ACE CAFE RADIO

    mercredi 13 mars 2013

    BMW Z4 GTE: Testing



    The opening round of the swansong season of the American Le Mans Series is already upon us: the teams have gathered at the legendary Sebring circuit in Florida ahead of this weekend’s 12 Hours – the last of the LMP1 era. There’s a mighty battle ahead: Audi may have rocked up with a pair of R18 E-Tron Quattros, but the surprise is that Audi have only topped one of the four test sessions so far. They may be sandbagging, but Rebellion, Muscle Milk and Dyson will all be aiming squarely at the R18s, looking to take this last opportunity to take a four-ringed scalp.
    It’s in GT where the heat will really be turned up: BMW have rejoined the fray with their brand new Z4 in the GTE-Pro class, where they’ll be facing off against the cream of manufacturer opposition from Corvette, Ferrari, Porsche, Aston Martin and Viper. The Rahal-Letterman-Lannigan team will be fielding two Z4s, and have been out testing ahead of the race: the unique deep growl of the Z4 makes it easy to pick out in the GT field. This video has some great footage of the car in action, and talks to the team’s six drivers about their new mount.
    Our own Larry Chen will be embedded with the RLL team throughout the race weekend, so stay tuned for updates from him as he finds out from the inside just what it’s like to tackle the toughest race on the calendar.
    Testing continues today, with practice and qualifying over Thursday and Friday. The great race kicks off at 10.45am Eastern on Saturday March 16th. Turn one has been radically changed with the extension to the pitlane required to house such a big field of cars: a solid wall now runs down the outside of the braking zone where before there were just cones, so what was already a difficult corner has just been pumped up a level. Make sure you’re somewhere where you can watch the rolling start if at all possible!

    Jonathan Moore

    Audi confirms Q lineup expansion, three new models on the way


    Audi Crosslane Coupe concept live in Paris 27.09.2012

    SUV galore

    Audi CEO Rupert Stadler confirmed yesterday the Ingolstadt-based company will expand its Q lineup in the following years, without saying anything about the name of the cars.
    Audi Crosslane Coupe ConceptAudi Crosslane Coupe Concept
    Audi Crosslane Coupe Concept
    We've heard rumors before about Audi planning to enlarge its crossover/SUV lineup but now we know for sure this will happen. It seems the firm's top priority now is to launch a smaller model which will be slotted below the Q3 with design cues taken from the Crosslane Coupe Concept.
    Audi Crosslane Coupe Concept
    The second model will probably be the Q6 to bridge the gap between the Q5 and Q7, while a BMW X6 rival is rumored to be Audi's third new SUV.
    Why so many crossovers/SUVs? Because Audi wants to overtake BMW by 2020 in global luxury sales. They believe 33-40 percent of their planned two million global sales will consist of Q models, a lot more compared to the current 25 percent.
    Audi Crosslane Coupe Concept
    They also base this decision on the success of the SUV market as sales went up last year by 24 percent to 407,512 units. On top spot was the Audi Q3 with 71,356 units sold, followed by the BMW X3 (70,116), BMW X1 (64,124), Audi Q5 (53,425) and the Range Rover Evoque (50,668), according to JATO Dynamics research.
    Audi Crosslane Coupe concept live in Paris 27.09.2012
    via Worldcarfans

    SKRAMBLE . Sunday Easy-Ride

    Heating-up to Sekepal Aspal Indonesia, Motoart Exhibition,
    Just another afternoon, another night, another easy-ride .
    taken by Binyo .


    2013 Maserati GranTurismo MC Trofeo launched


    2013 Maserati GranTurismo MC Trofeo

    Same specs as 2012 model

    Maserati has launched the 2013GranTurismo MC Trofeo which has the same technical specifications as the 2012 version.
    2013 Maserati GranTurismo MC Trofeo
    They say although the car has the same specs as last year's model, the 2013 edition "has been overhauled". Just like its predecessor, the latest version meets the regulations implemented last year which require teams to run a car with a curb weight of less than 1,380 kg (3,042 lbs). The vehicle benefits from widened tracks, Pirelli tires and the same V8 4.7-liter engine.
    2013 Maserati GranTurismo MC Trofeo
    It will participate in the Maserati Trofeo MC World Series which starts on April 29 at Paul Ricard circuit in France. On June 2 the cars will start at the Nürburgring race, followed by July 14 at Silverstone. Sonoma (California) will be the venue for round four, then Shanghai in China, with the season ending on December 14 at Abu Dhabi.
    Source: Maserati
    voa Worldcarfans

    2014 Range Rover Sport caught undisguised


     2014 Range Rover Sport caught undisguised

    Debuts in New York

    Land Rover has been slowly teasing the2014 Range Rover Sport, but several undisguised images have just surfaced on the web.
    Looking like an enlarged Evoque, the Sport has an aggressive front fascia with a prominent grille, slender headlights and a sporty lower intake. Moving further back, the model has a clamshell hood, ventilated front fenders and a familiar profile. The rounded rear-end features a tailgate-mounted spoiler, black plastic cladding and a dual exhaust system.
    2014 Range Rover Sport spy photo 13.3.2013
    Engine options will likely carryover from the Range Rover so expect choices to include:
    • A 3.0-liter LR-TDV6 with 255 hp (190 kW) and 442 lb-ft (600 Nm) of torque
    • A 4.4-liter LR-SDV8 with 335 hp (250 kW) and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) of torque
    • A supercharged 3.0-liter V6 with 340 hp (253 kW)
    • A supercharged 5.0-liter LR-V8 with 510 hp (380 kW)
    The 2014 Range Rover Sport will be unveiled at the New York Auto Show, so stay tuned for full details.
    Source: Facebook via Autoblog

    2014 Toyota Highlander announced for New York debut


     2014 Toyota Highlander announced for New York debut

    Debuts on March 27th

    Toyota has announced plans to introduce the 2014 Highlander at the New York Auto Show.
    The company refrained from providing any details, but confirmed the "all-new" model will celebrate its world debut on March 27th.
    Little is known about the redesigned crossover, but it is expected to have an evolutionary design which could borrow some styling cues from the RAV4.
    Engine options remain unconfirmed, but choices could include a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 178 bhp (133 kW) and 170 lb-ft (230 Nm) of torque as well as a 3.5-liter V6 that develops 268 bhp (200 kW) and 248 lb-ft (336 Nm) of torque. We can also expect a hybrid variant which could use a 156 hp (116 kW / 158 PS) 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a 141 hp (105 kW / 143 PS) electric motor.
    Note: 2011 Toyota Highlander pictured
    Source: Toyota

    Marc Marquez tops day 1 of private MotoGP testing at COTA



    from TWOWHEELSBLOG
    Dani Pedrosa, Marc Marquez, Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo and Stefan Bradl got their first taste of the demanding Circuit of the Americas that will be hosting the second round of the 2013 MotoGP championship on April 21st.
    The first day of private testing was spent learning the difficult circuit and its layout and adjusting to the lack of grip and the rising temperatures and a fastidious crosswind and not posting fast lap times, but MotoGP rookie Marc Marquez got the hang of the circuit before the rest of the riders as he spent almost all day on top of the provisional timesheets, except when Pedrosa took over for an hour, then Marquez grabbed back the top and lowering his lap times to finish the day in 2.04.619, leaving his team mate Dani Pedrosa almost five tenths adrift.
    Stefan Bradl spent most of the afternoon behind the Honda factory riders and ahead of Yamaha’s Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi until reigning World champion decided to assert his authority over a satellite rider - albet riding a spec RC213V -and ousted the LCR rider out of third and pushed him into fourth.
    Despite putting in more laps than anyone, doing 68, Valentino Rossi ended up fifth fastest and more than a second adrift from his team mate and even worse almost 1.9 seconds from the elbow scraping rookie and struggling to find a set-up and seems to have some wheeling issues.
    So far Richard Stanboli’s warning regarding the COTA circuit that they are going to be a lot of crashes for those who won’t be testing proved true only for his rider Blake Young and his CRT Kawasaki caught fire and the morning session had to be red flagged.
    Most of the riders were impressed by the circuit and its facilities, even if some consider the track to be more adapt to car racing than GP racing, but are happy that they’ve gotten a chance to test.
    2013 MotoGP private test Austin day 1 results:
    1 MARQUEZ M.Repsol Honda Team 2’04.619
    2 PEDROSA D.Repsol Honda Team 2’05.047
    3 LORENZO J.Yamaha Factory Racing Team 2’05.291
    4 BRADL S.LCR Honda MotoGP 2’06.053
    5 ROSSI V.Yamaha Factory Racing Team 2’06.507

    Sebastien Loeb tests Tech 3's Moto2 Mistral




    While former Formula 1 champion Michael Schumacher is at Valencia testing a Honda Fireblade for IDM Superbike team Holzhauer Racing (his best time on the first day was 1’40″5), another four wheel driver and in this case it was nine-time World Rally champion Sebastien Loeb took to track at the Paul Ricard circuit in France, to test a Moto2 bike.
    Loeb no stranger to motorcycles and the French driver was invited by the French based Tech3 team who is fielding Danny Kent and Louis Rossi in this season’s Moto2 championship.
    It was last year’s Le Mans Moto3 winner Rossi who gave Loeb pointers on how to handle the team’s Mistral and followed the French driver’s first time around the circuit with the Mistral Moto2 machine, while the Tech3 rider was on a Yamaha R6.
    “You can see that he has racing in his veins, like his lines and precision,” said the 24-year Rossi, talking about Loeb’s test. “At the end of the day he had good riding position on the bike and on our last lap out we racing against each other.”
    While Loeb said about the Moto2 bike, “It may be a little less powerful than my personal CBR but I was really surprised by the lightness and performance of this machine. It is a real pleasure to ride, even though I really don’t have much experience riding a motorcycle.”
    Source | omnicorse.it from TWOWHEELSBLOG

    Superwatches of the Seventies: Colourful, futuristic and unusual



    The 1970s has become known as the decade that taste forgot. The bright-coloured clothes, the extravagant hairstyles, the avocado, brown and plum bathroom suites – all were synonymous with that immediate post-60s period. Watches of that era were no less exuberant – and not always so awful – Classic Driver presents some of the most popular.





    Patek Philippe ‘Nautilus’

    Although one of the world’s most conservative of watchmakers, it was Patek Philippe that truly embraced the spirit of the decade with a then revolutionary design by Gérald Genta. Introduced in 1975, the ‘Nautilus’ was a high-performance watch equally at home on bare wrists by a pool in St Tropez or under the cuff of a dress shirt at a City dinner.




    Catena Bulle ‘Spaceman’ 

    Shortly after the 1969 moon landing, architect and designer André Le Marquand was commissioned by the Swiss watchmaker Catena (located in Bulle, the heart of Gruyere cheese production) to produce a ‘space-age’ watch. The result was the ‘Spaceman’, with its design reflecting that of an astronaut’s helmet. Introduced at the Basle watch fair in 1972, and in production from 1972 to 1973, over 150,000 units were sold.






    Heuer ‘Chronosplit’

    Niki Lauda, Clay Regazzoni and Gilles Villeneuve were just a few racing drivers who not only wore Heuer’s famous logo on their overalls but also sported a right up-to-date ‘Chronosplit’ digital chronograph on their wrists. Using its functions to the maximum, the watch’s power supply did not last very long. Many were ordered, however, by Ferrari (shown here) and the German Army.






    Audemars Piguet ‘Royal Oak’ 

    Another ground-breaking design by Gérald Genta, the ‘Royal Oak’ – introduced in 1972 – by Audemars Piguet was an alternative to a Rolex Submariner, a watch seen in those days as merely suitable for swimming or sailing, not as a style icon in itself and acceptable in ‘smart’ surroundings. The octagonal, ‘porthole’ design showed that it really was possible to be innovative in watch design, and that a stainless steel timepiece could be marketed at a price in excess of the equivalent solid gold model.






    Lip ‘Mach 2000 Dark Master’

    The French brand Lip’s most famous watch is from the early 1970s, the ‘Mach 2000 Dark Master’. Even today, the striking asymmetrical design by Frenchman Roger Tallon, the man who styled the French railway’s TGV train, is popular with connoisseurs of industrial design the world over. 


    Text: J. Philip Rathgen / Gisbert Brunner (ClassicDriver)
    Photos: Getty Images / Hersteller

    Honda CB400 cafe racer by Steel Bent Customs


    Honda CB400
    Steel Bent Customs based out of Tampa, Florida, build some of the most approachable and affordable café racers. The Honda CB 400 Four was never a real racer, always considered as the heir of 1972′ CB 350 F. It started life as a stock Honda CB400T and the resulting motorcycle is the Honda CB400 cafe racer by Steel Bent Customs.
    The exhaust is a 2 in 1 and the engine has been completely developed by SBC.  Steel Bent Customs added clip ons, a saddle seat cover and a craft-style seventies, under which was concealed the electrical system for maximum purity of line. This model is just the latest creation from Steel Bent Customs, a company that clearly seems to have a taste for Honda’s mid-size bikes of the past.
    Honda CB400 on stand
    Special bikes Honda CB400T
    Honda CB400 front
    Honda CB400T Café Racer
    Honda CB400 close view
    from BIKEGLAM

    coming soon on this blog !! by http://www.caferacerxxx.com


    SCRAM AFRICA BY FUEL BESPOKE MOTORCYCLES

    While searching the interwebs for international motorcycle events, I literally crashed into Scram Africa.  Hosted by Karles Vives of Fuel Bespoke Motorcycles, this year's adventure takes place April 25th to May 5th, 2013 and is a 2000 KM (1,243 miles) ride with mixed terrain of road, trail, and dunes Add in beautiful landscapes, an array of challenges, a taste of danger, vintage motorcycles, some African culture, and pure adventure. 
    Call it love at first site, the pictures alone brought me to my knees.  If I had to choose one ride this year, it would definitely be Scram Africa.  Attention Karles, please work out international motorcycle rentals for 2014 so we can gather a group!  :)
     For more information on the event, click here.  Otherwise, enjoy an Interview with Karles of Fuel Bespoke Motorcycles, memories from a fellow rider- Ignition Rojasa, a promotional video, and both published and never seen before photos of last year's Scram Africa.  

    1...161718...60
    Photographer: Claudio Rizzolo

    Here's a look at the route:

    Interview with Karles Vives:
     
    1.  Karles, tell us a little about yourself.
    My name is Karles Vives and I work and live in Barcelona, Spain.  Before founding my own project two years ago, Fuel Bespoke Motorcycles, I worked as an art and creative director for various advertising agencies.  My relationship with motorcycles started around 15 years.  My first bike was a Vespa 125 Primavera and since then I have had all kinds of bikes ranging from enduro, custom, sport, etc.  Before I bought a bike, I had fallen in love with motorcycles at first sight.  This obsession with form and beauty inspired me to ask myself “why not create a motorcycle completely to my taste?” I bought a BMW R100 RT 82 (I’m a lover of boxer engines) and the book by Jerry Churchill: "BMW 2-valve Twins 1970-1993 ".  For three months, I worked on the bike every single day.  First, I drew the bike concept, and then I searched for spare parts.  Next, I dismantled the whole bike and reassembled it with new parts.  Thanks to the book, forums, friends, family, and many hours of dedication, I finally finished my first bike- a BMW R100 Scram.  It is fun, reliable, and easy to drive, with the ability to ride on and off road.  A bike with soul, that vibrates and in return makes you vibrate.  It makes you dream of the desert and adventures in remote locations.  It was a scrambler, it was beautiful and it was mine!
    After the initial build, I decided to dedicate all my time and energy to the project, Fuel Bespoke Motorcycles.  I searched for several months and found a pit crew.  One of them was an engineer with extensive experience in the field of mechanical modifications.  Add in people with talent, enthusiasm, and passionate for what they do that don’t think twice about working overtime. 

     2.  What is the mission of Fuel Bespoke Motorcycles?
    Our dream is to create a brand that can offer a classic bike designed and customized to your needs.  We also produce vintage styled motorcycle clothing.  Last, we create events and lifestyle trips, such as Scram Africa, that share the passion for old school bikes.  Fuel wants to be an experience, a journey through time, a way of living, exciting and passionate- a lifestyle.

    3.  Explain your event Scram Africa.
    “Scram” is a short word I use for “Scrambler”- the first dual purpose off-road/on-road motorcycles.  They are street bikes modified to overcome cross country terrain.
    Since I was a teen, I wanted to ride in the desert.  Every year I watched the Rally Paris Dakar and dreamed of being there.  When I finished the BMW R100 Scram, I thought the best way to test it would be through the trails, roads, and dunes of Africa.  At the same time, I meet Pep from Soloraids, (a travel company specialized in Africa adventures) and he was the perfect partner to organize the logistics of the trip.  Together we organized the first edition of Scram Africa with a lot of enthusiasm but only 5 riders joined the adventure.  It was a little disappointing but the experience of the trip was very intense and caught the attention of many magazines and blogs so we decided to organize a second edition.  This time with only 3 months to go, we have almost 20 riders registered!

    4.  Can you describe the Scram Africa experience and some of the challenges of the ride?
    It is an adventure trip through the African desert designed for classic and neoclassic motorcycles.  I think the main challenge is to leave behind fear and uncertainties and do something you really want to do, something you’ve always dreamed of.  I think this is the way to also deal with life. 
    Other challenges are all the different surfaces where we ride- asphalt in good condition, broken asphalt, rocks, mud, sand, fesh-fesh etc.  And not only that, the temperatures are extreme.  We experienced 5 ° C in the Atlas mountains and 40 ° C in the desert .  Add in that our bikes are old and heavy so any complications on the ground are much higher than if we were riding a light and modern motorcycle.  Besides that, the legs are long and tiredness accumulates.  I would say that the ride experience is similar to the adventure bikers had 30-40 years ago.

    5.  Share a story with us from Scram Africa.
    We have a lot of stories from riders that got lost in the desert to accidents where foot rests, front headlights, or rims got broken due to accidents or falls in the trail or dunes.  The people of the desert and Atlas Mountains were very hospitable with a hot cup of tea and ready to lend us a hand.  One of the first days in the middle of the Atlas, it started raining heavily.  None of us had rains suits (big mistake I know!) but nobody imagined finding rain and cold in Africa.  Haha.  We stopped at a small village in the middle of nowhere to eat something and asked for some type of cape or plastic bag to protect us from the rain and cold wind.  Finally, we met a man who arranged for full motorcycle rain suits for a cost of 15€ ($20).  We would have had to pay a fortune otherwise, and he also gifted us cake made of honey, nuts and marijuana. :)

    6.  Where do you see this event in 5 years?
    I would like to learn and improve the ride, staff, organization and the route each year.  I would also like more and more people enjoy and join the trip.

    7. Is there anything that you would like to tell our readers?
    I would like to mention that there are people from other continents such as Australia, India or USA that would like to come but, it was impossible to find a motorcycle dealer to rent out bikes.  We will continue working on this to find a solution for the next Scram Africa.  


    We also caught up with Scram rider, Ignition Rojas, age 35 from Catalunya.  He rode a 1988 BMW R100GS and described his experience.  "When Karles first came with the idea of going to Africa with old bikes, I couldn't resist and I automatically said yeah! Of course I will come!  It was not disappointing at all, we did all different terrains including tarmac, gravel, mud, and in the Atlas Mountains, dry dusty roads and of course, sand.  I don't think there's any other trip as compact and varied as Scram Africa.  It was a lot of riding every day; we just loved the camps, the hotels and the people we met there.  Going with those old bikes there's always the possibility of having some mechanical problems, and we had a lot... haha but, it was part of the trip. I fell the most in the sand parts and as a result, my bike suffered the most there also.  We always had a cold beer closer ;)  One of the guys, Roman from Germany, fell and broke his collarbone the last day of the off road.  The biggest challenge was to keep the bike working and to finish the trip.  You'd love to do crazy stuff in the sand but, in the back of your head, you always remember that you need to have the bike working to come back home.  The last day was the most fun.  Most of the front lights, indicators and speedometers were not working.  All the bikes dirty and half broken.. haha.. it was fun!"

    Grip-N-Go: 5 Best Multi-Tools

    5-best-multi-tools-gear-patrol-lead



    Photo by AMOS KWON
    By AMOS KWON



    Let’s face it, you’re most likely not one of those guys who has every tool for every job. Caught yourself trying to pry something open with a pen or a fork lately? We’d say you’re in the market for a handy all-in-one multi-tool. Sure, it won’t come close to fixing everything, but in a pinch, it’s a great “go-to” instrument that could make a difference (especially if your tool kit comes from the local pharmacy).
    Multi-tools have been completing odd jobs since the original Leatherman PST (Pocket Survival tool)came out in 1983. As good as the PST was, multi-tools (or multi-pliers) have come a long way since then, today varying in size, tool type and count. Some are even specialized for gunsmiths and electricians. In our quest to find the best, though, we also discovered that many manufacturers have abandoned their multi-tool production due to poor sales. We call it “thinning the herd”, and it’s actually for the better, as the ones that survive tend to be the most user-friendly and the hardiest. Ready to become a Renaissance handyman of honey-do lists? Read on for five of the best full-sized multi-tools on the market today.

    Victorinox SwissTool RS

    Victorinox-SwissTool-RS-best-multi-tool-gear-patrol
    The Bombproof Multi-Tool: The Victorinox looks like you could run it over with a tank without breaking it. The original SwissTool has been around for over a decade, and we’re glad to see it hasn’t changed much except for some minor model variations — the RS being one of them. Its slightly blunt-nosed pliers remain completely concealed until you unfold the handles, which double as a nifty 230mm/nine-inch ruler when aligned. And though the pliers aren’t spring-loaded, you can crank down on them hard without the SwissTool losing its comfortable feel. All of the folding tools (a whopping 24 in total) are held securely in place by a flap-type spring and lock when fully deployed. The SwissTool carries a lifetime warranty, but you’ll probably never need it.

    SOG PowerAssist

    SOG-PowerAssist-best-multi-tool-gear-patrol-
    The Quick-Draw Multi-Tool: SOG has been making great knives since 1986, and the full breadth of their technology makes its way to the SOG PowerAssist multi-tool. Two large blades (serrated and straight-edge) can be deployed with SOG Assisted Technology: Use the thumb peg to open the blades and the patented compound leverage device completes the opening process and locks the blades into place. Easy. On the other hand, when the extremely sharp blades are not in use, they lock in place via safety switches — so you won’t shank yourself while doing a dive roll to get to that loose screw.
    The excellent needle-nose pliers add precision and grip well despite the lack of a spring-loaded release. They conceal completely when the handles are closed, just like the Victorinox. The other folding tools, including a patented V-Cut blade, are concealed by a hinged cover, which provides a more comfortable grip when using the pliers but adds an extra step to open (it’s worth it). The SOG’s also easily the best-looking multi-tool in this group, if that’s your thing. At least you’ll look professional.

    Columbia River Knife & Tool Zilla-Tool

    Columbia-River-Knife-&-Tool-Zilla-Tool-best-multi-tool-gear-patrol
    The Dare-to-be-Different Multi-Tool: This is the black sheep of this group, in that it looks like nothing else here and comes in full stealth regalia. Definitely the most unique design out of the five, the Zilla-Tool doesn’t try to be all things to all people. It goes for the basics and does them well. The slight needle-nose pliers are deployed by a switch in the middle of the body, which releases the spring-loaded handle. The body itself acts as the other handle, providing good grip strength. The large straight-edge blade unfolds using a convenient flipper that engages quickly and acts as a blade guard when cutting. At the opposite end of the pliers, a hex tool holds the hex screwdriver bits stored in the handle, which will also accept other standard hex bits. In addition to having a nylon belt holster, this is the only multi-tool that comes with a built-in pocket clip. The Zilla is big, though, so don’t slide these suckers into your skinny jeans.

    Leatherman OHT

    Leatherman-OHT-best-multi-tool-gear-patrol
    The Innovative Multi-Tool: Look at the full range of their multitools and you’ll see that Leatherman keeps innovating. OHT stands for “One Handed Tool”, a moniker that’s appropriate here. Its unique design allows one-handed deployment of all 16 of its tools. The retractable pliers open with a quick flick of the wrist, are long and precise, and have a great spring-loaded release. There’s also a simple feature that’s genius: each of the tools is easily identifiable via visual imprints on the handle, removing guesswork from the equation. It even comes with a strap cutter and an oxygen bottle wrench. In desert tan, the OHT also has the military look down pat. Though it might not be the implement of choice to defuse a bomb, it certainly looks the part.

    Gerber Diesel

    Gerber-Diesel-best-multi-tool-gear-patrol
    The Evolutionary Multi-Tool: With a total of twelve tools, including a serious saw blade and a great pair of scissors, the stainless steel diesel is well-appointed and very sturdy, with very similar styling and operation as their original version. Wrist-flick pliers on the Diesel work just like the ones on the Leatherman OHT with action that’s just as smooth. The needle-nose pliers are thin and fit just about anywhere you need grip; even though they aren’t spring-loaded, release just takes a finger. The sliding tool locks are strong and secure but can be tough to disengage with gloves or sweaty bare hands. We like the bead-blasted type finish that doesn’t attract fingerprints like theHousewives of —– County series attract botched plastic surgery jobs.




    from gearpatrol

    G-Power details BMW M6 Coupe tuning program


    BMW M6 (F13) by G-Power

    640 HP and 777 Nm

    Following a preview last November, G-Power has released complete details about their upgrade program for the BMW M6 Coupe (F13).
    The Bi-Tronik III power kit increases output of the V8 4.4-liter twin-turbo engine from 560 HP (412 kW) and 680 Nm (501 lb-ft) to 640 HP (471 kW) and 777 Nm (573 lb-ft).
    BMW M6 (F13) by G-Power
    As a result of these changes, the M6 will reach 62 mph (100 km/h) from a standstill in only 3.8 seconds (0.4s quicker than stock model), on its way to a top speed of 196 mph (315 km/h), whereas the standard modelwith M Driver's Package can reach 189 mph (305 km/h).
    It sits on 21-inch Silverstone RS alloys by G Power shod in Michelin Super Sport tires measuring 265/30 ZR21 front and 305/25 ZR21 rear. Other changes include a coilover suspension, in-house ceramic braking system and a custom titanium exhaust system which is 12 kg (26.4 lbs) lighter than the standard one and comes with 100mm carbon tailpipes.
    BMW M6 (F13) by G-Power
    The power boost will set you back 5,200 EUR, ceramic braking kit (front axle) is 14,460 EUR, wheels + tires combo is 8,325 EUR, while the coilover suspension is an extra 2,179 EUR. If you want the aforementioned titanium exhaust system prepare 5,985 EUR.
    BMW M6 (F13) by G-Power

    Source: G-Power via Worldcarfans

    BLITZ BMW R75/6 ‘GSKY’


    BMW R75/6
    It was only three years ago that Fred Jourden and Hugo Jezegabel started Blitz Motorcycles. But the Paris-based workshop is now one of the biggest names on the European new wave custom scene, thanks to a string of unconventional ‘old timer’ customs.
    This is Blitz’ latest build, christened ‘GSky.’ It’s an offroader based on a 1976 BMW R75/6, a bike that offered 745cc and 50hp in stock form. Which might not sound like much, but at 462 lbs. with a full tank, an R75/6 weighs 90 lbs. less than a current model Harley Sportster 883.
    BMW R75/6
    Blitz’ client wanted an ISDT enduro influence, so Fred and Hugo added a neat twist to the Beemer: a vintage Husqvarna 250 tank. After all, until a few weeks ago, BMW Motorrad owned Husqvarna … “So we thought it’d be fun to do something the two brands would never be able to do,” says Jourden. “Combine them in one project.”
    BMW R75/6
    The finish of GSky, predominately blue, looks raw at first glance but serious thought has gone into this machine. After a thorough overhaul—including the suspension—the R75/6 frame was shortened and 4-centimeter taller shocks fitted. The frame has also been powdercoated and the bike rewired with updated electrics. A dual ignition coil is now hidden under the custom seat unit.
    BMW R75/6
    Blitz have replaced the stock Bing carburetion with 32mm Mikunis, breathing through pancake-style K&N motocross filters. The upswept exhaust system is custom fabricated, and fitted with grilles for heat protection. (“It works,” says Jourden.) Tires are Pirelli motocross rubber.
    BMW R75/6
    The bars and throttle are Tomaselli, and a rebuilt Japanese vintage brake cylinder was fitted, hooked up to new hoses. The head- and taillights are also vintage, and the choke knob is stolen from an old Bang & Olufsen hifi system.
    It shouldn’t work, but somehow it does. And it looks like a lot of fun to ride.
    Head over to the Blitz website to see more of Fred and Hugo’s builds. And follow the news from Paris via the Blitz Facebook page. Images courtesy of Denis Boussard.
    from BIKEEXIF