Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Aprilia commemorates <i>Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen</i> with special RSV 1000 R livery]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/08/aprilia-commemorates-i-transformers-revenge-of-the-fallen-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/08/aprilia-commemorates-i-transformers-revenge-of-the-fallen-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/08/aprilia-commemorates-i-transformers-revenge-of-the-fallen-i/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Aprilia RSV 1000 Factory Transformers livery - Click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors isn't the only vehicle manufacturer with an interest in promoting the upcoming Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen flick, as evidenced by last weekend's AMA Pro Daytona SportBike at Road America in Wisconsin. Italian motorcycle maker Aprilia used the race to unveil fresh new livery for the RSV 1000 Factory race bike ridden by Ben Thompson, who currently sits 22nd in the points standings and finished in 41st position at the end of Saturday's race and 20th on Sunday. Naturally, you can expect to see a large Aprilia-shaped cameo in the movie, which is slated to hit a theater near you on June 24th.

Of course, the most interesting development from Aprilia is the new V4-powered 2010 RSV 4 superbike, which also made an appearance at Road America in Wisconsin over the weekend. Currently, the RSV 4 is doing battle in World Superbike competition, where rider Max Biaggi has scored 126 points and currently sits in fifth position in the overall standings. That's mighty impressive considering this is the bike's first year in competition.


Gallery: Aprilia RSV 1000 Factory Transformers livery


[Source: Aprilia]

Continue reading Aprilia commemorates Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen with special RSV 1000 R livery

Aprilia commemorates Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen with special RSV 1000 R livery originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ama sportbikeAmaSportbikeapriliaaprilia rsv 1000 factoryaprilia rsv 1000 raprilia rsv 4ApriliaRsv1000FactoryApriliaRsv1000RApriliaRsv4ben thompsonBenThompsontransformerstransformers 2transformers apriliatransformers revenge of the fallenTransformers2TransformersApriliaTransformersRevengeOfTheFallenworld superbikeWorldSuperbikeMon, 08 Jun 2009 17:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Honda offers Michael Schumacher a ride in World Superbike Championship]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/17/honda-offers-michael-schumacher-a-ride-in-world-superbike-champi/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/17/honda-offers-michael-schumacher-a-ride-in-world-superbike-champi/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/17/honda-offers-michael-schumacher-a-ride-in-world-superbike-champi/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Formula One champ Michael Schumacher has been enjoying his new gigs working with Ferrari's development team and hooning Honda Fireblades in various Superbike racing events, and he's proven to beabout as adept racing around on two wheels as he is on four. The seven-time F1 champion from Germany has been extended an open invitation by Honda racing officials to pilot one of its factory-prepped literbikes on the world stage. For his part, Schumacher has stated that he has no intentions to make a second career out of racing motorcycles, but his actions often seem to indicate otherwise, and he's apparently scheduled to take part in the German championship for 2009. We can only hope that our "retirement" is half as much fun as Michael Schumacher's. Thanks for the tip, Chris!

[Source: Autosport]

Honda offers Michael Schumacher a ride in World Superbike Championship originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>german superbikegerman superbike championshipGermanSuperbikeGermanSuperbikeChampionshiphonda world superbikeHondaWorldSuperbikemichael schumachermichael schumacher hondaMichaelSchumacherMichaelSchumacherHondaschumacher superbikeschumacher world superbikeSchumacherSuperbikeSchumacherWorldSuperbikeworld superbikeWorldSuperbikeMon, 17 Nov 2008 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW reveals race-ready S 1000 RR]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/11/bmw-reveals-race-ready-s-1000-rr/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/11/bmw-reveals-race-ready-s-1000-rr/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/11/bmw-reveals-race-ready-s-1000-rr/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for more shots of the BMW S 1000 RR in its race colors

BMW took the wraps off its upcoming S 1000 RR World Superbike contender as the Motorrad division showed the new bike in its official race colors at the Intermot show in Cologne, Germany. Taking a good look at the photos, we can see that the bike is indeed very compact. Look through the numerous cutouts and vents in the fairing and you'll see how neat and tidy the new literbike is. Next year, new BMW factory riders Ruben Xaus and past Superbike champion Troy Corser will ride the 190-horsepower S 1000 RR in competition against the Big Four Japanese superbikes, the Ducati 1098 R and the new RSV4 from Aprilia. It should all be very exciting to watch.

Expect a street-going version shortly, with 1,000 units of the new model due for 2009. Unlike past Beamers, the S 1000 RR uses an inline four-cylinder engine mounted transversely in the frame with a standard chain drive. Suspension bits also follow the normal telescopic formula up front with a traditional coil-over out back, eschewing BMW's past Telelever, Duolever and Paralever designs. Take a look in our gallery below.

Gallery: BMW S 1000 RR race livery


Gallery: BMW S 1000 RR


[Source: BMW]

BMW reveals race-ready S 1000 RR originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 11 Oct 2008 15:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw s 1000 rrbmw s1000rrBmwS1000Rrintermotsuperbikesuperbikesworld superbikeWorldSuperbikeSat, 11 Oct 2008 15:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Officially Official: Aprilia RSV4 superbike]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/22/officially-official-aprilia-rsv4-superbike/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/22/officially-official-aprilia-rsv4-superbike/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/22/officially-official-aprilia-rsv4-superbike/#commentsFiled under:


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Aprilia RSV4

After numerous spy shots and leaked details, Aprilia has finally pulled the wraps off its upcoming RSV4 superbike. This is the machine that the Italian company will use to contest the Superbike World Championship in 2009 against the Ducati 1098 and the Japanese literbikes. To properly do battle, the RSV4 will make some 210-horsepower -- fully competitive with the best the series currently has to offer. While the race-going RSV4 is an amazing piece of kit, it's the street-bred RSV4, which will come in both normal and factory guises, that's of the most interest... since you'll actually be able to purchase one sometime next year.

Powered by a 999cc V-Four engine mated to a six-speed gearbox with slipper clutch, we expect the Factory to be on par power-wise with the Ducati 1098R, meaning about 180 horses or more. Coupled to a wet weight of 418 pounds the RSV4 will be one seriously fast machine. A ride-by-wire system will likely allow Aprilia to offer more than one engine map to adjust power for specific conditions. One of the more interesting bits of kit that will be standard across the line are the numerous chassis adjustments, including the ability to alter the swingarm position and the headstock angle. Styling-wise, the new RSV4 tips its hat to the RSV 1000 R that we tested earlier this year with its third eye headlight that mimics the shape of the old ram-air duct from the twin. The rest of the bike looks thoroughly new and appropriately awesome. We're not sure how much it'll cost, but we know we want one regardless.

Gallery: 2009 Aprilia RSV4


Gallery: Aprilia RSV4 Racebike


[Source: Aprilia]

Officially Official: Aprilia RSV4 superbike originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Sep 2008 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apriliaaprilia rsv 4aprilia rsv4ApriliaRsv4world superbikeWorldSuperbikeMon, 22 Sep 2008 16:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Craig Jones: 1985-2008]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/05/craig-jones-1985-2008/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/05/craig-jones-1985-2008/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/05/craig-jones-1985-2008/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We're saddened to report the passing of 23 year-old motorcycle racer Craig Jones from Northwich, Cheshire. Jones was a seasoned rider, having been part of the World Superbike and Supersport scene for the past five years. His untimely death was the result of an accident during the FIM Supersport World Championship race at Brands Hatch which took place on Sunday, August 3. During the crash, Jones was unavoidably hit by the rider directly following him after high-siding his Team Parkalgar Honda CBR600. According to reports, Jones sustained serious head injuries in the crash, leading to his death on the morning of Monday August 4. Our condolences go out to his family and friends.

[Source: World Superbike]

Craig Jones: 1985-2008 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Aug 2008 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>craig jonesCraigJonesworld superbikeworld supersportWorldSuperbikeWorldSupersportTue, 05 Aug 2008 09:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Officially Official: BMW S 1000 RR race bike]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/17/officially-official-bmw-s-1000-rr-race-bike/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/17/officially-official-bmw-s-1000-rr-race-bike/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/17/officially-official-bmw-s-1000-rr-race-bike/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the BMW S 1000 RR

Let the speculation end! BMW has officially pulled the covers off of its S 1000 RR race bike, which will sprout a production model next year. General Director of BMW Motorrad Hendrik von Kuenheim says that the company is committed to building 1,000 units of the new model next year. Featuring a 1000cc inline-four transversely mounted between the frame rails and an upside-down front fork, the RR is rather conventional by BMW standards. This has allowed the Motorrad to keep the bike as compact as possible, which can be attested to by the fact that it has been spotted lapping tracks in Yamaha R6 bodywork. So far, no specifications have been given regarding power levels, but we fully expect it to be competitive with the Superbike front-runners. Traction control is also reportedly put to good use. Judging from the extensive use of (bare) carbon fiber, we'd expect the weight to be on par with the competition, as well. There's an entire speech pasted after the break, so be sure to check it out.

BMW plans to crack the top ten next year in World Superbike racing and is expecting podium finishes the following year. Considering the fact that the Big Four Japanese manufacturers literally have a head start measuring a few decades on BMW, it's probably wise to set attainable goals for now. Though we're looking forward to more details regarding the S 1000 RR superbike, at least we have some pretty pictures to gaze at until then.

Gallery: BMW S 1000 RR


[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Officially Official: BMW S 1000 RR race bike

Officially Official: BMW S 1000 RR race bike originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Apr 2008 10:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw s 1000 rrbmw superbikebmw-s-1000-rrbmw-superbikeBmwS1000RrBmwSuperbikeworld super bikeworld superbikeworld-super-bikeWorldSuperBikeThu, 17 Apr 2008 10:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Aprilia unveils RSV 4 with plans to go Superbike racing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/22/aprilia-unveils-rsv-4-with-plans-to-go-superbike-racing/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/22/aprilia-unveils-rsv-4-with-plans-to-go-superbike-racing/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/22/aprilia-unveils-rsv-4-with-plans-to-go-superbike-racing/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for more shots of the Aprilia RS4

Aprilia is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to small-bore 125 and 250cc road-racers, as well as in the 450cc off-road and supermoto categories. These successes have led the Italian company to branch out further, this time into the hotly-contested Superbike World Championship. The machine it will be doing battle with is the RSV 4, a brand new design using a brand new engine. That engine is very different from the normal inline four-cylinder Japanese models against which Aprilia will compete, as it uses a V4 design with the cylinders canted 65 degrees apart. The one-liter engine produces "well over 200 HP" in race trim, and a street-tuned version should for forthcoming. It probably goes without saying that we are anxiously awaiting the start of the 2009 season to see how well a small manufacturer like Aprilia can compete against the big factory teams of the Japanese manufacturers. Even more important to us, though, is how well the street version will compete against the other liter bikes already for sale.

Gallery: Aprilia RSV 4


[Source: Aprilia via Hell for Leather]

Aprilia unveils RSV 4 with plans to go Superbike racing originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Feb 2008 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apriliarsv 4rsv-4rsv4superbike worldsuperbike-worldSuperbikeWorldworld superbikeworld-superbikeWorldSuperbikeFri, 22 Feb 2008 18:25:00 EST