BIKES4US

BMW have released pics and specs of their new Concept 6 bike, which is fitted with a six-cylinder engine. The bike is now on display at the currently ongoing EICMA Show in Milan, Italy. BMW straight-six engines have a formidable reputation in the world of cars and it seems BMW are now all set to bring their six-cylinder power to motorcycles as well.

‘The new BMW straight-six will further expand the K-Series in the foreseeable future. The first model to be introduced will be an innovative and luxurious BMW touring machine,’ says a press release from BMW.

According to BMW, their new straight-six engine for the K-Series has been specially designed for motorcycles and will be only slightly wider than a conventional large-capacity four-cylinder engine. ‘The reduction in width is achieved in particular by the slightly over-square bore:stroke ratio with relatively long stroke and very small gaps between cylinders,’ says the BMW press release. ‘Designed and laid out as a straight-six, the engine also opens up new dimensions in motorcycling in terms of supremacy, power reserves, performance and running refinement,’ it adds.

The BMW straight-six for motorcycles will displace about 1.6-litres, will have a torque output of 130Nm and power that would be roughly equivalent to that of BMW’s 1.3-litre four-cylinder engines. ‘Fuel consumption of this six-cylinder engine is lower than that of a comparable four-cylinder engine under normal touring conditions. The use of ride-by-wire tech offers further potential for enhanced fuel economy and riding dynamics throughout a wide range of different riding modes and conditions,’ says the BMW press release.

According to BMW, the Concept 6 has been designed to look like a café-racer and features high-tech, cutting-edge chassis and suspension technologies – light alloy bridge frame and Duolever / Paralever arms holding and guiding the wheels front and rear. ‘Seventeen-inch forged wheels as well as the extra-large brake system with its six-piston fixed callipers emphasise the sporting look of the new machine and its high level of technology,’ claim BMW.

We must say BMW have come out with something of a shocker with their Concept 6, and the fact that it’s slated for production – rather than being a fanciful show bike – makes it even more amazing. Stay tuned for more details on this machine!

Harley-Davidson have joined forces with supermodel Marisa Miller in an effort aimed at recognising and appreciating the services of the US Military. Those who are currently serving in the US Army (or have served in the past) can also enter a competition to win a Harley motorcycle. Get the full details here

For those who just won’t ride a twin, triple, inline-four/V4 or inline-six/V6, Standbike are working on a V8-powered motorcycle. And they have, apparently, already built a fully functional, ready-to-ride prototype that’s fitted with a 305 cubic-inch (5,000cc) V8 from General Motors.

According to the company’s website, the Standbike V8 concept bike took eight years to develop and uses various unique technical solutions that allow the V8’s power and torque to be suitably harnessed for extreme traction.

The bike’s steering, clutch and lean-control systems are managed by high-tech hydraulics and electronics – probably necessary with a bike that weighs 690 kilos and which has a 2615mm wheelbase, total lenth being 3210mm. The gearbox is a four-speed unit, with one extra gear for reversing the bike, and single-sided suspension is used at both ends.

The Standbike V8 concept actually rides on four 16-inch wheels – two each at the front and back – shod with 205/45 rubber. Cornering? Er…, no, we don’t think so, though straight line stability at 300km/h should be just brilliant…

More details on the Standbike website here

Based in Montreal, Canada, Campagna Motors have announced the 2010 T-Rex 14RR, which has to be the coolest, wildest trike in the whole world. Fitted with a Kawasaki 1,352cc inline-four that pumps out 197 horsepower, and a sequential six-speed gearbox, the T-Rex 14RR accelerates from zero to 96km/h in 3.9 seconds and hits a top speed of 230km/h.

With its fibreglass bodywork, the three-wheeled T-Rex RR rides on 16-inch (front) and 18-inch (rear) wheels, can carry two people and some luggage and weighs 472 kilos dry. It does cost quite a bit – US$56,500 and above – but we’d still love to have a ’Rex for those two-up Sunday morning blasts around our favourite set of mountain roads…

Based in Montana, in the US, a Batfan has built his own version of the Dark Knight’s Batmobile, and it looks rather cool! The do-it-yourself Batmobile, which is powered by a humble 6.5bhp engine (off a lawn mower?), cost him less than US$1,900 to build. Visit the T-Man’s website here to find out how you can build one of these for yourself.

Here's the home-built Batmobile in action. We like it!

Based in Sydney, Australia, Dan Anderson is studying industrial design and as his final year thesis project, he’s designed the electric bike – Voltra – that you see here. ‘The Voltra is an electric which conveys the visual sense of excitement and exhilaration not currently addressed in the alternative-fuel motorcycle market, but which is so important to the appeal of motorcycles to riders,’ says Dan. ‘The bike is the result of extensive research into motorcycling history, society and culture as well as technology, materials and manufacturing. The Voltra's main aim is to give greener, alternative-fuel technology the sex-appeal needed for success in its fashion-conscious market,’ he adds.

Powered by Li-Ion batteries, which feed its AC induction motor (with a programmable controller), the Voltra packs 129Nm of torque and projected top speed is more than 200km/h. With its carbonfibre monocoque chassis, the Voltra weighs 200 kilos and while riding time and travel range are dependent on the riding style, Dan reckons the bike can be ridden for more than 90 minutes in one go. A full recharge takes two hours.

We guess battery-powered electric sportsbikes (as opposed to low-powered electric commuter bikes and/or scooters) are still a few years away from going mainstream, but machines like the Voltra probably provide a glimpse of what the future might be like.