Husqvarna Nuda 900cc Promo Video

900cc parallel twin motard. Unlike the KTM, Aprillia and Ducati offerings, the parallel twin engine keeps the layout closer to the traditional thumper single cylinder motards.

Based on the BMW 800cc powerplant, the 900cc Husky is the first bike in a while I've really boon looking forward to it's release date. 

DIY Air Intake System (AIS) Block Off Install

We've all seen those really cool AIS block off plates, and they're not that expensive or difficult to install. Why do we need them? Some will say weight, but they weigh naff all so I call that a wank. I fitted them to the FZ1, and immediately that annoying popping on deceleration was completely gone. It's no surprise that the R1 with the GYTR pipes is popping and carrying on like the guns of Navarone.

Yamaha's AIS - pumps fresh air into the exhaust to cheat CO emissions testing

Time to fix all that popping. But I couldn't be bothered waiting days (more like weeks) for the parts to turn up... and I had some stuff in the shed I figure I can achieve the same result.

This is all you'll need:

Pliers, #2 Phillips, flat blade, stumpy flat, 5mm hex key, 

1/2" carby bungs (x3), stainless steal hose clamps (x3), zippy tie

As always, you'll need a rag (not shown)

Donut Skills Fail

A Photo from Yesterdays Test Ride

New R1 Parts - LSL Tour Match (150Y120)

The R1 is a massive technological improvement over the FZ1N, the engine drive out of turns is fantastic, gearbox is smooth, dash computer functionality is comprehensive, and the fairing offers protection on the highway... but one thing I don't like is the feeling that I am hanging onto the front axle.

So I've ordered a set of LSL Tourmatch clip-ons. These are made model specific and come as a complete bolt-on solution.

UPDATE 7th July 2011: Install has begun! Related posts here...

Bottpower XR-1

I've been keeping a weather eye on the Bottpower blog as they develop this little number... the XR-1.

Tank Protection Film - The Tank Slapper

I'd fitted this stuff to the FZ1N before, and I think it's a much better option than the regular tank protectors because it offers a lot more coverage without the naff look. It seemed like an obvious solution to protecting the tank on the new R1. Check out the installation video for the static version...

So I ordered the 3 piece 3M adhesive kit and fitted it today. It came up ok, but the blue paint on the R1 definitely shows up my mistakes a lot worse than the yellow FZ1 did.

You can find more info over at their website, thetankslapper.biz

When you consider the $30 + shipping price tag, it compares really well to the alternative 'buckle guard' style tank protectors.

Wikio top 30 motorcycle Blogs

I regularly visit Return of the Cafe Racers, one of many blogs I enjoy reading.  I noted with interest he made 19th in the wikio top thirty motorcycle blogs. See his ROTCR post for more...

Bike EXIF took out top honors, a nice result since it was the only blog I voted for in the Best Australian Blogs competition. And it's Australian. And we all like seeing a good Aussie taking out a win.

Mission Motors Mission R

Mission Motors, purveyor of Electric Vehicle (EV) technology have been working on EV bikes for a while now, and their current race bike, the Mission R, certainly looks the goods.

With 141 horsepower liquid-cooled 3-phase AC induction motor and 14kW-h of storage, it should make a formidable race weapon.

Follow the link to the Mission R website for overview, specs and more photo's.