New Ducati Multistrada replacement spotted

By Chris Newbigging
New bikes
06 January 2009 11:59


Ducati’s replacement for the Multistrada adventure-style motorcycle has been spotted testing in Italy.

The new bike is well advanced in to development – dealers have already been shown the sporty new model, which will completely replace the Pierre Terblanche-designed Multistrada 1100 next year.

The pictures show the bike is completely road-biased with wide sport tyres and a thick single-sided aluminium swingarm similar to the 1098.

Insiders who have seen the bike confirmed that the bike also has the Ducati 1098’s 1099cc engine, complete with Ducati’s DTC traction control system as debuted on the Streetfighter.

The bike will be unveiled at this year’s Milan show in November and available next year.

Picture courtesy of Motociclismo Spain
For the full inside story see next week’s MCN, on sale January 14 2009.

NEW SMV750 DORSODURO MOTORCYCLE WOWS AT MILAN

Aprilia SMV 750 Dorsoduro - Aprilia celebrates a great 2007 full of victories (2 World titles in 250 GP, 2 World titles in 125 GP, the World Supermoto S2 Constructors' title) amazing its fans with another innovative design. The Aprilia 750 Dorsoduro motard has been conceived and developed on the basis of experience gained from the world's Aprilia-dominated GP and supermotard circuits. The Dorsoduro is powered by a 750 cc, 95hp, liquid cooled engine with a second generation ride-by-wire control system. This exciting new motorcycle combines power and agility, sports construction and essential design, and incorporates the best features of racing supersport and supermotard machines. A concentration of performance and technology capable of delivering riding pleasure and great fun, the Dorsoduro is a special, extreme and elite bike with the unique ability to elevate its rider to the level of a champion.

Aprilia RX and SX 125 - Aprilia is proud to announce the arrival of a 125 cc enduro and supermotard, packed with many of the advanced features that have made the RXV and SXV so amazingly successful. The RX and SX are dedicated to young riders in search of a bike with high performance and stunning looks. Powered by Aprilia's tate-of-the-art, liquid cooled 125 cc two stroke sports single, the RX and SX boast top quality components. The double cradle frame is enhanced by super-robust suspension. The RX is fitted with classic 21" and 18" enduro wheels for great action on all surfaces while the SX is fitted with 17" wheels and a spectacular 150/60 rear tyre for maximum grip under supermotard riding conditions.

Leonhardt 410 Cubic Inch V-Twin Motorcycle

Over a year ago I pointed out a project over in Germany being built by Clemens F. Leonhardt. Clemens had some very big ideas but at the time all you could see were design drawings, and when you consider what this project is supposed to be, it’s easy to dismiss it as a design that will never happen.

Well, checking back I see that progress is being made and as these photos show, it’s big. In fact, until Clemens gets in the picture or another bike is next to it, you can’t imagine how incredibly big this really is. Yow!

Especially in light of the Jesse James and JRL Cycles radial engine bikes, using the relatively small Rotec engine, the Leonhardt bike instead uses two cylinders from an old 9 cylinder radial aero engine, the very large variety, which gives you a 350 horsepower, fuel injected, 6728 cc / 410 cubic inch monster V-Twin. It has a 3 speed transmission with reverse. The motorcycle’s overall length is 134 inches and weight is 870 pounds. Seat height is only 31.5 inches, pretty reasonable and lower than some production bikes out there. Speed will be electronically limited to 155 mph.

Original plans were for tires from a Boeing 767 but he’s now found a supplier by the name of Rigdon willing to make custom tires in the appropriate size which are, you know, BIG!

The rolling chassis is shown here and this is not a one off custom. He plans to make a small number of these for customers and a sidecar version is planned, as well.

I really want to see this one when it finally gets on the road. He’s working on another project, too, building a motorcycle around a Hatz single cylinder diesel engine which looks pretty cool. I like this guy’s work.

2007 DYNA LINE CONTINUES TRADITION OF STYLE AND INNOVATION

New Twin Cam 96 Engine, 6-Speed Cruise Drive Transmission, Active Intake and Exhaust Technology, and Revamped Super Glide Custom
Power Up Dyna Family
MILWAUKEE (July 14, 2006) – The Dyna models are pure riders’ bikes with strong and deep Harley-Davidson custom roots. The new Twin Cam 96 engine, combined with 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission, active intake and exhaust for European models, fat 49mm front forks, 160mm rear tyres and frames designed for optimal handling ensures that every Dyna motorcycle is an exhilarating ride.

The new Twin Cam 96 powertrain proves there is no replacement for displacement with its 1584cc engine for improved power-to-weight ratio. While this delivers more lively acceleration, other design changes provide smooth operation at higher speed, easier shifting, low clutch lever effort and a rich sound.

The Dyna range also sees the introduction of a highly innovative and sophisticated active air intake and exhaust technology system developed by Harley-Davidson for European spec models* which significantly improves power, torque and sound quality whilst meeting European noise and emission regulations.

Dyna riders can choose from four models, all displaying Harley-Davidson custom lineage with an edge, featuring varied selections for handlebars, fenders, seating, engine treatment and chrome. All Harley-Davidson models for the Europe, Middle East and Africa region feature an upgraded security system as standard. The new Harley-Davidson Smart Security System offers hands-free operation courtesy of a proximity sensor that detects the presence of the security fob.

FXDC Dyna Super Glide Custom

Displaying plenty of chrome, the revitalised 2007 FXDC Dyna Super Glide Custom is a bold and beautiful motorcycle. In addition to its chrome features, the Super Glide Custom has a long and low profile, including a low-slung, two-up ribbed seat. Mini-pullback handlebars sit above a Fat Bob fuel tank with tank-mounted speedometer and ignition console. Powered by the new 1584cc Twin Cam 96 engine, the Super Glide Custom delivers smooth power through a rigid, agile chassis. A chrome laced front wheel is featured with a single floating brake disc. The Super Glide Custom is offered in eight solid colours and two, two-tone colour combinations and will be available in Europe from November 2006.

FXDC Super Glide Custom features:

New vibration-isolated Twin Cam 96 engine with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
6-speed Cruise Drive transmission
New active intake and exhaust technology
Silver powder-coated engine with chrome treatment
Chrome staggered shorty dual exhaust
Enhanced clutch lever interlock operations
Redesigned gauges with clock, 6-speed indictor light and LED
49mm forks
29 degree fork angle/29 degree steering head angle
Sport wrap-around rear fender
160mm rear tyre
Chrome laced wheels
Single floating front brake rotor
Fat Bob fuel tank with leather panel
Chrome, FXDWG-style fuel tank console
Two-up ribbed seat
Mini-pullback handlebars
New Harley-Davidson Smart Security System

FXDB Dyna Street Bob

The 2007 FXDB Dyna Street Bob again proves less can be more taking minimalist styling from the “bobber” theme in the custom choppers of the 1970s. The Street Bob shuns components like a passenger seat and pegs. A solo seat at 655mm clearly states that this is a motorcycle for the individualist. Features like Mini ape-hanger handlebars, the classic Fat Bob fuel tank, a wrap-around rear fender and chrome laced wheels combine with the Twin Cam 96 engine for a stylish and powerful ride with a whole lot of attitude. A wrinkle-black finish applied to the battery box, console and belt guard completes the street-wise look. The Street Bob is available in six solid colours and a new olive pearl/vivid black two-tone.

FXDB Street Bob features

New vibration-isolated Twin Cam 96 engine
6-speed Cruise Drive transmission
New active intake and exhaust technology
Black powder-coated engine with polished covers
Chrome staggered shorty dual exhaust
Enhanced clutch lever interlock operations
Redesigned gauges with clock, 6-speed indictor light and LED
49mm forks
29 degree fork angle/29 degree steering head angle
Mini ape-hanger handlebars
Fat Bob fuel tank
Street Bob air cleaner trim ring
Special tank emblems
Wrinkle-black console with turn signal indicators
Wrinkle-black battery cover with polished trim
Wrinkle-black belt guard
Tank-mounted speedometer
Solo seat
Mid-mount foot controls
Wrap-around rear fender
160 mm rear tyre
Chrome laced wheels
New Harley-Davidson Smart Security System

FXDL Dyna Low Rider
The word “low” describes much more than rider position when it comes to the FXDL Dyna Low Rider. While the 655mm seat height is among the lowest in the Harley-Davidson line, features like mid-mount foot controls and pull back handlebars also give the Low Rider its slammed looks and unique profile. The bike’s ergonomics are well-suited to those looking for a comfortable ride, while the new Twin Cam 96 powertrain and active intake and exhaust system bring the Low Rider to a higher level of performance. It features chrome profile laced wheels and a single floating brake rotor displays more of the front wheel. The Low Rider is offered in seven solid and three two-tone colour combinations.

FXDL Dyna Low Rider features:

New vibration-isolated Twin Cam 96 engine
6-speed Cruise Drive transmission
New active intake and exhaust technology
Black powder-coated engine with chrome covers
Chrome staggered shorty dual exhaust
Enhanced clutch lever interlock operations
Redesigned gauges with clock, 6-speed indictor light and LED
49mm forks
30.5 degree fork angle/29 degree steering head angle
Wrap-around rear fender
160mm rear tyre
Chrome profile laced wheels
Stylized low-profile suspension
Low-slung custom seat
Easy-reach pull back handlebars
Handlebar-mounted indicator cluster
Single floating front brake rotor
Mid-mount foot controls
New Harley-Davidson Smart Security System

FXDWG Dyna Wide Glide

Inspiration straight from the open road takes the FXDWG Dyna Wide Glide to the edge of the factory custom category. The new Twin Cam 96 engine powers this truly stretched-out motorcycle for 2007. The Wide Glide is long and wide as its name suggests, with a 49mm fork that is raked out to 36 degrees and a 21 inch chrome profile laced front wheel. The bobtail rear fender shows off the traditional, 160mm tyre. Its 32mm factory ape-hanger handlebars with internal wiring rise above a stepped chopper-style seat and large, tank-mounted speedometer. The Wide Glide is offered in eight solid and three two-tone colour combinations.

FXDWG Dyna Wide Glide features:

New vibration-isolated Twin Cam 96 engine
6-speed Cruise Drive transmission
New active intake and exhaust technology
Black powder-coated engine with chrome covers
Chrome staggered shorty dual exhaust
Enhanced clutch lever interlock operations
Redesigned gauges with clock, 6-speed indictor light and LED
49mm forks
36 degree fork angle/34 degree steering head angle
Wrap-around rear fender
160mm rear tyre
21” chrome profile laced front wheel
32mm ape-hanger handlebars with internal wiring
Bobtail rear fender
Stylized battery cover
Forward foot controls
Large, tank-mounted speedometer
New Harley-Davidson Smart Security System

Flow Bench Facilities

Intake port performance has significant influence on engine power output, fuel economy, and exhaust emissions. Flow testing of intake ports is an integral part of total engine design and optimization. Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) maintains a flow bench facility with a flow capacity of 1000 SCFM at 20 in. water differential pressure that is dedicated to port flow measurement and characterization.

Measurement of in-cylinder air motion is becoming increasingly important due to exhaust emissions and engine efficiency considerations. SwRI is the industry leader in measuring swirl, tumble, and combined air motion. The Institute's state-of-the-art design impulse swirl meters provide more accurate and repeatable measurements than other types of swirl meters.

Air motion for many sizes and types of engines is characterized on the SwRI flow bench facility. New cylinder head designs are compared to a large database of production and prototype heads.

Intake ports are parametrically designed using the latest solid modeling techniques. Intake ports are designed to provide the optimum balance between airflow and desired in-cylinder air motion characteristics. Parametric models of the ports are created based on fundamental engineering principles and years of port design experience.

48 Cylinder motorcycle engine

48 cylinder motorcycle engine.

This is guaranteed not photoshopped.

It is a 48 cylinder, 4200cc engine made from s1/kh250 cylinders, by Simon Whitlock.

"Each motor is basically 8 "s1 /KH250" cylinders bolted on to cut up standard casings, with a 8 cyl built up crank, in turn they are bolted to a housing, gear linked and driven thru a BMW road bike gearbox, as the bike is pretty long already it would be difficult to put a transverse drive thru a gearbox. It has taken almost three years of hard work and he has overcome some huge problems to get here - - where do you even start to think about building a bike like this? . . . Oh, by the way, Simon is not an engineer of any kind - he oversees the building of shopping precincts etc

Don't look at it as a bike, look at it as a pure feat of engineering . . . and Simon built a Nitrous injected, fuel injected, water cooled, supercharged H1 about 5 years ago! . . . . How will he top this one? He can't - WHO CAN? I think as you say, his next project may be reverting back to a small engine and gaining the maximum horsepower from it "

"The bike has a small 75cc "Donkey" engine undr the seat to start it."

"The ignition is by 6 x 8cyl E-Type Jaguar distributers."

"Oh, and not only does it run - but it is rideable - JUST! - the engine and box alone weight just over a ton! "