Friday, March 29, 2013

WORTHERSEE E-BIKE. audi

WORTHERSEE E-BIKE

Audi unveils pedal-electric hybrid concept bike

Ducatis aren’t the only two-wheelers under the Audi corporate umbrella these days. The German company recently unveiled its concept Worthersee e-bike, to which Audi applied its vast experience with high-tech composites, electronics and lithium-ion batteries. This innovative machine can operate solely on muscle power through a nine-speed bicycle transmission, rely only on its 2.3-kilowatt electric motor (with a 0.53 kW-h battery pack) or act as a human/electric hybrid.

Weighing a scant 57 pounds, the Worthersee can reach a maximum speed of 50 mph when the motor is aided by people propulsion.

BMW C-CONCEPT – FIRST LOOK

At BMW, “C” stands for “commuter” and “commuter” translates into “scooter.” The Bavarian company tried its hand at the scooter game back in the 1990s with the C1 125/200, a fully enclosed two-wheeler designed to be super-protective; it even featured safety belts. But the idea didn’t work out so well; in terms of sales, the C1 was a flop.

So, it came as a big surprise to EICMA attendees when BMW showed a very sophisticated concept “maxi-scooter” called the C-Concept. It’s powered by a version of the F800 parallel-Twin that has been optimized specifically for this application and teamed to a CVT transmission. The chassis is very motorcycle-like in its construction and incorporates a massive, single-sided swingarm actuating an electronically adjustable Marzocchi shock; up front is a 43mm, titanium-nitride-coated Marzocchi fork. What’s interesting is that the fork is a full-size motorcycle unit with upper and lower triple-clamps, not the “lower-clamp-only” type generally used on scooters.

Like the suspension, the braking system consists of impressive components, with twin discs clamped by Nissin six-piston radial-mount calipers up front. Bodywork is the result of aerodynamic testing, and its shapes promise to offer excellent rider comfort and protection. Other high-tech features include LED head- and taillights, as well as two rear-facing cameras (in place of rear-view mirrors) that display the images on a pair of monitors built into the instrument panel.

PACKING YOUR ADVENTURE BIKE

How one man prepared his bike for a 15,000 mile adventure trip

World traveler Helge Pedersen shares what he loaded onto his 2012 BMW R1200GS before embarking on his adventure trip from Seattle to Tierra del Fuego.

1) The Think Tank Retrospective 30 camera shoulder bag carries all my paperwork, electronics and camera gear. Fits in the panniers perfectly.

2) Video camera and more electronics. The curse of today’s electronics is all the chargers you need for the GPS, cameras, video, cell phone and computer.

3) Even with the best GPS, I always carry paper maps. I also bring prints of people I’ve photographed on previous trips to hand out if I see them again.

4) CO2 cartridges (45g) will set the tire’s bead, while a stripped-down electric air pump bring tires up to correct pressure. Why electric? With my old hand-held pump, it took me 470 strokes to get proper pressure in my rear tire!

5) BMW crate straps to tie down the GS on ferries. And don’t leave home without a complete set of spare brake pads.

6) Better living through chemicals. My essential kit includes J-B Weld 5-minute epoxy, QuikSteel epoxy putty and silicone to waterproof a pannier that has been damaged in a crash.

7) Only bring tools you’ll need. Don’t bring tools that do not fit your bike.

8) This camera backpack, the Lowepro Vertex 300 AW, goes on the back of the bike. My computer fits in the top lid, while DSLR camera and lenses are stored safely inside. Custom buckles secure it to bike. Has a rain cover.

9) Personal hygiene items, including medicines and sink stopper. I wash underwear, socks and T-shirt every night, hence the sink stopper. Roll wet clothes in towel before hanging for overnight drying…it works like a charm.

10) Two spare pairs of underwear and socks, plus two T-shirts, extra riding gloves and a visor.

11) I choose the smallest panniers available: Touratech Zega Pros. You’ll always fill whatever size you get, so choose the smallest available to keep weight and size down. I pack front and rear tubes on one side, and an Aerostich lightweight bike cover on the other. With cover on, the bike is essentially out of sight, so it’s a great anti-theft measure. And use it as a ground cover when you repair a puncture.

Check out the Gelande/Strasse story for a look at his world travels in photos.

Check out the video

VIDEO

Monday, March 25, 2013

Design A Custom Bike and Win

Local Motors, a crowd-powered automotive innovator, is holding a motorcycle design challenge, and inviting you to enter. The challenge taps into Local Motors open global online community of 30,000-plus co-creators – including designers, engineers, manufacturers and enthusiasts – to design a custom motorcycle based on a stock 2000-2003 Harley Davidson Sportster for Arizona-based DP Custom Cycles.

Through March 31, Motorcycle.com readers are invited to join the challenge or watch the progress at the Local Motors website. The winning motorcycle design will be manufactured by DP Custom Cycles. Prize money will be awarded to the top 10 winners.

Click here to watch a video of the challenge