Overview of Honda Unicorn motorcycle

 In fact, this is a Honda CBF150M adapted for India, immediately assembled, sold under the Unicorn name. Development and main details, as I understand it, are Honda's. Some of the components are third-party Indian - front brake disc, wheel bearings. The mileage of the CPG before the first repair, as I was told at the service center, should be about 75,000 km. This is very good, many Indian motorcycles have 10,000 km, which is just ridiculous.

My impressions after 1000 km of run:

Technical. During this time, I only tightened and lubricated the chain. No more problems.

Power and speed. The dynamics are enough to overtake the rest of the motorcyclists - a more powerful engine + the locals do not have the habit of unscrewing the throttle. On the track, I go faster than everyone else, with the exception of the Enfield. 80 km / h is a comfortable cruising on a good road (but this does not happen often, as a rule, it is impossible to drive more than 60 km / h due to the crazy local traffic).

The maximum clocked up to 95, if you bend over and wait, it will pick up a hundred.

The box is clear, neutral is even very clear. The fourth and fifth gears may not stick in place. In order to drop the gear from fifth to neutral while standing still with the engine running, it may be necessary to release the clutch slightly if the next gear is not stuck down.

Suspension. Tough. Compared to a thoroughbred Japanese, it works, but there is no talk of comfort. Good compared to local varieties. But 500 meters about a road paved with a large stone convinced me that this is not a suspension. Alas. Although again, with what to compare. Brakes. Front disc. The effort on the handle is noticeable, it will not work to brake with one or two fingers. But it works fine. Rear drum. After fine adjustment, it became possible to brake. But generally weak and not at all informative.

Comfort. The landing is very comfortable for me. The seat is uncomfortable, my ass after 60 km howled and begged at least for the Ural "loaf". Vibration on the footpegs on the track is palpable (6000 rpm at maximum power at 8000 and red zone at 9000), but tolerable. Quiet thanks to the huge muffler. The light is so-so, but it gets a little better if you turn on the near and far at the same time - the generator is enough for this.

There is little traction at the bottom, which complicates ramps, steep sections and off-road driving. Large gap between first and second gear. Yes, I didn't think about that when I bought it. A small gap between the front wheel and its wing - pebbles and branches regularly knock on the wing. I don’t know what will happen to the big beautiful when it falls to the right side. Plastic mount cracked over the next thousand km

Read More

Cast metal - motorcycle in the movie

Life motorcycle manufacturers are not very easy. Judge for yourself: not only to develop a technically perfect bike, which has high consumer qualities, we must also be able to convince customers that it really is what you need. Therefore, since the advent of the first production motorcycle manufacturers and dealers began to think about how to present products in a favorable light. The oldest and time-tested method - the factory teams participate in competitions on the machines, though the name similar to the serial counterparts. The principle of ''win Sunday, sell on Monday'' works almost flawlessly, but my problem - not all motorcycle enthusiasts blood boils at the word ''race''. It turns out that there are those who prefer a leisurely defile insane speed. How can that be with them? Rescue ray lit thanks to the guru of the world cinema, which for them to create the desired image, seated behind the wheel of the main characters of the motorcycle. Now tell me: if you were a fan of outdoor trips and sedate family man, do not you want to ride a bike, like the Terminator or Marlon Brando? That's right! Motorcycle manufacturers quickly realized this, and try on occasion to offer their bikes for the filming of the next blockbuster, and pay for a lot of money.

It all began, as usual, long before the time of unscrupulous use of films for promotional purposes, but rather in the 30s of last century. Then on cinema screens out the picture ''No limit'' with George Formby in the title role, and ''Motorcycle team.'' It was a story about a police motorcycle squad, united with a gang of criminals. The film was probably the first where the main characters are inseparable with their iron horses. The most well-known ''motorcycle'' movie of all time - ''Savage'', filmed by Stanley Kramer in 1953. It inimitable Marlon Brando plays the ringleader of a gang and travels to the utmost Triumph Thunderbird. The film is so beautifully described the riots committed by minors by motorcyclists in the town of Hollister (California) in 1947 that within 15 years, was banned in the UK. Young people around the world imitated Brando, a guy in a leather jacket on the bike and Triumph was considered a really steep. It is so steep that the sale of Triumph in America rose by 20%.

In general, the Triumph brand can be considered as the most popular with filmmakers, given the frequency of motorcycle company in the high-profile films. Thus, except Brando in the film ezdivshego ''savage'' on his own Triumph Thunderbird 1950, these tales have preferred Steve McQueen in the film ''The Great Escape,'' by Matthew McConaughey, who had been on the Triumph Bonneville 2003 in the film ''How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days. ''In the'' Mission: Impossible 2'' Motorcycle Triumph - all the actors of the first plan of vehicles, as one of the most exciting scenes in particular: the pursuit of Eton Hunt (Tom Cruise), a villain, it was filmed on the bikes Triumph: Speed Triple (with Cruise ) and Daytona 955i (a ''bad guy''). Daytona 955i ''lit up'' as in'' Torque'' - this bike rolled black biker gang leader Ice Cube

Balm for the soul of fans spilled appearance Ducati 998 models in the blockbuster ''Matrix Reloaded''. Trinity smartly went on a bike in heavy traffic, so even with a passenger behind. Enterprising Italians were not content with only one appearance of the bike on the screen and quickly threw the ''market'' limited edition Ducati 998 Matrix and Ducati Monster Matrix. Fraction of their sales increase in the Ducati around the world and made a video of Britney Spears ''Toxic'', in which the singer reportedly cuts through the city on the Ducati 999.

If we are talking about the BMW, it is useful to recall the very recent appearance of a motorcycle company in the film ''Payback'' with Ben Affleck in the title role. R1150R Rockster appeared in all its glory in a chase scene for the main characters.

Do not hesitate to take two-wheeled vehicles and the best agent of Her Majesty, Mr. Bond. James Bond. However, a special issue of intelligibility in a motorcycle he does not suffer, and therefore does not favor any particular brand. For example, in ''Never Say Never Again'' James rolled on the Yamaha XJ 650 Turbo, and the ''Golden Eye'' - already on the Cagiva. The most interesting two-wheeled machines were great spy tricycle Honda in the film ''Diamonds Are Forever'' and the black Kawasaki 900 with a sidecar, which could run as a homing missile (though this bike rode pursuers 007). By the way, like a true gentleman, Bond did not forget about their girlfriends - beautiful Fiona in the ''Fireball'' went to the BSA 650cc Lightning. Recent history also was marked by BMW, so in the movie ''Tomorrow Never Dies'' the supply department of British intelligence gave Bond BMW R 1200C.

    His place in the Hall of Fame and earned the moto of the actors Grandpa Harley-Davidson. Back in the 60s three brave guy, Peter Fonda, Dennis Hooper and Jack Nicholson traveled on the endless highway States in two ''Harley'' in the ''free-riders.'' About two-wheeled friend Don Johnson and Mickey Rourke in the movie ''Harley-Davidson and the Marlboro Man'' is easy to remember. Even Iron Arnie preferred Harley-Davidson in ''Terminator 2: Judgment Day''. Goolivud dealer gave for shooting 10 brand new bikes Fatboy. At the end of the film-nine of them found their hosts through the same dealer, and the newly minted owners did not know anything about the actor's share their elected representatives. Tenth is not experienced a spectacular leap from a bridge into a canal.

    When the final shot footage, cracker snaps for the last time, and the director yells ''Cut!'' The bottom line of many months of work. But not all the actors the strength to part with their favorite motorcycles. They are running headlong to the local dealers and spend only that money earned in the two-wheeled toys. Famous Hollywood heartthrob George Clooney prefers proven timeless classics. In his excellent Indian, George likes to slowly go all over the streets of Los Angeles, battling dozens of fans and on the spot.
     Ewan McGregor, known for his film ''Moulin Rouge'' and ''Star Wars'' and his friend Charley Boorman - people are restless and adventurous. Without further ado, a couple of guys saddled BMW R1150GS Adventure, and went on tour around the world. Tireless guys spent on the road a little over 3 months, visiting Central Europe, Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan. The hardest part of the road passed through Mongolia, Siberia and Alaska, but in spite of the difficulties of the actors have successfully finished on August 5 in New York.

    We hope that the tradition of making films with the participation of bikers and bikes continue and continue and we will see yet another great film on this subject.

Read More

THE LEGEND OF Venetian – Aprilia

 What is a legend in the world of motors? It's a hundred or so years of history, the role of the founder - a guy with a goatee and top hat (with a cylinder - in terms of a hat), winning numerous races and mountain runs like Paris-New York, working on the MIC during World War II and the slow death in the postwar years, followed by injections of the revival of the rich plebeians like Volkswagen, Proton and Petronas, are in dire need of high-profile name to maintain his image. Is this the only way for great brands? What about the legend that began in a small garage, with poor production bike mechanic after the war? Which then grew into a powerful company, the second European manufacturer of motorcycles, shining like a diamond in the crown of world producers a two-wheeled vehicles? You say, can not be!

Aprilia says - you can!

So, it all started in the town of Noale, which is 20 kilometers from Venice, in a small shop owned by Alberto badges. The enterprising Italian quickly realized that a poor country needs cheaper transport, and began to produce bicycles and mopeds are called primitive'' Vivi'', which, however, were in demand. In addition to his small business, Alberto had to educate his son - a young Ivano Badges, which was not easy: the boy grew up a tomboy, and night school suffered only as a necessary evil, and that threw a couple of years. Two-wheeled motor vehicle smoky - that's the only thing that interested in the boy. Logically, Ivano began helping his father in the studio, trying to comprehend what it means - to create and sell.

As a boy of sixteen, Jr. Badges builds its first motorcycle with a motor of 50 cc. Immensely proud of his creation, he decides to take a ride around the neighborhood, completely forgetting that there is no muffler on your bike. In the words of Ivano before that no one ever threw shoes at him and poured water, and such expressions from the lips of the townspeople, he neither before nor after did not hear. Upset at first Ivano general did not show up on the street, but everything was back to square one, and he again went to help his father. And six months later to 50 cc monster bought at a price twice the market!

This creative breakthrough began in Ivano at age 18, when the light saw his second creation - ''Scarabeo''. It was the forerunner of modern motocross bikes with frame construction and the author's plastic splash guards, made by local craftsman. Painted almost all the colors of the rainbow, the bike was struck even the usually unflappable Badges senior.
In 20 years, becoming head of the Ivano family business - namely, a factory with a capital of $ 462,000, and 25 workers. In the yard in 1964 and the company finally got its present name - Aprilia, in honor of legendary in the fifties Lancia Aprilia. It was a smart move, as the name of the Aprilia was popular among the customers and could draw their attention to a little-known company. A year later, Ivano decided to open a small shop for the assembly of motorcycle racing. He even tried to race himself, but in time realized that it is better to entrust it to the pros.

    Everything went perfectly, production and sales grew, until one fine day not in the office is not broke, enraged Badges father. It turned out that the frame of his Aprilia broke straight during the movement, and Alberto insisted that it was a constructive defect. He was right - the frame, designed for a motor of 50 cc, just could not bear the load motor 125 cm3. The time has come to realize that the talent is not enough to design Ivano truly cool bikes. So in the Aprilia has its first graduate - an engineer.
    In 1970 motor show visitors in Milan could see the Aprilia booth area 4x4 meters, where the model of father and son Badges stood side by side.

 1975 was the year of birth of the first production motocross bike Aprilia. The novelty soon found a following among young people, and a year later, Ivan Alboretti it debuted in the Italian championship in motocross, in his first season he became the champion in the class 125sm3! In the same year, after this memorable victory, Aprilia motorcycles sold in addition to production, and 200 more replicas of racing! The next year (under the sign of victory in the 250cc class) sold 700 replicas. Business began to gain momentum, revenues increased from $ 35,000 in 1970 to $ 1.35 million in 1977. Over the next five years, sales have doubled to $ 3.15 million
    In 1982 Badges refused bicycle industry, both from the hopeless and unprofitable. The company is fully focused on the production of motorcycles and presented to the buyers of their first road bike with a 125 cm3 engine. 1983 brought earnings growth by half - $ 6.2 million profit - not bad for a garage of Noale!

    Have been in the history of Aprilia and difficult times. The policy of diversification of the company was unsuccessful, furniture and sunglasses brought significant losses. Fortunately, by this rapidly got rid of the ballast, and the skillful management moto allowed to repay their debts in three years instead of the established lenders five years.

    In 1987 Aprilia became a party to the World Championship World GP Road racing Championship with Loris Redzhiani as a factory driver. A little later began manufacturing scooters Aprilia.
In the nineties Aprilia has worked very well with BMW, releasing their model F650, and the popularity of these bikes, and, in parallel, the prestige of the most Aprilia, not least contributed to the highest quality.
    1998 brought a series of magnificent bikes with engines liter, and in 2000 the family were taken Aprilia Moto Guzzi and Laverda. This collaboration promises to bring their interesting results.
The last couple of years have been a real challenge for the company and its permanent president and owner of Ivano badges. The crisis of the European market scooter hit hard by the firm in which the production of this popular and relatively inexpensive technique has been in the foreground. So much so that a controlling stake in almost sold Ducati. Fortunately, the Aprilia team has once again proved that for them nothing is impossible. By focusing on a superbike, the company broke into a hurricane on the U.S. market with a new model for RSV Mille, found a strong (financially) investors, and here: Aprilia back to the crest of a wave.

    Today Aprilia - that's five refineries with a total area 297600m2, 1750 employees and 3500 vendors from around the world. This title in 21 of the world motorcycle championship, 140 victories in Grand Prix podium and 392 pilots factory teams. And yet - it's infinite love for motorcycles, commitment to innovation and continuous customer care.

    Here it is, this recipe is a legend.
    Do you agree?

Read More

Test jet ski Yamaha GP 1300 R Wave Runner

Jet ski Yamaha GP 1300R immediately likable extraordinary friendly design. The handrail is convenient to fix the passenger tail - wide rear deck, with which it is easy to take your jet ski riders. However, considering the size and capacity of 165 horsepower engine capacity of 1296 cm3, comes the understanding that before you are not a dolphin, but a real killer whale. Her heart - is a three-cylinder two-stroke engine wears an electronic fuel injection, and the issue is cardinality valve, EXUP system similar to road bikes of the company. All this high tech transfers engine torque with the shaft on the impeller - a rotor enclosed in an annular channel, absorbing water and releasing it through the jet nozzle. Intake manifold is designed so that water does not leak into the engine under any circumstances. Water entering a particularly active during taxiing into the engine compartment, immediately pumped overboard pumps.

Read More

Moto Yamaha R1 and Kawasaki ZX10R Ninja

-How come?
-160
Weakly, my car - 180, and easily ...
-So this is my first gear 160! (Conversation at a traffic light)

And it does not sound crazy, but it's true! I'll tell you: the new sportbike from Yamaha and Kawasaki really show the strongest advance in the development of technologies for supersport motorcycles. Not so long ago (only in 1998) Yamaha showed the world his R1, which had a record of such power available, it seemed, there's nowhere more powerful. So he remained a leading extreme sports until 2001, until a Suzuki GSX-R 1000. About Kawasaki ZX-9 in those years could not remember: against R1, it was sports-tourist, not sportbike. Kawasaki candidly delayed the creation of its new flagship of the sport, but now the bike is released, which could be the answer to competitors.

Read More

Moto Benelli TnT 1130

  In the world of motorcycles, many do. And they can even ride.Some make good bikes and ride them - brings a certain satisfaction. At the same characteristics of the bikes are becoming more and more the average, based on the purse of the average buyer who can not really ride, and, fascinated by the veneer, which seeks out his assistants. More than a respectable figure in kilowatts, buyers are worried that the bike looked like a mad bull. And do not forget about the ABS and combined braking system, and that in fact both can be annealed, then what would be excruciatingly painful, though not for long. And the producers have to meet the wishes of the workers, making it technically perfect piece of iron without any hint of the spirit. But this article is not about them.

Read More