ACE CAFE RADIO

    mardi 9 décembre 2014

    Roof of Africa - Graham Jarvis last tech climb


    Roof of Africa - Wade Young final climb





    VINTAGE ADDICTION XJ650


    VA xj650 1 THUMB
    Shed addiction is real. And it’s experiencing huge growth in young demographics, as well as those of a more mature nature, who really should know better. We all know the symptoms, whether it’s you or a close friend, it’s obvious when someone is hiding their habit. We’ve all seen the signs:
    – Coming out of that smoke filled room at the bottom of the garden, eyes red from the haze
    – Spending money on frivolous paraphernalia to support the cravings
    – Avoiding social interactions just to get one more hit from the throttle
    But Sheddery is an addiction of the best kind. We know you can stop at any time, you just don’t want to. That’s fine by us. Here at the Bike Shed we empathise with you, support you. We’re here to help feed your habit. Brothers and Sisters, we will get through those dark winter nights together, until you see the light. The light of Spring shining through, drying the roads and warming your hands. Push on through the cold and rain, wipe away those tears with beard or plaid. We will not judge if you waver, but we will endeavor to inspire and engage by waving temptation under your nose. Like this XJ650 by Vintage Addiction.
    VA xj650 2
    With a small workshop on the outskirts of Barcelona, Vintage Addiction are a motley crew of mechanics and designers. Last seen around these parts with their truly bonkers moped mash-up, The Bonneville, Xarly and the guys are back with another unconventional build. With the day jobs focused on classic four-wheelers, these bikes are built in their spare time, just for the hell of it. Without have to pander to a client’s desires there is free reign in the design of the bikes and the guys build what feels right to them: the benefits of following a passion, not running a business.
    VA xj650 3
    Bought in a package deal with a Ducati Desmo 500 the XJ650 was first on the chopping block. An uncommon choice, the 4-cylinder, shaft drive Maxim might not be the first port of call for a stripped back special. But upon closer examination there are some great benefits to it over other UJMs. Yamaha mounted the alternator directly above the gearbox instead of the usual crankshaft-end location, significantly slimming the engine. And despite the shaft drive, Yamaha family DNA makes swapping the wheels to spoked items a lot easier than other bikes; in this case a Virago was the organ donor.
    VA xj650 4
    Almost hovering above the bike, the tank is one-off design, with a hint of half scale Suzuki T500 about it. Recesses fade in and out along the flanks, carrying the V/A logo. Along with the shallow headlight and mudguards, the finished tank received a stunning metallic red and white paintjob. Highlighted with gold pinstriping it looks very ‘hot-rod’, complementing the low slung side exit exhausts. Bouncimg from the tank to the seat, the rear of the bike has been reworked with a lightly kicked up hoop. That stunning paintjob poking cheekily out from under the black tuck and roll seat; the grab strap is a nice touch.
    VA xj650 5
    With 30 years of abuse behind it, the engine was sent to rehab and given a thorough going over. Stripped down, checked over and petted a little, it’s a testament to the build quality that little more than new rings, seals and gaskets were needed. Oxidization was blasted away from the exterior of the block, which was then attacked with vigor at the polishing wheel. Keeping the barrels satin black breaks up the visual mass of the engine somewhat. Critisized for lacking smoothness in it’s day, the 4 cylinder lump should proffer some much desired character as it burbles down Las Ramblas.
    VA xj650 6
    The original inadequate front brake setup was replaced with some 320mm Yamaha R6 discs clamped in Kawasaki calipers by way of a custom bracket. A new master cylinder along with alloy levers and minimal switchgear adorn the low rise scrambler bars, while the speedo is tucked down by the cam cover giving the rider an uninterrupted view of the road ahead. All the electrics including a Lithium battery are tucked between the frame rails under the seat or under the tank resulting in a fresh, teetotal look to the whole bike. This is a ride with a new lease of life, ready to make the most of the road ahead.
    VA xj650 7
    Head over to the Vintage Addiction Crew Facebook page and Website for another hit of the good stuff.
    via The Bike Shed

    2014 SEMA Week day3


    BSMC GEAR GUIDE #37


    BSMC Gear Guide #37
    This weeks Gear Guide features new colour ways on the Premier Trophy helmet, something to safely hang it on, a lovely tool roll, a toasty neck and face warmer and some clever all purpose boots from Rev’It.
    REV-IT-GINZA-BOOT-1
    PRODUCT REVIEW BY ALI LATIMER – REV’IT GINZA BOOT
    The Ginza boot is the latest addition to my rather expansive footwear collection, I love a good boot and when I find a stand out pair of boots that have multiple uses, I pretty much live in them. Prior to the arrival of my Ginza boots, I lived in my Timberlands, they are comfy, a great fit and are well made, but they lacked the ‘on bike’ ability that I wanted from my main boots, the Ginza gives me everything my Timberland boot did, but with extra protection and usability when it comes to riding.
    Firstly they look pretty similar to my old Timberlands, so as a casual boot they work effortlessly, they have an extra layer of leather over the front for shifting and this is on both boots, so if you ride an old English classic that shifts on the opposite side you’re sorted, but this also adds symmetry, which when you’re OCD like myself is important.
    REV-IT-GINZA-BOOT-3
    The toecap and heel cup are thermoformed and reinforced for added protection, an anatomical footbed ensures a great fit with sublime comfort, which for me is a must, I’ve had many a ‘biking’ boot over the years, but they seldom give you the comfort to wear them incessantly, these are definitely all day boots.
    The leather is Apache Batido Cowhide which offers supreme abrasion resistance and is coated to be water repellent, this coupled with the gusseted tongue have kept my feet dry both on the bike and out walking the dogs, and with the weather we’ve had these past few weeks has been a must.
    REV-IT-GINZA-BOOT-2
    So to summarise, if you want a boot that has biking protection, great looks, all day every day wear-ability, weather protection and great grip on wet muddy woodland walks; these have to be a boot to consider, I highly recommend them.
    PREMIER-TROPHY-HELMET-2
    PREMIER TROPHY HELMET
    Premier have added a number of retro inspired colour ways to their Trophy collection. The Trophy is a classic full face helmet that conforms to modern safety standards. It is fully ECE homologated (both helmet and visor). The shell is made from Premier DCA (Dyneema, Carbon and Aramidic fibre) and the visor is 2mm polycarbonate.
    Premier were made famous protecting the head of seventies racers such as Phil Reed. The red/orange/green combined with gold and white take you back to the glory years of Nortons bumping fairings with the Japanese upstarts and when disc brakes were considered revolutionary. No traction control or ABS in those days!
    PREMIER-TROPHY-HELMET-1
    The Premier Trophy is a basic lid that is faithful to its 1973 design, no air vents, no wind gussets, and very little in terms of sound proofing, but as the guys down at Motor Legends correctly point out, “This is a helmet for proper men, that kind of hairy chested man who rode over-powered, under-braked superbikes 40 years ago. This helmet’s the real deal for proper geezers.”
    SANKAKEL-MASK-NECK-WARMER-1
    SANKAKEL MASK NECK WARMER
    Paris based Shinya Hirota has come up with a great solution to face freeze in these winter months. No longer will your chin stop working or your beard sport icicles. No longer shall the will to live slowly ebb away as you ride home with your face battered by the seemingly arctic gales.
    SANKAKEL-MASK-NECK-WARMER-2
    These great looking masks protect you from the cold and wind, covering from the bridge of your beak to the top of your chest. They eliminate nasty little gaps that appear whenever you move your head when wrapped up in a scarf, and allow you to fasten your jacket secure over the fabric.
    SANKAKEL-MASK-NECK-WARMER-3
    The masks are hand crafted in a number of different fabrics including brown and grey herringbone tweed, and selvedge denim. They all have a felt lining, and have antique brass anti-fog vent holes. It has a fast, adjustable and comfy fastening system, flat elastic straps (you can easily put your helmet over it) and velcro in the back of the neck. It is also has an adjustable nose fastener.
    SANKAKEL-MASK-NECK-WARMER-4
    These are handcrafted in France from quality fabrics. A pattern cutter by trade, Shinya migrated from Japan to work in the fashion industry. He formed Sankakel to combine his professional skills and his passion for motorcycles. “Sankakel was born from my experience in clothing and my interest in motorcycles. Sankakel is about handcraft for classic/custom motorcyclists.”
    ELLASPEDE-HELMET-AND-GEAR-HANGER-1
    ELLASPEDE HELMET AND GEAR HANGER
    Ellaspede, the Australian bike builders, has just launched a Kickstarter crowd funding campaign for the Helmet and Gear Hanger, a purpose designed and versatile device for riders, drivers and racers to hang their essential gear like helmets, jackets, keys and gloves.
    ELLASPEDE-HELMET-AND-GEAR-HANGER-3
    Tired of balancing helmets on handlebars (and no doubt knocking them off) and throwing jackets across seats, they used their experience in industrial and furniture design to “spec up the perfect hanger for the modern home, man cave or work shop.”
    With Kickstarter help they’re hoping to produce one of the most useful products for the riding or driving enthusiast, keeping gear organised and helmets damage free.
    ELLASPEDE-HELMET-AND-GEAR-HANGER-2
    “We know that this product will be useful for all riders, especially those with an eye for product aesthetic. With design cues taken from modern furniture, these hangers are also ideal for showing off prized helmets and riding gear in an interior environment.”
    They also offer a pledge option for special edition branded hangers should you wish to use them as prizes, gifts or giveaways in the future.
    MONDAY-MO-CO-TOOLWRAP-RAW-AUBURN-COLLAB-2
    MONDAY MO.CO TOOLWRAP RAW & AUBURN COLLAB
    Monday Mo. Co. don’t just build tasty bikes and run a cool retail hangout, they also make some neat gear too.
    Their Smoked Fish Tool Wrap is a product of their collaboration with Raw & Auburn, A small leather company based on the South Coast of England. “We admire Katie at Raw & Auburn’s attention to detail and simplicity with which she puts her pieces together.”
    Each wrap is individually hand made, each compartment section is hand stitched in two neat areas to keep the design simple and the wrap rolling up efficiently.
    MONDAY-MO-CO-TOOLWRAP-RAW-AUBURN-COLLAB-1
    The hide is a soft but hard wearing choice in a beautiful dark brown and like quality leather products will only look better once it’s been chucked on your bike a few times.
    “This tool wrap will hold everything you need for that emergency pit stop.” Spanners, screwdrivers, allen keys and more all have there very own place and the addition of a pop closure compartment allows you to stash some zip ties, spark plug or a bit of extra cash if you don’t ride with a wallet. There is also room for sticky plasters and super glue to fix yourself up.
    The product is finished off with two buckled leather fastening straps and a stamped smoked fish emblem.
    via The Bike Shed

    Ferrari’s new FXX K 1,000-horsepower catapult


    Ferrari FXX K
    Ferrari has chosen the Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi next weekend for the world premiere of the successor to the Ferrari FXX. The new hybrid track-only car carries the same name, but with the suffix ‘K’ for the performance-optimised KERS system. And the Ferrari FXX K promises up to 1,050HP...
    This will be a thoroughly uncompromising new Ferrari, so no wonder it can’t be used on the public roads – or even for racing – where there are such irritations as traffic laws, homologation requirements and race regulations. The hybrid track-only car based on the LaFerrari is purely for the use of an exclusive group of customer test drivers, as part of Ferrari’s client programme to demonstrate the latest developments and gain new insights into performance and efficiency optimisation.

    Hyper-aerodynamics

    This Ferrari is spectacular before it’s even turned a wheel, thanks to the twin-profile spoiler at the front, moveable rear wing and – to the left and right – stately tail fins with horizontal carbon wings; plus a vast diffuser. The result is extreme downforce: a staggering 540kg at speeds of 200km/h. Under the razor-sharp bodywork, meanwhile, sits the famous 6.3-litre V12 engine, now with new camshafts and a modified valvetrain, delivering a breathtaking 860HP, added to which is another 190HP from the electric motor. Maximum torque of 900Nm should also add to the fun.

    Who KERS?

    The so-called HY-KERS system allows the driver to select from four settings via the special Manettino control on the centre console: ‘Qualify’, for maximum performance in a limited number of laps; ‘Long Run’ to optimise consistent performance; ‘Manual Boost’ for instant, maximum torque delivery; and ‘Fast Charge’ for a quick recharge of the car’s battery. Production numbers and prices have not yet been confirmed but, after its premiere in Abu Dhabi, it’s a case of “Who cares?” – as there’s little doubt that the Ferrari FXX K will be completely sold out.
    Photos: Ferrari
    Modern and classic Ferraris can be found for sale in the Classic Driver Market.

    SEMA Drag Race: Hellcat vs Blasphemi vs Jeep FC vs Sonic!

    We've reached the final day of 2014 SEMA Week brought to you by 76, and only we would dare to bring this ridiculous mix of vehicles together for a grudge race on an unprepped airport runway. Fred Williams, Jessi Lang, Mike Sabounchi and Mike Finnegan begged and bribed SEMA Show exhibitors to loan them vehicles for a ¼ mile drag race and, though Finnegan and Sabounchi failed, the group still managed to acquire a Jeep riding on tank treads, a fresh-off-the-floor 2015 Dodge Challenger Hellcat, the infamous Hemi-powered ’55 Chevy Bel Air from Roadkill, and a turbocharged 2013 Chevy Sonic to do battle.

    The racers are as different as the cars. Finnegan lives in the world of hot rods, Lang regularly pilots the best the OEM carmakers have to offer, Williams spends all of his time in the dirt, and Sabounchi hops up every compact car on the planet. Who will come out on top? Watch and find out!




    Stuttgart’s secret showroom


    Tobias Aichele recently extended his offering of premium motorcycles to include rare four-wheeled classics. We visited the showroom in Motorworld Stuttgart – and were given a glimpse of the buried treasure hidden away…

    A labour of love

    That the business of dealing in classics – whether two-, three- or four-wheeled – is a matter for the heart as well as the head, Tobias Aichele proved from the outset. “For me, ‘Premiummotorrad’ was a dream come true,” enthused the motorcycle enthusiast in 2013, after the opening of his showrooms at Motorworld Region Stuttgart. Now, however, Aichele also sells rare automotive classics under the title ‘Premiumfahrzeug’, with a focus on racing and sports cars from Zuffenhausen. Aichele has been active in the Stuttgart motor industry for 30 years, as an editor, author and organiser, accumulating a wealth of know-how over the last three decades that helps him to find truly authentic motorcycles and vehicles. His expertise also covers researching a vehicle’s provenance, documenting restorations and helping collectors to acquire the right vehicles.

    Proving authenticity

    The latest example of this line of work is a provenance check on a Porsche 550 Spyder, restored 20 years ago. Digital photography was then still in its infancy, but nevertheless the work was carefully documented, including the details of original parts replaced during the restoration. The 550 Spyder is now available for sale from Premiumfahrzeug. A second exciting project in 2014 was the discovery of an almost pristine Porsche 907 in Italy. The former factory race car was, until recently, owned by an Italian racing driver, and Tobias Aichele was able to verify the car’s authenticity from his knowledge of both contemporary styling and the aging of plastics. “It’s a blessing for posterity that this 907 was allowed survive in such an authentic state,” he concluded. The car was then sold – after close to 50 years.

     A peek into the treasure chamber

    Tobias Aichele showed Classic Driver not only his nicely furnished showroom in Motorworld Stuttgart, run in partnership with leasing specialist COMCO, but also his unofficial, ‘hidden’ showroom. Here, Aichele welcomes only his regular customers, where they can view and discuss classics in discreet, private surroundings.
    Photos: Premiumfahrzeug
    Premiumfahrzeug’s current range of premium vehicles can be found in the Classic Driver Market.

    Snapshot 1964: Alain Delon’s other car is a yellow Rolls-Royce


    Alain Delon and Shirley MacLaine are pictured here in 1964, about to be filmed for a scene in the film ‘The Yellow Rolls-Royce’. So why are they driving a Ferrari 250 GT California Spider?
    ‘The Yellow Rolls-Royce’ was a British film that starred Alain Delon and Shirley MacLaine alongside Ingrid Bergman, Jeanne Moreau and Omar Sharif. At the centre of the action is a 1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom II – but it seems that pre-War cars aren’t quick enough for Delon. A photo was circulated to the press of Alain Delon and Shirley MacLaine in a Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider, taken on the French Riviera away from the shooting. The Ferrari community argued for years over whether the Ferrari actually belonged to Monsieur Delon or was simply borrowed from a wealthy patron for a spin. If you believe the latest rumours, the mystery of the origin and fate of the California Spider could soon be clear.
    Photo by Denis Cameron/Pix Inc./The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

    DEFENDER CHALLENGE FINAL AT BORDERS HILLRALLY


    Congratulations to Team Harford and Edd Cobley / Johny Harford for winning the Defender Challenge 2014. They had a great race in the Borders Hill Rally, and secured the 2014 title. Bowler want to thank all of the competitors, service crew, championship and event organisers, Land Rover and media teams - we couldn't have done it without you. See you in 2015 !



    for fun ; Fantastic film of the Defender Challenge on PistonHeads - come and see the cars in action on the Woodpecker Rally on the 30th August.



    Pirelli 2015

    Vyshel novyj kalendar Pirelli 2015 9 Вышел новый календарь Pirelli 2015