Etc.
etc.
ROEHR MOVES AHEAD
Illinois-based Roehr Motorcycles has apparently secured the backing to produce its V-Roehr 1250SC Superbike (Roundup, July, 2007). Production versions will feature a 180-horsepower supercharged version of the Harley-Davidson V-Rod engine. Top-shelf components are spec’d, from Öhlins suspension to Brembo brakes and Marchesini wheels. Estimated price is $44,995, and escrow deposits (!) are being accepted. Go to www.roehr motorcycles.com for more information.
LIGHT MY LINE
MotoGP’s 2008 curtain-raiser-the Commercial Bank Grand Prix of ’ Qatar-will run under the same lights that illuminate Daytona International Speedway. Iowa recreation-lighting specialist Musco Lighting is installing the massive systeñí, a portion of which was tested for the first time last November. “There’s hardly any difference between day and night riding in these conditions,” said Loris Capirossi, in attendance along with fellow premierclass riders Marco Melandri, James Toseland, Anthony West and Alex de Angelis. Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta called the event, “a landmark moment for our sport.” “It’s the biggest project we’ve ever undertaken,” added Musco President Joe Crookham. “We had the first part of the circuit fully lit, and we aim to complete the rest of the project by early February.”
TOYOTA BACK TO ITS ROOTS
It’s called the A-Bat, and what’s interesting to motorcyclists about this “new genre of compact vehicle” from Toyota is its “advanced functionality,” namely the flexible bed. When the pass-through midgate is folded forward into the four-seat cab, the standard 4-foot bed gains an additional 2 feet of length. Lowering the rear gate adds another 2 feet—8 in all, enough for a sheet of plywood or, better yet, a full-size streetbike. A pair of dirtbikes would fit nicely, as well.
Additional in-bed features include numerous tie-down points, tailgate lighting, a first-aid kit and flashlight integrated into the gate itself, and an AC power outlet. There is also a large sliding drawer under the bed (room for a ramp?), accessible with the tailgate closed.
Still in the concept stage, the cab-forward, solar-panel-equipped (for charging the nav unit, portable power pack and backlit displays) A-Bat debuted recently at the Detroit Auto Show. “Trucks are embedded in American society,” said a spokesman from Catty Design Research, Toyota’s SoCal skunkworks and the A-Bat’s creator. Only now they’re smaller, roll on 19-inch wheels and benefit from Hybrid Synergy Drive.
Tie-downs not included.
DATE WITH ADVENTURE
Crave adventure but can’t find the time? Perhaps you should get a copy of BMW’s 2008 calendar. Theme is “World of Enduro,” and for its creation the riding public was invited to submit their most inspiring motorcycling pictures. The 13 images chosen are stunning and beautiful. Visit www.bmw motorrad.com to purchase your copy of the calendar.
