they want to find out when they see a motorcycle they like.
Our top 10 encompasses new and used models but we haven’t just gone on seat height alone; we’ve tried to add variety by catering for different types of motorcycles, budgets, engine capacities and manufacturers. All the time, we’ve kept an eye on the bike’s weight too. Less weight is obviously more manageable, no matter what your size and stature.
So what is a typical seat height?
Let’s take three common motorcycles to give us an idea of seat height. Honda’s CBF125 has a seat height of 792mm, Suzuki’s SV650S stands at 800mm and Kawasaki’s ZX-6R has a seat height of 830mm. Generally speaking, cruisers have lower seat heights but their seats are often wide and these types of motorcycles can be heavy. Adventure-style motorcycles often have taller suspension to soak up bad surfaces but you don’t have to rule them all out.
How is seat height measured?
A motorcycle’s seat height is measured with the bike standing upright (not on its side stand) from the lowest point of the saddle to the ground. Manufacturers quote their seat heights in the specification panel of each model. We could only find one manufacturer (Buell, now bust) who quote their seat height based on the height of the seat with an ‘average weight’ rider onboard. So watch out for that.
Width matters
The outright height of a motorcycle’s seat is important, but the seat’s width matters too. Some motorcycles with a low seat height have a wide seat which spreads out your legs, making it harder to get your feet flat on the ground.
Is one-foot down enough?
When it comes to finding a motorcycle, you may try a few where you can’t get both feet firmly on the ground but you can get one foot flat. Is that enough? Well that depends on your strength and confidence. Most riders would be fine if they were told they could only put one foot down but confidence is the key. It’s okay to ride a motorcycle where you can only get one foot on the ground and doing so will open up a few more options for you to choose from, but it’s important to feel comfortable with the motorcycle you’re buying. So ask yourself: Is one foot enough?
Motorcycle lowering tips
You don’t always have to fit a lowering kit, which has the adverse effect of altering the bike’s handling characteristics and potentially making your bike worth less on the used market. You can fit a lower seat, which a lot of manufacturers sell as a factory option but companies like Corbin, Wunderlich and Touratech also sell lower aftermarket seats. You could alter the seat yourself, cutting the foam to reduce the seat’s height and width. You could also look at footwear that gives you extra height. Boots like Daytona’s Lady-Star are a good option as they feature a chunky sole. You could also talk to your local cobbler about adding a thicker sole to your existing boots. A lowering kit, while effective, should be seen as a last-ditch option.
Click ‘next’ to see our list of 10 best motorcycles for women.
Christini All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) Motorcycles first became available to consumers in 2007, and in the six years since the Philadelphia-based company has developed seven models including the new-for-2013 Christini AWD 450 Enduro. The Enduro joins the 450, 450DS, 450SM, 250, 300 and Military iterations of the Christini line, all of which share component changes for the 2013 model year.
Out front, the new Christini’s utilize a Marzocchi 48mm fork, offering adjustments for preload, rebound and high/low speed compression. A Fox Podium RC2 Shock was custom designed for the 250 and 300 AWD two-stroke models as well and features Dual Speed Compression, an updated preload adjuster and externally adjustable rebound.
To reduce weight, the front hub, gearboxes, rear sprocket and top and bottom triple clamps were redesigned to remove excess material. The rear sprocket is made of red anodized aluminum and has an outer ring of steel teeth to help improve performance and durability.
The brake rotors for 2013 are wave discs made from high-carbon 420 laser-cut stainless steel. Each ride also comes with a billet aluminum gas cap, CNC machined with the Christini logo and coming with a one-way vent to allow the tank to breathe freely.
The 2013 models also claim a weight savings from its aluminum exhaust with carbon fiber heat shield.
Christini still offers an aftermarket AWD kit for KTM and Honda motorcycles in the 2005-2011 model years. The process of fitting on the kit is a little complicated, but we explained the details in our 2007 Christini AWD Quick Ride.
2013 Christini AWD 450 Enduro Specificiations
Engine: 450cc liquid-cooled single cylinder four-stroke
Transmission: 5 Speed Wide Ratio Transmission
Ignition: Electric and Kick Start
Front Suspension: Marzocchi 48mm Sealed Cartridge forks
Rear Suspension: Adjustable Single Shock with Linkage
Fuel Delivery: Keihin FCR 40mm Carburetor
Exhaust: Aftermarket aluminum exhaust
Front Tire: 80/100-21, Kings Tire
Rear Tire: 110/100-18, Kings Tire
Brakes: Single Disc 240mm (9.4″)
Weight: 265 pounds (120kg)
AWD Engagement Switch
AWD Drive Ratio: 9:16 tooth (0.64:1)
Final Drive Ratio: 13:50 tooth
One of motorcycling’s oldest and most-storied brand names has been revived (again), and is just about ready to hit the road. Indian Motorcycle, now owned by Medina, Minnesota-based Polaris Industries Inc (NYSE: PII), revealed the 2013 Indian Chief Vintage Final Edition at the recent International Motorcycle Show in Long Beach, California. The limited edition bike will be sold through Indian Motorcycle dealerships in North America, with a list price of $37,599 in the US and $39,599 in Canada. Indian has 20 dealerships up and running right now, with eyes toward having a presence in the top 150 motorcycle markets in the US.
KTM Recalls Motorcycles For Leak, Fire Hazards UPDATE Tue, 01/15/2013
Washington, D.C. (Manufacturing.net) — The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, along with Amherst, Ohio-based KTM North America, Inc., has announced a voluntary recall of about 1,300 Enduro motorcycles sold in the United States.
The Austria-made motorcycles, sold nationwide from October 2011 through September 2012 for between $8,500 and $9,600, are subject to a flaw in a pre-formed fuel hose. The CPSC says this hose can develop small holes or cracks, which allow the fuel to leak. This leak can pose a fire or crash hazard to the rider or others.
KTM has received 13 reports of fuel leaks, but no injuries have been reported. The recall includes seven 2013 and one 2012 model off-road and closed-course motorcycle, including the following model numbers:
The model number is printed on the rear fender and both sides of the motorcycle, just below the tail end of the seat. The motorcycles are colored black and orange. The CPSC says consumers should immediately stop using the recalled KTM motorcycles and contact a KTM authorized dealer to schedule a free repair. They can contact KTM toll-free at (888) 985-6090 or online at KTM Ready to Race.
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US Extends Federal Tax Credit
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