The bikers on the Dakar experienced an unusual day in the region of Copiapo, which began with an atypical grouped start and involved climbing of dunes separated by large valleys. However, even in this type of landscape, the best of riders can still lose their bearings and leave themselves open to setbacks. The first wave of ten riders got the stage going assuredly, but after twenty kilometres, nine of them were over-confident and chose the wrong direction, making a mistake that they were unable to repair. Read the full article »

Akrapovic announced a new racing exhaust sytem for the Kawasaki Z1000 / Z1000 SX. The system is designed for riders who demand maximum performance from their motorcycle and is almost 10 kg lighter than the stock exhaust. The pipe features hi-tech materials, such as titanium or carbon-fiber mufflers. The system is not street legal and is designed for racing purpose. The power increase with the Akrapovic system is substantial, and can be seen from 5000 rpm right to the top of the range. Read the full article »

Rajputana Customs is a family-run company in Rajasthan that builds handmade, unique custom-designed bikes. Their latest creation is practically a wedding gift. A guy, Subhayou Nayak wanted to buy himself a little present before the big day, so he sommissioned Rajputana Customs. The company built an old-school looking, stunning Royal Enfield with a 300mm rear tyre. The bike is powered by a 500cc Royal Enfield twinspark engine. Read the full article »

Husqvarna unveiled the Mille 3 Concept at the 2010 EICMA show, which, according to Visordown, was the first sign that the Swedish company is planning road bikes. The British magazine reports that the manufacturer will launch the first of a whole range of road bikes in late 2011 as part of a new strategic plan. The first road machine of Husqvarna will use a 900cc parallel twin engine based on the BMW F800 models. Husqvarna could use the experience and resources of their parent company, BMW. Read the full article »

The initial cull is now over. Unless there is an epidemic of insurmountable mechanical problems, the battle for overall victory should be the business of Marc Coma, Cyril Despres and Francisco Lopez. So far, the kilometres travelled have been favourable to the Spaniard, who first and foremost must be on his guard and protect the lead he possesses. Between Antofagasta and Copiapo, he even endeavoured to improve it, skilfully benefitting from his starting position. Read the full article »

The Italian manufacturer introduced the RXV 4.5 rally bike last year, and the twin-cylinder adventure bike is a real threat to the KTM 450 Rally on the 2011 Dakar. Francisco „Chaleco” Lopez has obtained the third place overall, with three stage victories. His 450cc Aprilia is very reliable, both in terms of performance and sturdiness. The bike features a V-twin with single overheadcamshaft, titanium valves and dry sump lubrication. The RXV 4.5 Rally Replica has a price tag of €37,000. Read the full article »

A hero and inspiration to millions, Barry Sheene has a particularly unique place in the hearts of bike and sports fans the world over. LEGACY - A PERSONAL HISTORY OF BARRY SHEENE is a special two-disc DVD release that offers an intimate and frank look at the life of Sheene as a sportstman as well as the individual, putting together never before seen archive and home movie footage along with in-depth interviews with those who have loved, admired and were inspired by Sheene. Read the full article »

In a shortened 273 km special stage, Chilean rider Francisco Lopez (Aprilia) managed to achieve best time for the first time this year, which brings him slightly closer to Coma and Despres. His Italian 450cc having now demonstrated its reliability, both in terms of performance and sturdiness, all the conditions were there to see Lopez roar out of the box. In order to make sure he would win this one, the Chilean rider was very tidy; he cleared km 176 with more than 4' lead over Coma. Read the full article »

Ruben Faria has won the stage 6 special, ahead of his countryman Helder Rodrigues. In the battle for the top of the general standings, the minute regained by Despres brings him to within 8'48” of Marc Coma. The leader at the rest day now has a reduced advantage, in light of the dense programme of sand that awaits the bikers after Arica. The issue of the other places on the podium is also far from settled, because “Chaleco” Lopez, still 3rd, lost a significant amount of his lead over his pursuers. Read the full article »

British brand Triumph could release a range of small capacity bikes. Visordown says a 125cc prototype was spotted on test with the company’s future big capacity models. The British firm announced last year that it will expand its model ranges from three (Urban Sports, Modern Classics, Cruisers) to seven (Roadsters, Supersports, Adventure, Touring, Classics and Cruisers). Unfortunately, the new prototype hasn’t yet been photographed. With sales of small capacity bikes booming in Asia, a move into the 125cc market could be the best move from Triumph in the last 20 years. Read the full article »