SH150i

Newegg Free Shipping

Whether you're commuting, shopping or simply going from Point A to B, getting there should be all the fun. So without further ado, allow us to introduce you to Honda's all-new SH150i: your first-class ticket to world-class fun, guaranteed to get you wherever you're going with style—and a smile. The SH150i is the perfect blend of cool and cutting-edge, combining progressive styling and plenty of room for two with a fuel-injected 153cc four-stroke engine, Honda V-matic transmission and Combined Braking System delivering the potent, reliable performance one has come to expect from a Honda. No wonder it's the most popular scooter in Italy!

Honda says the 150i is the best-selling scooter in Italy, of any brand, so it's already a hit in Europe. The SH is ready to take on the dollar-conscious and style-picky American melting pot – as well as a passenger – all in one easy to manage package.
Smooth and strong four-stroke power. Twist-and-go automatic transmission ease. Stylish, two-up accommodations.

The SH150i embodies the best of scooter style and performance, blending Euro-cool design with bulletproof Honda performance and ease of use. From its powerful, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected 153cc four-stroke engine and seamless three-stage Honda V-matic transmission, to its Combined Braking System (CBS) and large 16" wheels, the SH150i is your world-class ticket to ride.
Compact and potent, the gas-sipping SH150i's 153cc engine delivers responsive, fuel-injected power and tons of fun with every twist of the throttle.
Honda's V-Matic automatic belt-drive system means no shifting, ever, thanks to a sophisticated three-stage operation that helps deliver optimum power.

Specification - Honda SH150i

Engine	Liquid-cooled 4-stroke SOHC single
Bore & Stroke	58 x 57,8 mm
Displacement	152,7 cubic centimetres
Compression Ratio	11:1
Carburation	PGM-FI electronic fuel injection
Max. Power output	11,6 kW/8.500min-1 (95/1/EC)
Max Torque	13,4Nm/7.000min-1 (95/1/EC)
Ignition	Digital transistorised with electronic advance
Starter	Electric
Transmission	V-Matic
Final-Drive	V-belt
Dimensions (LxWxH)	2.020 x 700 x 1.140 mm
Wheelbase	1.335 mm
Seat Height	790 mm
Ground Clearance	149 mm
Fuel Capacity	7,5 litres
Wheels - FRONT	16 x MT2,5 U-section 5-spoke cast aluminium
Wheels - REAR	16 x MT2,75 U-section 5-spoke cast aluminium
Tyres - FRONT	100/80-16 50P
Tyres - REAR	100/80-16 60P
Suspension - FRONT	33 mm telescopic fork, 120 mm axle travel
Suspension - REAR	Dual damper unit swingarm, 70 mm axle travel
Brakes - FRONT	220 mm x 4 mm hydraulic disc with dual-piston calliper, drilled rotor and sintered metal pads
Brakes - REAR	130 mm leading/trailing drum
Dry Weight	127 kg
Engine Oil	After draining 0,9 litres, after disassembly 1,0 litres
Transmission Oil	After draining 0,19 litres, after disassembly 0,22 litres
Cooling system capacity	0,95 litres
Maximum weight capacity	180 kg

SOURCE: http://honda.com

Casey Stoner joins Honda for 2011

Newegg Free Shipping

Rumors of Stoner reaching a deal with Honda began to surface in May but the news is now official. Stoner previously raced for the Honda LCR team in his rookie season in 2006, and in 2011, he will race for the factory team. Stoner will also be reunited with former Ducati team manager Livio Suppo who currently manages Honda’s sponsorships.

“We are very pleased that Casey will join Honda again next year. Clearly he is one of the top riders in MotoGP and he will bring valuable speed and experience to our team,” says Shuhei Nakamoto, vice president of Honda Racing Corporation.

As for the team’s current riders Dani Pedrosa and Andrea Dovizioso, Nakamoto suggested Honda may retain them both for a three-rider team.

“In the factory Honda squad we already have two very strong and experienced riders in Dani Pedrosa and Andrea Dovizioso who are performing very well and currently hold second and third positions in the 2010 World Championship,” says Nakamoto. “HRC hopes also to retain these two riders for next year - giving us what would be a truly formidable line-up.”

Stoner will leave Ducati, the team he has raced for over four seasons including his 2007 championship-winning campaign. Over the years, Stoner developed a reputation as being the only rider able to tame the Ducati Desmosedici. Relations between Stoner and the team began to strain last year when Stoner sat out several races because of a mystery illness. Still, Ducati Corse released a statement thanking Stoner for his time with the team.

“I would like to thank Casey on behalf of our fans and our sponsors, but most of all on behalf of all the people working at Ducati,” says Filippo Preziosi, Ducati Corse general director. “The victories and emotions he gave us, rewarded all the hard work and sacrifice we made. In these four years together we have had a lot of great moments. Securing the 2007 MotoGP World Championship title and the victory at Mugello in 2009 were moments that we will never forget. In Casey we not only found an incredibly talented rider, but also an honest and loyal guy and that’s why there will always be a strong and sincere bond between us, even as a competitor.”

Stoner also stated his appreciation for Ducati.

“I must thank Ducati for giving me such a great opportunity to race and win with them over these past four years,” says Casey Stoner. “They took a gamble when they signed me at the end of 2006 as I was unknown, but as we worked together we were able to win a Championship, many races and challenge for the Championship in the last two seasons. I have now decided to move on and I will have new challenges in the future and different obstacles to overcome, but I will not forget these years with Ducati and the people I have had the privilege to work so closely with. So a big thanks to Ducati and all our sponsors who we have shared success with while achieving lifelong goals.”

Stoner’s departure leaves a hole in Ducati Marlboro’s garage. Nicky Hayden has shown some potential this season on the Desmosedici, actually leading Stoner in the standings 69-67. Ducati will need to find a replacement for Stoner, with Valentino Rossi being the most popular choice. Expect to see more Rossi to Ducati rumors to pop up over the next few months

SOURCE: http://www.motorcycle.com/news

Monster Energy Kawasaki's Sara Price Bounces Back For Fourth

Newegg Free Shipping

Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Sara Price Bounces Back For Fourth

Irvine, Calif. – Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Sara Price took her first trip to Red Bud in Buchanan, Mich. and fared well on the technical track as she finished fourth overall. Coming off a podium finish, Price looked to keep the momentum up and was able to leave Red Bud just one point behind fourth place in the WMX standings.

Moto by Moto

For Price, it was important to take Saturday moto-by-moto. After a difficult first moto finishing seventh, Price put that finish behind her and looked to score a better finish in the second moto. It paid off as her 7-4 was good enough for fourth overall on the day.

"I made several mistakes in the first moto and I didn’t want to let that happen again," said Price. "The second moto was fun because I was racing with Tarah (Geiger) until the checkered. We had a pretty good battle and overall I’m happy to get more points for the season. Just wish that first moto was better to put me on the podium again."

Getting Great Starts

One thing that Price has been improving is her starts. The last handful of races showed her practice has paid off, and with the combination of her Kawasaki KX250F she has been able to grab top five starts in the last four motos.

"My starts weren’t horrible, but it’s a big part of the race," said Price. "We only get 15 minutes which doesn’t leave much time to charge if you get a bad start. I always want to make sure I nail my start so I have that chance to be challenging for the front."

Points Battle

Coming back after a tough first round at Hangtown has not been easy, but Price continues to prove she is a force to be reckoned with as she steadily climbs up the championship standings. Starting the season 11th, Price now sits in fifth, just one point out of fourth as the series hit its halfway mark at Red Bud.

Another New One

In two weeks the WMX riders will show up for their first national at Spring Creek MX in Millville, Minn. While it’s a new track to the circuit, Price has raced the course at amateur events and is looking forward to what Spring Creek MX offers.

"I’m actually really excited to go to Millville in a few weeks," said Price. "Red Bud was definitely challenging and I know Millville won’t be easy, but I have really come to enjoy racing there."

SOURCE: http://kawasaki.com

Ducati and Stoner to part company at the end of 2010 after four fantastic years together

Newegg Free Shipping

The Valencia Grand Prix on November 7th 2010 will be the event that concludes four years of extraordinary collaboration between Ducati and Casey Stoner. An important relationship characterized by a strong reciprocal esteem and many victories, among which the first MotoGP World Title for both the Italian manufacturer and the Australian rider.Stoner arrived in Ducati in 2007 and, riding the Desmosedici GP7 that was making its debut in the new 800cc category, he took his first victory in the very first race, embarking on a path that would lead to the world title later in that same year and many more successes during subsequent seasons.

Ducati would like to thank Casey Stoner, who has decided to undertake a new challenge, with gratitude and affection that will always remain.

"I would like to thank Casey on behalf of our fans and our sponsors, but most of all on behalf of all the people working at Ducati," commented Filippo Preziosi, Ducati Corse General Director. "The victories and emotions he gave us, rewarded all the hard work and sacrifice we made. In these four years together we have had a lot of great moments. Securing the 2007 MotoGP World Championship title and the victory at Mugello in 2009 were moments that we will never forget. In Casey we not only found an incredibly talented rider, but also an honest and loyal guy and that's why there will always be a strong and sincere bond between us, even as a competitor."

"I must thank Ducati for giving me such a great opportunity to race and win with them over these past four years" commented Casey Stoner. "They took a gamble when they signed me at the end of 2006 as I was unknown, but as we worked together we were able to win a Championship, many races and challenge for the Championship in the last two seasons. I have now decided to move on and I will have new challenges in the future and different obstacles to overcome, but I will not forget these years with Ducati and the people I have had the privilege to work so closely with. So a big thanks to Ducati and all our sponsors who we have shared success with while achieving lifelong goals"

For more information, please visit http://ducati.com

American Honda Moto2 Effort To Bear Drudi Performance Graphics

Newegg Free Shipping

American Honda announces today that the graphic design schemes for the team's Moto2 effort at the 2010 Red Bull Indianapolis GP, August 27 to 29, have been designed by world-renown artist Aldo Drudi, founder of Drudi Performance. The team's Moriwaki MD600 as well as the team gear will feature special design elements created specifically for this one-time Indy USGP event.

For decades, Drudi Performance has literally left its mark in motorsports. Beginning in the early 1980s, Drudi design schemes have adorned machine bodywork, leathers, racing suits and helmets in motorcycle racing as well as auto racing, including NASCAR. Commercially available Arai helmets have borne Drudi Performance graphics and the company has also designed motorcycle-riding apparel and motorcycling-related casual wear. In addition, participants in sports as diverse as bicycle racing, soccer, track & field and offshore racing have borne the handiwork of Drudi Performance. Most recently, Drudi designed the graphics for the 2010 Gresini Moto2 team.

Relative to Kevin Schwantz, team manager of the American Honda Moriwaki MD600 project, ties to Aldo Drudi run strong and deep. Drudi began working with Schwantz in 1991 when he designed the starburst helmet Schwantz started wearing in 1992. Drudi has continued designing Schwantz ‘s helmets since that time. Schwantz was the first GP rider wearing a Drudi-designed helmet to win a World Championship.

"To work with Kevin, who is a friend and a champion, on a project that American Honda is supporting, it was a given that I was honored to be asked to create the graphics," said Drudi. "This assignment has been particularly special to me because for a long time I have wanted to create a theme that focused on the stars and stripes of the USA, which turns out to be the perfect match for this project. It is a very exciting opportunity and a project that will be of the highest level."

American Honda plans to have Drudi-designed commemorative shirts and hats available to the public with all proceeds to benefit the Ride for Kids. Availability details to follow at a later date.

SOURCE: http://honda.com

How to ride a motorcycle in rain

Newegg Free Shipping

Riding a bicycle, for fun or for exercise, is a great way to stay healthy. Unfortunately, adverse weather conditions can make bicycling become a bigger health risk than its benefits. So, before you head out for bike ride in rainy weather, here are some tips to keep you from turning a healthy habit into a tragic accident.

Experience will always be the best teacher when motorcycle riding. And this is never truer than when having to ride on wet pavement. But that doesn't mean with added experience you can ride as fast as or as aggressively as you might normally on dry pavement.

1. Maintain the bike speed, if you could, you should ride slower than usual. Never linger in a car driver's blind spots (back left corner and back right corner of their car). Your best bet to be seen is to stay in front of traffic packs. Unfortunately, car drivers are looking for "big blocks" instead of motorcycles -- always keep this in mind.

2. Keep your distance. Keep a slightly larger distance from the car ahead of you to minimize spray coming off their tires, when you ride in a wet street, it takes more distance to stop since you apply the brakes.

3. Spot to stop. Be aware you will not be able to stop as quickly as on dry pavement so maintain a larger braking distance between vehicles. Always keep vigilant for a place to come to a stop if the need arises.

4. No sudden moves. Provided you are keeping them up-to-date with fresh rubber when necessary, your tires will serve you well. Street tires are meant to grip in both dry and wet but, just like in a car, the possibility exists of skidding on wet pavement.

5. Brake before a corner. If you are turning a corner, do all of your braking in the upright position before getting to the corner. When you have slowed down properly, make the turn. Always make sure you are not dragging your brakes -- this pertains to wet and dry conditions.

For more information, visit http://www.megahowto.com/how-to-ride-your-bike-in-the-rain