Category: Motorcycles

1. Honda C90 and Triumph Bonneville top the charts for classic motorcycle enthusiasts, new emissions report from loop reveals

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 18th Jan 2023

   • Honda C90 and Triumph Bonneville are most popular classic motorcycles with British bikers
   • New report offers insights into the make-up of the UK’s classic bike scene, and quantifies the sector’s overall carbon footprint
   • Average annual emissions comparable to a single roundtrip flight from London to Portugal or just one latte a day, while the entire classic motorcycle fleet accounts for just 0.05% of the UK’s transport emissions
   • The report is available to download here: https://loopagency.co.uk/quantifying-classic-motorcycles-emissions/

   The humble Honda C90 and trusty Triumph Bonneville are the most popular classic bikes with British enthusiasts according to a new report that details the carbon footprint of the UK’s historic motorcycles.

   Following on from its earlier report that quantified the carbon footprint of the UK’s classic car parc, awarding-winning automotive PR and communications agency loop has turned its attention to classic motorcycles.

   Its latest report analyses historical data stretching back more than 100 years to conclude that riding a classic motorcycle for a year has roughly the same impact as a single roundtrip flight from London to Portugal1, or little more than drinking a latte a day for a year2. In total, the entire classic motorcycle fleet accounts for just 0.05% of the UK’s overall transport emissions3.

   While famous brands such as Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki dominate the sector, early pioneering marques such as Velocette, Matchless and AJS aren’t far behind, suggesting bikers are proud of their motorcycling heritage and are keen to see it preserved.

   Honda is the most popular make overall, with almost 36,000 classic bikes registered for use on our roads. In second place, however, lies BSA, makers of the iconic Gold Star and Bantam, with nearly 29,000 bikes puttering about the countryside.

   The report also reveals the popularity of the ‘young timers’ – relatively modern classic bikes parked up in storage, waiting to be awarded historic status by the DVLA. There, behind the omnipresent C90, lies the legendary Honda VFR750F, with more than 2,500 currently on SORN.

   Drawing on years of data from official sources such as the DVLA and Department for Transport, the report offers fascinating insights into the make-up of the country’s classic motorcycle sector, how fuel efficiency and bike use have changed over time, and the part global events have played in shaping the industry.

   Alex Kefford, loop’s Technical Writer and author of the report, said: “By trawling through millions of datapoints and delving into decades of archive data, we’ve been able to paint a fuller picture of the UK’s classic motorcycle scene.”

   “As a result, we’ve seen the effect popular culture has had on the rise and fall of the powered two-wheeler, as well as the impact of the occasional oil crisis. But what’s surprising is how intent bikers are on keeping their motorcycling heritage alive and on the road. In fact, the average age of a UK motorcycle is now more than 15 years – the oldest figure on record.”

   Based at Bicester Heritage, the heart of the UK’s classic automotive scene, loop delivers a full service for clients stretching throughout the automotive, engineering and technology sectors. With a unique understanding of the classic market and unparalleled connections within the automotive industry, loop produces award-winning work for clients across Europe and internationally, from compelling story-telling to complex whitepapers, launch events to press office support.

   The report is available to download here: https://loopagency.co.uk/quantifying-classic-motorcycles-emissions/.

2. Suzuki GSX-S1000GT top-selling sports tourer in 2022

   Posted on 12:00pm Friday 13th Jan 2023

   While everyone’s attention turns to a new year, Suzuki is reflecting on a successful 2022 that saw the GSX-S1000GT end the year as the top-selling sports tourer, despite only going on sale in April.

   Final figures for the year saw 781 bikes registered, with the forecast for more than 1,000 units to be sold before the end of March 2023, which would mark 12 months on sale.

   Suzuki GB head of motorcycles, Jonathan Martin, said, “Of course, we’re delighted with the popularity and success of the GSX-S1000GT. It was launched to high praise in the autumn of 2021, and we were seeing a huge number of reservations and orders before the bike had even arrived in dealerships. Despite that, and though it presented challenges, we managed to keep up with demand and we’re on course to top 1,000 sales by the end of its first year on sale, which is a fantastic achievement and something we’re all pleased with and proud of.”

   The GSX-S1000GT seamlessly blends sports and touring capabilities, with a flexible, torque-laden inline-four cylinder engine producing 152PS peak power and 106Nm of peak torque, making it equally adept at motorway cruising as it is rev chasing on sportier runs.

   That sportier performance is also enhanced by a bi-directional quickshifter and slipper clutch, while five traction control settings can be used to dial in the desired level of interference, depending on the road and riding conditions. The same is also true for three selectable power modes, while cruise control makes long distance touring a doddle.

   All of that information, plus smartphone connectivity for calls, messages, and navigation, is displayed via a 6.5”, full-colour TFT screen, with day and night modes.

   There’s a twin-spar aluminium frame, superbike-derived swingarm, and fully-adjustable forks from KYB and a rebound and preload adjustable shock, while angular and aggressive bodywork creates a fresh look for faired Suzuki machinery as well as having the benefits of extensive wind tunnel testing.

   Available in dealerships now, the best-selling sports tourer can be had for £12,499, while £13,599 gets you the GSX-S1000GT+, which comes complete with two 36-litre panniers as standard.

   Or, on a four-year PCP deal, the GSX-S1000GT can be ridden away for £149 per month, with a £2,641.55 deposit.

   Find out more about the GSX-S1000GT here.

3. Top 10 Most Expensive Motorbikes

   Posted on 12:00pm Thursday 29th Dec 2022

   Motorbikes are more than a hobby - they can be a lifetime project, a labour of love. Some motorbikes are perfect for just getting from point 'A' to point 'B' fast, others are all about style. Today we’re going to take a look at some of the most expensive motorbikes on the planet.

   Whilst some people get their kicks from taking the tightest turns imaginable in a Kawasaki, other people enjoy online casinos. If you’re one of these people, you can check out the best slot machine games for android for all of your mobile casino gaming fun.

   Onto the list:

   10. £184,000 - Ducati Testa Stretta NCR Macchia Nera   

   The Ducati Testa Stretta NCR Macchia Nera is a fierce-looking beast and definitely a bike that will turn a few heads. The top range model comes with a cool 180 grand price tag, a pretty penny indeed, and is designed by the one and only Aldo Drudi.

   Lightweight (the beast is surprisingly only 135kg), nippy and limited edition, this Testa Stretta isn't the fastest bike in the world but when it comes to looks, it’s absolutely sublime. One for the collectors.

   9. £192,000 - Ducati Desmosedici D16RR NCR M16

   A titanium monster, the Ducati Desmosedici D16RR NCR M16 is purely designed around speed, with every inch being meticulously designed to help the model achieve some serious horsepower.

   Whilst the standard model will set you back around £60,000, the upgrades are what bump the price up here. You can get this machine up to 200 hp with a Ducati 989 cc v$ desmodromic engine - totally road legal and weighing in at about 144kg.

   8. £245,000 - Ecosse Founder’s Edition Ti XX

   If you have some money to splurge and want a classy-looking steel horse, then the Ecosse Founder’s Edition Ti XX could be the one for you.

   A titanium and carbon fibre chassis helps keep the weight down and the rear exhausts are also made from titanium. The engine transmits a mighty 228PS of raw power to the rear wheel making for some quick getaways. To top it all off, you've got an absolutely magnificent seat which is made from hand-crafted leather.

   7. £327,000 - Legendary British Vintage Black

   For a more classic style of bike, you should take a look at the Legendary British Vintage Black. Released all the way back in 1948, the modern version combines the vintage aesthetic with modern-day upgrades.

   The run of bikes was limited to only 33 models, making it highly collectable and the reason why the bike is priced so high. The 250cc of performance under the hood made it the fastest legal road bike in the world at one point in history. You can find this bike in many classic films, a truly iconic motorbike.

   6. £450,000 - Dodge Tomahawk V10 Superbike

   Looking like something that wouldn’t be amiss in a Mad max film, the Dodge Tomahawk V10 Superbike is a real show-stopper when it comes to its design.

   The futuristic-looking bike is one of the most expensive on the planet, although it’s just a concept bike and not actually road legal (yet!). Weighing a whopping 680 kg and reaching 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds, in theory, the bike could reach top speeds of 400 mph - certainly not one you would take out touring.

   5. £1.2 million - Harley-Davidson Cosmic Starship

   Yep - we’ve broken the £1 million mark! Starting off our top 5, the Harley-Davidson Cosmic Starship is a one-of-a-kind bike. It was painted by renowned artist Jack Armstrong, whose other works have sold for as much as £3 million.

   Whilst the performance of the bike isn’t anything to shout about, its aesthetic appeal is undeniable.

   4. £2.4 million - The Yamaha BMS Chopper  

   Yamaha has done more than create a bike with the BMS chopper - they’ve created a piece of art.

   Not designed for the road - you can tell immediately from looking at the bike - this is purely a collector's piece that’s meant to be enjoyed and appreciated as a piece of art. It almost looks like a vehicle out of a Marvel film

   Yes, there’s a scary 1,700cc engine on this, but the fact that it's coated in 24-carat gold and the upholstered seat is pure red velvet, you won’t want to take it on the road!

   3. £2.95 million - Ecosse ES1 Spirit

   Another limited edition titanium motorcycle, some bike lovers have described its appearance as a little bit goofy. But what it lacks in appearance it more than makes up for in performance.

   This mean machine is capable of almost 230 mph! This is why before you can even think about buying the Spirit, you have to take a special two-week class at Ecosse headquarters to see if you're worthy enough of riding.

   2. £5.7 million - 1949 E90 AJS Porcupine

   Whilst it doesn't look like anything special, you have to have some serious cash to get your hands on one of these porcupines.

   With 4 only ever being produced, one of them was used by Les Graham to win the 1949 World Championship, which only adds to the price tag.

   1.£9 million - Neiman Marcus Limited Edition Fighter

   Coming in as the world's most expensive bike is the limited edition fighter by Neiman Marcus. Limited to only one model, Neiman Marcus is a chain of high-end, extremely luxurious retail stores in America that decided to throw their hat into the motorbike game.

   When the bike was unveiled at auction, the start price was only £90,000 - but the bike eventually worked its way up to a staggering £9 million!

    

    

    

    

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4. Zapp i300 Carbon wins ‘Excellent Product Design’ Award at the 2023 German Design Awards

   Posted on 12:00pm Saturday 17th Dec 2022

   The Zapp i300 performance electric city bike has been awarded the Excellent Product Design award in the motorcycle category in the 2023 German Design Awards, with the independent jury of design experts commending the i300’s ‘outstanding design quality’.

5. Pricing for all-new V-Strom 800DE announced

   Posted on 12:00pm Friday 16th Dec 2022

   Pricing for the most off-road ready V-Strom yet, the all-new V-Strom 800DE, has been announced at £10,499. 

   Powered by Suzuki’s new 776cc, long-stroke, DOHC, parallel twin with a 270° crank, the V-Strom 800DE is born to explore and is equipped with a host of electronic rider aids and chassis features designed to help it tackle the rough stuff, as well as ensure it remains capable and usable on the road, too. 

   Suzuki’s new powerplant delivers 84.3PS peak power at 8500rpm and 78Nm of peak torque at 6800rpm in the new V-Strom, though riders can choose their preferred power delivery thanks to three selectable engine maps, controlled by a rocker switch on the left handlebar and displayed on a 5-inch colour TFT screen.

   Also displayed on the dash in the selected traction control mode, with three on-road modes available to choose from and a G mode, for use off-road, that allows more wheelspin, which is suppressed only enough to help prevent excessive slip, so power continues to be delivered to the rear wheel with minimum interruption. It can also be disengaged completely. 

   There are also two ABS settings, providing greater or lesser intervention, plus there is the ability to disengage the rear ABS for improved confidence and control off-road, and a bi-directional quickshifter for seamless gear changes.

   A new steel frame with bolt-on subframe and aluminium swingarm is suspended by fully-adjustable Showa components providing 220mm of travel and ground clearance. That ground clearance also comes courtesy of 21 and 17-inch wire-spoked wheels, front and back, running tubed Dunlop Trailmax Mixtour tyres. Wide aluminium ‘bars and tough steel footpegs are designed to provide greater control when stood up off-road. 

   All this is wrapped in unmistakable a new, sharper, taughter incarnation of V-Strom stylinge, complete with a DR-Z-esque beak, and comes in the classic yellow that pays homage to Suzuki’s off-road racing heritage. The V-Strom 800DE is also available in a striking matt grey, with yellow accents, and subtle black, with blue.

   It will be in dealerships in the spring.