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Category: Motorcycles

  1. Best Three-Cylinder Bikes For Living In England

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    There’s no doubt that the two-cylinder bike configuration already packs plenty of punch, but honestly they’re a bit utilitarian. Of course, the other side of that coin is the four-cylinder engine, which scream with the vigour of a dedicated opera singer, but they are also generally impractical and not at all efficient. 

    And so that brings us to the happy medium that are three-cylinder bike benefits. These are the top bikes for living in England and bringing character and flair without killing practicality.

    10. Yamaha MT-09

    We would be remiss not to mention the bike that all of Yamaha’s three-cylinder bikes are based off of. Its reliable engine introduced a beautiful refinement without an ugly price tag to follow at just over $10,000. Of course, as the influence of greater evolutions, the MT-09 rests at the number ten spot, but it is well-earned nonetheless.

    • Power - 117 HP

    • Torque - 69 lb-ft

    9. Yamaha XSR900

    In 2016, Yamaha introduced the XSR900 to the market in the hopes of reinvigorating the delicate balance between classic design and contemporary technology. Six years later, it made a few core updates, including an improved suspension and the addition of the 890cc engine, and the versatile bike is now one of the best on the market.

    • Power - 118 HP

    • Torque - 68.6 lb-ft

    8. Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+

    You might be noticing a trend in this list by now, and that’s no accident. Yamaha’s third entry on the list shows how well it has the three-cylinder down to a science. Another versatile bike, the Tracer 9 GT+ uses a semi-active suspension, benefiting from a comfortable chassis to ensure its riders could ride around to all the Biker-friendly pubs in England without a speck of discomfort. No stopping for a drink, though!

    • Power - 115 HP

    • Torque - 69 lb-ft

    7. Triumph Speed Triple  Speed Triple RS, Youles Triumph

    No stranger to “best of” lists, Triumph’s Speed Triple has always been thought of as one of the best three-cylinder bikes for living in England. Whether you’re taking a short jaunt to a cafe or want to travel across the UK with it, the Speed Triple will turn heads wherever you go. Plus, there are quite a few options to pick from, including the huge 1200 RS.

    • Power - 177 HP

    • Torque - 92 lb-ft

    6. MV Agusta Brutale 800

    Some of the nicest looking bikes on the market come from MV Agusta, and the Superveloce, also featured on this list, is living proof of that. Of course, so too is the Brutale 800, which definitely lives up to its name. In fact, the staggering bike is precisely the sort that might make an eager bettor find no verification betting sites on BettingNonGamStop.com and bring his confidence to the track. And, as an added bonus, the Brutale 800 is utterly jam-packed with the best electronics.

    • Power - 140 HP

    • Torque - 64 lb-ft

    5. Triumph Rocket 3

    It’s true - like Yamaha, Triumph also dominates the three-cylinder market with a great foundational design under its belt. In fact, there are four bikes from Triumph on this list, but this is definitely one that stands out. Its power is chart-topping, and it’s incredibly heavy, but both of those work in conjunction to remain perfectly nimble, even around corners. 

    • Power - 165 HP

    • Torque - 163 lb-ft

    4. MV Agusta Superveloce 800

    Few things compare to the feelings stirred up by a beautiful Italian motorcycle, and there is perhaps no better example of this than MV Agusta’s Superveloce 800. The design simply takes your breath away, and the ride proves that it’s more than just a pretty face. The manufacturer even recently launched an Ago edition to honour world champion Giacomo Agostini, who clinched fourteen titles with MV Agusta’s help.

    • Power - 147 HP

    • Torque - 65 lb-ft

    3. MV Agusta LXP Orioli

    It takes a particular rider to consider dropping nearly $30,000 for an adventure bike that wasn’t made by Triumph or BMW, but it seems clear that MV Agusta has its sights on this niche market, aiming to scoop up those who want something a little different from the usual GS and Tiger options. Here, you get crash bars, a sturdy Sachs suspension, and LED auxiliary lights to help navigate the cloudy climate better.

    • Power - 124 HP

    • Torque - 75.23 lb-ft

    2. Triumph Daytona 660

    An all-new offering from Triumph, the Daytona 660 does not feel imposing, which benefits new riders hoping to gain more confidence on the throttle. Of course, it’s not just for beginners by any stretch of the imagination. The redline increases to 12,650 RPM from its original Trident iteration, but packages it all up in a chic, reasonably priced chassis.

    • Power - 93.7 HP

    • Torque - 51 lb-ft

    1. Triumph Daytona Moto2 765

    Speaking of Daytona, we end the list with the Moto2 765, Triumph’s last word on high-performance triples. It takes what it learned from the Daytona 675, like its sharp handling and on- and off-track capabilities, and kicks it all up to eleven. The result? Precision agility unmatched in Daytona’s history - and the perfect bike to take around England and all of Europe.

    • Power - 128 HP

    • Torque - 59 lb-ft

     

     

     

     

     

     

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  2. Updated colours for Indian FTR heading to international dealers

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    Indian Motorcycle has expanded the choice across the FTR lineup with the addition of four new colourways for 2024. Following the limited-edition FTR x 100% R Carbon and FTR x RSD Super Hooligan, these additional colourways are heading to international dealers now.  Updated colours for Indian FTR heading to international dealers

    Delivering a truly superior riding experience and powered by the renowned 92 kW, liquid-cooled V-twin engine with 120 NM of torque, the Indian FTR welcomes a bright Indy Red with bold FTR logo and white accent over a black frame and wheels.

    The unmistakable, muscular style of the FTR Sport gains two additional colourways. Firstly, the new Granite Gray Blue offsets its stealthy bodywork and Granite Gray frame with contrasting blue FTR logo, wheels and shock spring. The second new FTR Sport colour of Storm Gray Black immediately catches the eye with its bold red wheels and frame complemented with the Storm Gray bodywork and contrasting Logo and accents.

    Rounding out the new offerings, the FTR R Carbon gains a new carbon fibre body set with the strong FTR logo coming to this model for the first time. Red accents, frame and wheels draw the eye while the gold finish Öhlins suspension and yellow shock spring highlight the premium componentry of the R Carbon.

    For all FTR models, precise handling is ensured through a combination of fully-adjustable suspension and 17-inch cast wheels wrapped in Metzeler Sportec tyres while radially mounted dual Brembo brakes provide powerful stopping power.

    The Sport, R Carbon and limited-edition models also feature traction control and cruise control. Additionally, these models benefit from a 101 mm touchscreen display powered by RIDE COMMAND with turn-by-turn navigation*, Bluetooth connectivity and three selectable ride modes, Rain, Standard and Sport. RIDE COMMAND also allows riders to take control like never before by enjoying seamless integration with their smartphones, tracking ride routes, keeping up to date with automated alerts of the motorcycle’s maintenance and health.

    For more information on Indian Motorcycle visit IndianMotorcycle.eu and follow along on Facebook and Instagram.

  3. FSD 59: A Revolutionary Motorbike Concept by Frank Stephenson Design Revealed

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    • Frank Stephenson Design has showcased its latest design concept project, FSD 59 at Geneva International Motor Show
    • The motorbike concept, FSD 59, is sculpted by airflow and has capability for real world application
    • The project further amplifies Frank Stephenson Design’s prowess in different new technology and mobility design, such as space tourism, eVTOL, supercomputers, supercars, and baby seats
    • For more details and information about Frank Stephenson Design, visit: https://www.frankstephenson.com/
    • For images, visit https://bit.ly/FSD59_Images

    Geneva, Switzerland. 27 February 2024 – Leading global design house Frank Stephenson Design has revealed its latest design concept, FSD 59, a futuristic motorbike that combines advanced technology, radical design elements, and unparalleled functionality.

    FSD 59 is a project motorbike that showcases the vision and creativity of Frank Stephenson Design, which has previously worked on projects such as space capsules, eVTOLs, supercomputers, supercars, watches, baby seats and more. The concept is on display at the Geneva International Motor Show this week, where it is expected to attract attention and admiration from the public and the industry.

    The design of FSD 59 is the result of a rigorous and creative process that involved experimenting with different architectures and technologies within the domain of electric and hydrogen propulsion bikes.

    The design team aimed to create a bike that could adapt to different riding styles and preferences, such as sportbikes, supersport cruisers, and high-end commuters. To achieve this, they incorporated elements of customisation and adaptability, such as adjustable handlebars, footpegs, and seats. The bike is light and agile, without being too aggressive or compromising on comfort and safety.

    FSD 59 is not just a concept, but a realistic prototype that has applications for the real world. It has the capability to feature an electric motor that delivers impressive performance and efficiency, as well as a pure aerodynamic design that minimises drag and maximises speed. The bike also boasts a modular battery monocoque platform, a dynamic windscreen angle adjustment, an AR-enabled HUD, and a monoblock fairing, among other innovative features.

    The bike has been designed to cater to the diverse needs and desires of the riders, whether they want to cruise along the valley roads or enjoy a weekend at the track.

    Frank Stephenson, Founder and Creative Director of Frank Stephenson Design said, "Our team has been working hard behind the scenes to present this to the world and we are very excited to share it. We look forward to announcing more news on this in the future."

    Frank Stephenson Design is a global leader in design, with a reputation for creating products that are not only beautiful, but also functional, innovative, and sustainable. With FSD 59, the design house has once again demonstrated its ability to push the boundaries of design and create a product that is truly exceptional and visionary.

     

     

     

     

     

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  4. Indian Motorcycle and Roland Sands Design collaborate on Hooligan-inspired, limited-edition FTR

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    From the Track to the Street, New FTR x RSD Super Hooligan Inspires Riders to Unleash their Inner Hooligan
    Designed with Race Graphics and Premium Performance Componentry

    Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, today announced a collaboration with Roland Sands Design (RSD)® on a limited-edition FTR. Expertly designed by Indian Motorcycle and Roland Sands®, the all-new FTR celebrates the RSD® hooligan lifestyle – a “run-what-ya-brung,” bar-banging spirit of unbridled, fearless freedom found in this style of motorcycle racing.

    From the track to the street, the FTR x RSD Super Hooligan inspires riders to unleash their inner hooligan. The all-new limited-edition FTR features Black Metallic bodywork with authentic Super Hooligan race graphics, a classic Indian Motorcycle Red frame with matching wheels featuring gold accent, and Indian Motorcycle Racing’s No. 1 championship logo on the front and side number plates. For an extra layer of authenticity, the FTR x RSD Super Hooligan features race team sponsors’ logos on its rear seat cowl. Additional graphics for the radiator shroud, front fender, and front forks will be supplied to owners for optional application. These premium components were thoughtfully curated to deliver an authentic, race-like experience to the rider.

    “The term ‘hooligan’ has taken on an entirely new meaning in the world of motorcycles, characterised by a rebellious, fearless attitude that places having fun on a motorcycle above all else, and that’s what this new FTR is all about,” said Aaron Jax, vice president, Indian Motorcycle. “Roland Sands has blazed this trail and built the RSD brand around the hooligan lifestyle. From spinning laps on dirt ovals on mid-size cruisers, to today’s competitive racing within the MotoAmerica series, the ethos of hooligan riding has not changed.”

    “Super Hooligan has always been about more than just racing. It’s about pushing boundaries and having a blast riding motorcycles with your friends,” said Roland Sands, Founder of RSD. “Far from the full fairing machines you normally see on the racetrack, a Super Hooligan bike has effortless attitude and a custom aesthetic with an exposed powertrain. When Indian Motorcycle approached us to codesign an Indian FTR for consumers, it was a natural fit, and something we were very excited to be a part of.”

    Built upon the FTR R Carbon model, the FTR x RSD Super Hooligan offers performance branded parts and premium ride-enhancing technology. Fully adjustable Öhlins® inverted front forks and rear piggyback shock delivers exceptional ride and handling, while dual-disc Brembo® brakes provide ultimate stopping power. The bike’s 101 mm round touchscreen display powered by RIDE COMMAND offers vital bike and ride information, selectable ride modes for a customisable ride experience, along with Bluetooth and USB connectivity. The capabilities of RIDE COMMAND allow riders to take control like never before by enjoying seamless integration with their smartphones, tracking ride routes, keeping up to date with automated alerts of the motorcycle’s maintenance and health. In addition, an Akrapovič® muffler and heat shield add style and improve sound, while Gilles Tooling parts, including adjustable rear-sets, oil cap, radiator cap, and bar-end weights, add to the bike’s premium finish – delivering authentic RSD Hooligan race style for the rider.

    Interested riders should contact their authorised Indian Motorcycle dealer as soon as possible to reserve their individually numbered FTR x RSD Super Hooligan bike. Just 150 from the total of 300 will be available outside of North America and international shipping starts immediately.

    Brembo® is a registered trademark of Freni Brembo S.p.A. Corp of Italy; Akrapovič® is a registered trademark of Igor Akrapovič; Öhlins® is a registered trademark of Öhlins Racing AB CORPORATION SWEDEN; RSD®, Roland Sands Design and RSD Super Hooligan are registered trademarks of Roland W. Sands; Unless noted, trademarks are the property of Indian Motorcycle International, LLC.

     

     

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  5. Royal Automobile Club presents Torrens Trophy to Triumph Motorcycles for its sterling work in the Moto2 World Championship

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    Triumph Motorcycles is the latest winner of the prestigious Torrens Trophy. The award was presented to Triumph staff during a glittering event last night at London’s Royal Automobile Club.
     
    The Torrens Trophy has been awarded to Britain’s highest achievers in motorcycling and motorcycle racing – riders, engineers, manufacturers, and important personalities within these worlds – since the 1970s.
     
    Former racer Barrie Baxter, Chairman of the Torrens Trophy Nominations Committee said: “It gives us enormous pleasure to award the 2023 Torrens Trophy to Triumph for its amazing work in the Moto2TM World Championship, motorcycling’s number two grand prix series. The company has provided engines for the entire Moto2 grid for the past five seasons, proving to the world that its engineering and technology can thrive in arguably the toughest bike racing series of them all”.
     
    Moto2 is the final stepping stone towards MotoGP – the Formula 1 of motorcycling – so the 32-rider grid is packed with hungry young talents who will let nothing stand in their way as they fight their way to the top of one of the world’s most challenging sports.

    It doesn’t really need to be said that these riders demand everything and more from their engines, which must therefore be capable of surviving serious abuse. During Triumph Racing's five years in Moto2 its three-cylinder 765 engines have covered more than one million kms, achieving 95 race and outright lap records, enabling 21 different riders to win a Moto2™ race.
     
    Surely no other motorcycle engine has had such a tough time over the last half-decade! And yet the Triumph 765 has shone throughout, providing superb performance – nudging 190mph at MotoGP’s fastest tracks.
     
    Triumph Racing has thus done a great service to the MotoGP paddock and to the Triumph name, proving that a renowned brand has risen again to prove itself at the very forefront of high-performance motorcycling.
     
    Nick Bloor, Triumph Motorcycles CEO added: “This award is a real honour, and a tribute to the hard work and passion of our Triumph Racing team. Our world-class engineers are always looking at new ways to enhance the engine performance, from speed, power and torque, to revs, cylinder pressure and compression ratio. This has enabled us to deliver improvements on track each season, from shorter race times to faster top speeds, which has contributed to closer, even more exciting, racing.  

    “Moto2 is also an excellent platform to showcase the durability, reliability and class-leading performance of our 765 triple engines on the road. Over the last five years we’ve used the race engine programme to drive enhancements and gain insights that we’ve used to further develop and evolve our new Street Triple 765 range, which has successfully driven demand and sales across the world. It’s a partnership that we are excited to be continuing until 2029.”
     
    First established in 1902, Triumph Motorcycles has been based in Hinckley, Leicestershire for more than three decades, and has produced iconic bikes that perfectly blend authentic design, character, charisma, and performance. With 86,653 motorcycles delivered in calendar year 2023, Triumph is the largest British motorcycle manufacturer.
     
    It’s been a remarkable story of courage and commitment, combined with superb engineering and brilliant knowledge of the marketplace.
     
    The reborn company enjoyed its first significant racetrack success when Jim Moodie won the 2003 Isle of Man Junior TT aboard a race-prepped Triumph Daytona road bike. It was the brand’s first TT victory since a Triumph Trident road bike won the 1975 production TT.

    Since then, the company’s machines have won other important international successes, including the USA’s hugely prestigious Daytona 200-mile race.
     
    Triumph’s five Moto2 champions since 2019 are Alex Marquez, Enea Bastianini, Remy Gardner, Augusto Fernandez and Pedro Acosta. Four of these riders will be in MotoGP this year and almost half the current MotoGP grid has scored grands prix victories on Triumph-powered Moto2 bikes – another massive testament to the power of Triumph.
     
    This year Triumph Racing will also enter the motocross world championships for the first time, while also attacking the hugely popular American Supercross and Pro Motocross championships.

    Previous Torrens Trophy winners

    • 2022 Mike Trimby, for his tireless work to improve circuit safety and represent the riders, teams and commercial side of MotoGP.
    • 2021 The Crescent Yamaha team for winning the riders’, teams’ and manufacturers’ titles in the FIM World Superbike Championship.
    • 2020 Emma Bristow for claiming her seventh consecutive FIM Women’s Trial World Championship.
    • 2019 Peter Hickman for his three Isle of Man TT victories and for setting the world’s fastest road race lap record of 136.415mph at the Ulster GP.
    • 2018 Tai Woffinden for being the most successful British speedway rider in history.
    • 2017 Jonathan Rea MBE for being the first rider to win three consecutive World Superbike Championships.
    • 2016 MotoGP racer Cal Crutchlow for being first British rider to win a premier class World Championship Motorcycle Grand Prix in 35 years.
    • 2015 Eleven-time TT winner Ian Hutchinson for his outstanding determination, courage and overcoming adversity to win multiple TTs.
    • 2014 Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne for becoming the first man in history to be crowned British Superbike Championship on four occasions (2003, 2008, 2012 and 2014).
    • 2013 Tom Sykes for being crowned the 15th World Superbike Champion, the fourth from Great Britain and only the second rider to win for Kawasaki in the series for 20 years.
    • 2008 World Superbike Champion James Toseland was awarded the Trophy for his immense contribution to raising the profile of motorcycle racing in this country.
    • 1998 Ian Kerr of the Metropolitan Police for 20 years of tireless work in promoting safe and responsible motorcycling.
    • 1989 BMW in recognition for its contribution to motorcycle safety through the development of its anti-lock braking system.
    • 1981 Dave Taylor MBE for his vast contribution to motorcycle road safety.
    • 1980 Transport and Road Laboratory.
    • 1979 Lieutenant-Colonel Fredrick Lovegrove OBE.

    The Torrens Trophy
    The Royal Automobile Club has always had a close association with the motorcycling world.  The Club formed the Auto Cycle Club in 1903, which went on to become the Auto Cycle Union in 1947.  The first motorcycle race was held on the Isle of Man in 1905 for cars – two years before the first Tourist Trophy for motorcycles. 
     
    The Torrens Trophy recognises an individual or organisation considered to have made an outstanding contribution to the cause of safe and skillful motorcycling in the United Kingdom, or to have made an outstanding contribution of technical excellence to further the cause of motorcycling in the UK, or to have shown outstanding skill in international motorcycling sporting events in the United Kingdom.
     
    The Torrens Trophy was first awarded in 1978 in memory of Arthur Bourne, a motorcycling journalist who wrote a column under the name ‘Torrens’. Arthur Bourne was also a Vice-Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club. It is awarded only when the Club feels that the achievement justifies it.

    The Club’s Torrens Trophy Nominations Committee consists of Chairman and ex-bike racer Barrie Baxter, Royal Automobile Club Chairman Ben Cussons, double World Champion and past Torrens winner James Toseland, well-respected motorcycle journalist and TT winner Mat Oxley, commentator and former racer Steve Parrish, Club member Robert Bourne (son of motorcycle journalist Arthur Bourne, in whose memory the Trophy is awarded) and Queen of Bikers Maria Costello MBE, who has held the Guinness World Record for being the fastest woman to lap the Isle of Man TT course.
     
    About the Royal Automobile Club
    The Royal Automobile Club was founded in 1897 and its distinguished history mirrors that of motoring itself. In 1907, the Club was awarded its Royal title by King Edward VII, sealing the Club’s status as Britain’s oldest and most influential motoring organisation.
     
    The Club’s early years were focused on promoting the motor car and its place in society, which developed into motoring events such as the 1000 Mile Trial, first held in 1900. In 1905, the Club held the first Tourist Trophy, which remains the oldest continuously competed for motor sports event. The Club promoted the first pre-war and post-war Grands Prix at Brooklands in 1926 and Silverstone in 1948 respectively, whilst continuing to campaign for the rights of the motorist, including introducing the first driving licences.

    Today, the Club continues to develop and support automobilism through representation on the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and the RAC Foundation while promoting its own motoring events including the Club’s London Motor Week and the RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.
     
    The Club also awards a series of internationally recognised trophies and medals celebrating motoring achievements. These include the Segrave Trophy, the Torrens Trophy, the Simms Medal, the Dewar Trophy and the oldest trophy in motorsport, the Tourist Trophy.

     

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