More details emerge on Honda’s new VFR

26.09.2009

September 24, 2009 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Honda’s new generation VFR, the VFR1200, promises to be packed with tons of high-tech goodies.
The details of the VFR’s dual-clutch technology are here. Features include fully automatic or semi-automatic operation, and the design claims to offer additional fuel economy without sacrificing much performance. Honda didn’t stop at the transmission and clutch, though. There’s a lot more for gearheads to like in the new bike.
In a new video from Honda, engine designer Tsutomu Ishii talks about additional technological advances used in the VFR. Ishii, whose background with Honda includes MotoGP, discusses features such as the cylinder layout; the Unicam design, borrowed from Honda’s motocross line; and fly-by-wire throttle. Enjoy (sub-titles provided):
CLICK HERE

KTM North America Appoints Brad Hagi as Vice President of the Street Division

26.09.2009

Murrieta, CA – September – (Motor Sports Newswire) – During the KTM North America Dealer Meeting held in conjunction with the Indianapolis MotoGP, KTM proudly announced Brad Hagi as its Vice President of the newly formed Street Bike Division.
KTM has boldly created a new Street bike division which will put more focus and strength on the on-road market. In line with this formation, KTM has appointed American born, Hagi, as Vice President.

Hagi, 46, is a veteran in the motorcycle industry with 20 years of experience. Previous to joining KTM Hagi worked for Ducati Motor Holding for 11 years and most recently was based in Italy as Ducati’s Director of Distributor Sales Worldwide.

A graduate of Illinois State University with a degree in engineering, Hagi, has always been an avid motorcyclist riding both street and off-road. His valuable knowledge and experience of the premium brand sport bike market make him the ideal candidate to take the KTM street bike sales to the next level.
“Building our street business is a key strategy in our long-term business plans.  Despite any existing market conditions, we are in the business for the long haul and see our premium European street product lineup as crucial for the financial strength of both KTM and our dealers.” commented President of KTM Jon-Erik Burleson. “Brad’s experience in the sport bike market speaks for itself. With his time spent living and working in Europe added to his experience here in the US, he brings the perfect balance to achieve KTM’s goal of being a successful European premium sport street brand in North America.”

“BAD BRAD” Lackey Release VIDEO for Danny “MAGOO” Chandler

25.09.2009
1982 FIM 500cc World Champion, Brad Lackey viral video to promote awareness of the Danny “Magoo” Chandler Van Fund. eBay auction goes LIVE Friday, September 25, 2009
FULLERTON, CALIF. -September 24, 2009 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Brad Lackey has produced a broadband viral video on YouTube about how viewers around the world can help him and his motocross friends raise funds to build and purchase a custom, modified van for 1982 Motocross and Trophee des Nations Champion Danny “Magoo” Chandler.
The brief video includes Lackey’s recollections about Chandler, a fellow Northern California racer, a recap of Chandler’s accomplishments and a painful glimpse of tragic 1985 Paris Supercross crash that ended Chandler’s career and changed his life forever. Lackey also discussed how today Chandler is working with younger motorcycle riders to learn to ride safer and better. Sadly, Chandler’s own basic transportation needs are sorely lacking and he’s in dire need of a solution; a solution that Lackey believes is a van equipped so that Chandler can maintain the work that he’s dedicated himself to.

Great footage from Danny’s DVD “Magoo – The Story of Danny Chandler” is also included as well as photos of the type of van Brad and friends are working so hard to purchase. Lackey hopes to raise between $75,000 and $100,000 to complete the project and establish the necessary maintenance and insurance funds. Thus far, about 25% of the proceeds have been raised.

“Jody Weisel at Motocross Action magazine suggested this idea could be a way to reach a larger audience and we all said ‘Yeah, let’s do it!,” said Brad Lackey. “Our hope is that this video goes around the world, and reaches many of the fans and industry people who Danny touched with his incredible riding ability and personality. We encourage everyone who knows Danny and knows people who know Danny, to send the video link to their friends.” Lackey added.
The video has information on how to donate through traditional means as well as the internet though www.LegendsAndHeroesTour.org. It also announces an eBay auction beginning on September 25th, 2009, featuring memorabilia from riders Bob Hannah, David Bailey, Tony DiStefano, Jim Holley, Jason Lawrence, Davi Millsaps, Brad himself, and more.

For more information, see the video and to donate visit:
www.LegendsAndHeroesTour.org or www.BradLackey.com.
For more information about Danny Chandler and to purchase Magoo merchandise and DVD’s visit www.DannyMagoo.com

The video was shot and produced by Pipeline Digital Media at Sportsmobile in Fresno, CA. All crew members who worked on the video were volunteering their time and talents

Honda U3-X Personal Mobility Device

24.09.2009
TOKYO, Japan – September 23, 2009 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Pursuing the concept of “harmony with people” Honda has developed a new personal mobility technology and unveiled U3-X, a compact experimental device that fits comfortably between the rider’s legs, to provide free movement in all directions just as in human walking – forward, backward, side-to-side, and diagonally. Honda will continue research and development of the device including experiments in a real-world environment to verify the practicality of the device.

This new personal mobility device makes it possible to adjust speed and move, turn and stop in all directions when the rider leans the upper body to shift body weight. This was achieved through application of advanced technologies including Honda’s balance control technology, which was developed through the robotics research of ASIMO, Honda’s bipedal humanoid robot, and the world’s first* omni-directional driving wheel system (Honda Omni Traction Drive System, or HOT Drive System), which enables movement in all directions, including not only forward and backward, but also directly to the right and left and diagonally. In addition, this compact size and one-wheel-drive personal mobility device was designed to be friendly to the user and people around it by making it easier for the rider to reach the ground from the footrest and placing the rider on roughly the same eye level as other people or pedestrians.

Honda is planning to showcase the U3-X at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show 2009 (sponsored by JAMA) which will begin on October 24, 2009 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan.

Striving to propose the next-generation mobility which expands the joy and fun of mobility, Honda has been conducting robotics research since 1986, including ASIMO, walking assist devices and U3-X, at the Honda R&D Co., Ltd. Fundamental Technology Research Center in Wako, Saitama, Japan.

* Based on Honda’s internal research
Key features of U3-X
<Free movement just as in human walking>

1. Device control featuring application of balance control technology cultivated through ASIMO research:
   The incline sensor detects the incline of the device based on the weight shift of the rider and determines the rider’s intention in terms of the direction and speed. Based on the data, precise control is applied to return the device to an upright position, which achieves smooth and agile movements and simple operation by weight shift only.
2. HOT Drive System (Omni-directional driving wheel system):
   Honda developed the world’s first wheel structure which enables movement in all directions including forward, backward, side-to-side and diagonally. Multiple small-diameter motor-controlled wheels were connected in-line to form one large-diameter wheel. By moving the large-diameter wheel, the device moves forward and backward, and by moving small-diameter wheels, the device moves side-to-side. By combining these movements the device moves diagonally.

<Compact size which fit between the user’s legs>

3. Compact and innovative package:
   The combination of the balance control technology and the HOT Drive System enabled the one-wheel style compact and innovative package of the device. In addition, the device adopts a light-weight monocoque body in which the foldable seat, footrests and body cover that also function as the frame are stored in the body of the device, achieving highly portable convenience.