Antoine Meo remporte le Trèfle Lozérien édition 2015

Vainqueur des trois journées au scratch, Antoine Meo remporte son premier Trèfle Lozérien devantJulien Gauthier et Emmanuel Albepart. Auteur d’un début de saison explosif, l’officiel KTM était un favori incontournable cette année. Outre le fait qu’il ait offert un show permanent aux spectateurs, à la fois dans les spéciales, les liaisons mais aussi dans le paddock, Antoine a su maintenir à distance ses deux opposants directs malgré leur expertise dans les épreuves classiques. Julien Gauthier a su tenir bon face à Emmanuel Albepart qui, ce troisième jour, parvient néanmoins à finir devant lui. Fabien Planet, qui a réalisé quelques coups d’éclat sur l’épreuve conclut au pied du podium grâce notamment à une super deuxième journée à seulement 12 secondes de Meo. Jérémy Joly, monté en puissance au fil des spéciales, parvient à devancer Nicolas Deparrois pour seulement trois dixièmes de secondes !

Pas de surprise cette année puisqu’au papier le top 5 était assez évident à trouver avant coup. On notera les excellentes prestations de Loic Minaudier (7e), Romain Gioffre (8e) et Willy Rouyet (9e). Le MCL s’offre une place dans le Top 10 grâce au jeune Luc Maliges (Premier de la catégorie Espoir). Du côté des vétérans c’est Mickael Maschio (13e) qui sort vainqueur de son duel avec Alex Zanni (15e).Samantha Tichet, visiblement remise de sa grosse chute lors du GP du Portugal remporte la catégorie féminine en prenant au passage un 72e place au scratch sur 490 pilotes classés.

Les résultats en détail sur le site officiel du Trèfle Lozérien

Photo MCL – Julian Suau

Wunderlich-Scrambler

THE WARRIOR – HARLEY DAVIDSON SPORTSTER XL1200 ’02

Written by Donny Ariyanto

You might have already seen our earlier features on Studio Motor’s, but really this is totally different!. THE WARRIOR is one of our latest ventures, based on 2002 Harley Davidson Sportster XL1200. Unlike most owners who slap on bits and bobs from the parts catalogue, Mr. Onny Hendro wanted to go the custom way, and make his ride stand out and different than others. Maybe you don’t know about this bike’s owner? Yup, Mr. Onny who got the nick name “Kaji Edan” ever made public shocking with his Toyota Alphard “Metromini” style. Back to topic, unsurprisingly, he approached us with the intention of crafting something inspired by Scrambler look. With the exception of the engine, he wanted everything to be custom-made, and so it was.

We added a custom frame looks like an original frame and Showa Upside Down front end, along with spoke wheels sized 19X2.50 inch at the front and 16X3.50 inch for rear, fitted with 4.00-19 and 5.00-16 Firestone ANS Military respectively. Khrome Werkz fatbar handlebar is joined by Billet Specialties hand control, custom headlight with 2 lamps, offset aftermarket rear light, custom solo seat and bag rack at the top of rear fender, Avon handgrip, EMGO bar end mirrors and Dan Moto 2 in 1 competition exhaust system. Post a stunning paint job and airbrush by Komet Studio (it almost catchy look, doesn’t it?), this custom Harley-Davidson Sportster XL1200 is Scrambler style, with a hint of modern touches here and there, and speaks volumes about satisfaction, as well as the owner’s desire to make a personal statement. Have a nice ride Mr. Kaji Edan, one day we will trying this bike for long trip. Gotcha!!!

Specification :

• Frame Custom by STUDIO MOTOR
• Body Custom by STUDIO MOTOR
• Painting & Airbrush by KOMET Studio
• Showa Upside Down Front End
• Khrome Werkz Handlebar
• Spoke Wheels 19X2.50 Inch & 16X3.50 Inch
• Firestone ANS Military 4.00-19 & 5.00-16
• Custom Mid Control by STUDIO MOTOR
• Custom Headlight
• EMGO Bar End Mirror
• Billet Specialties Hand Control
• Dan Moto 2 In 1 Competition

  from STUDIO MOTOR Custom Bike

VARANO CIRCUIT - ASI MOTO SHOW

Was the Alpina B2 the original German super-saloon?

Not all fashions that emerged in the 1980s became retrospectively tragic. In fact, some – such as the German super-saloon – have prospered, but the modern crop of ’bahnstormers might well owe their existence to the Alpina B2 of the mid-70s…

In the 1980s, young professionals began to demand practical saloons that replicated the style statements made by their suits: powerful, striking, and often specified in contrast colours. The preference for these attributes packaged within a practical four-door bodyshell was perhaps the result of the commercial success of the European Touring Car Championship, whose German following and participation almost made it the national sport. 

As official as unofficial can be

Several years before the arrival of the official BMW M535i in 1980, Alpina had been transforming relatively staid Bavarian 4-doors into so-called super-saloons – and considering it had won both the ETCC title and the 24 Hours of Spa in 1970, the Alpina name carried enough weight with those in-the-know to elevate it above other German tuners. The company was held in such high favour within top ranks at BMW that Alpina-fettled cars were allowed to retain their BMW warranty, plus the tuning company’s ability to stay a step ahead of stringent European environmental regulations – often through turbocharging – meant it was considered a major player, despite not being recognised as a manufacturer in its own right until 1983.

Ahead of its time

Before Alpina enjoyed major success with the late-1970s B7 Turbo, it produced the car pictured here, the B2 saloon: a substantial rework of a standard 528 that BMW’s M-division had not yet thought to breathe fire upon. The recipe was by no means a simple one: the standard, non-injection engine was bored out to 3.0 litres, fitted with Solex or twin Weber carbs, and given a number of other Alpina parts, whose sum total was an impressive 230bhp. This allowed the ‘Bayerische Bastard’ to reach 60mph from rest in just 6.9 seconds on its way towards a top speed of 140mph. By contrast, the M535i – which arrived five years later – took 7.5 seconds to reach 60mph, and amassed 218bhp.

Bespoke Bavarian tailoring

Other improvements included Alpina-Bilstein suspension, brakes, plus tailor-made wheels, interior components and a bodykit – and, of course, the distinctive contrast-colour graphics from which BMW clearly took inspiration when putting the finishing touches to the M535i. In total, only 11 examples of the B2 were built before the 300bhp B7 Turbo took the mantle – but considering its rounded package, pioneering spirit and the obvious respect it commanded in Bavaria and beyond, it can stake a genuine claim to being the original super-saloon.

Photos: © Frederic Seemann for Classic Driver

The 1986 Alpina B2 seen here was recently sold via Classic Driver dealer DLS Automobile, but you can still find several Alpinas, as well as hundreds of modern and classic BMWs, for sale in the Classic Driver Market.

The road to Le Mans: Pegasus Racing Team Total

At the 2015 Le Mans 24 Hours, Michelin will have 20 partner teams which we will be introducing one by one up to race week. After one refused Le Mans entry and twice being brought in as a late substitute, Pegasus Racing received a formal invitation for this year’s race...

Based near Strasbourg, France, Pegasus Racing was founded in the 1990 when Julien Schell started his career in Formula Ford. The small operation soon expanded to run several cars in single-make championships and the VdeV series.

It turned its attention to the Le Mans Series in 2009 with an LM P2 Courage LC75-AER, but its application to race at Le Mans was turned down by the ACO.

In 2010, it applied again, this time with a Norma-Judd (LM P2). It was named first reserve and got a slot in the 24-hour classic when Dome withdrew. The adventure ended in gearbox failure after just 40 laps.

Pegasus Racing turned to a Formula Le Mans programme in 2011 in the hope that it might lead to an entry for Le Mans. However, despite a score of four wins from five, its budget was too tight to contemplate racing at La Sarthe.

It returned in 2014 with a Morgan-Nissan after benefiting from a number of late withdrawals at the end of April. This time, its LM P2 prototype reached the finish, 10^th in class.

This year, Pegasus Racing was on the ACO’s original list of invited teams for the 83^rd Le Mans 24 Hours, again with an LM P2 Morgan-Nissan equipped with Michelin tyres. For the great French race, as well as for a one-off FIA WEC outing in Shanghai, it has been renamed Pegasus Racing Team Total. Young Léo Roussel will team up with former OAK Racing Team Asia drivers Ho-Pin Tung and David Cheng.

Cars entered for the 2015 Le Mans 24 Hours

N°29 Morgan-Nissan (LM P2): Léo Roussel / Ho-Pin Tung / David Cheng

Le Mans record

2010: retired, Norma-Judd LM P2 (Schell/Da Rocha/Zollinger)

2014: 10^th LM P2, Morgan-Nissan (Schell/Raffin/Leutviler)

The road to Le Mans: Aston Martin Racing

Aux 24 Heures du Mans 2015, Michelin est partenaire de 20 teams que nous présenterons jusqu’au début de la semaine mancelle. Avec cinq Vantage V8 engagées au Mans cette année, Aston Martin Racing est l’une des équipes les plus représentées.

Malgré son illustre passé en sport automobile et notamment aux 24 Heures du Mans – victoire en 1959 – Aston Martin n’a créé son entité sportive qu’en 2005. Cette année-là, Aston Martin Racing a remporté la catégorie GT1 aux 12 Heures de Sebring avec une DBR9/Michelin.

En 2007, 48 ans après son dernier succès, Aston Martin Racing a remporté la catégorie GT1 aux 24 Heures du Mans – 5^e du général - avec Turner/Rydell/Brabham. Aston Martin Racing a de nouveau triomphé dans la Sarthe l’année suivante (Brabham/Garcia/Turner) avant de se lancer dans un programme LM P1 en 2009.

C’est avec des Lola B09/60-Aston Martin V12 que la marque britannique a disputé la campagne d’Endurance 2009. En LMS, grâce à deux victoires de Charouz/Enge/Mücke (Barcelone, Nürburgring), Aston Martin Racing a décroché les titres Teams et Pilotes. Au Mans, la Lola B09/60-Aston Martin de ce même trio a terminé à la 4^e place du général, la seconde voiture (Davidson/Turner/Verstappen) ayant fini 13^e.

Après une nouvelle place d’honneur au Mans en 2010 (6^e, Primat/Mücke/Fernandez) et une cruel échec en 2011 avec ses nouvelles AMR-One, Aston Martin Racing est de retour en catégorie LM GTE Pro en 2012 pour disputer le Championnat du monde d’Endurance FIA WEC avec ses nouvelles Vantage V8. Parallèlement, AMR engage des Vantage V12 GT3 officielles aux 24 Heures du Nürburgring.

En trois saisons mondiales, Aston Martin Racing a signé 12 pole positions et remporté 21 victoires LM GTE Pro et Am confondues. Mais deux seuls titres Pilotes LM GTE Am en 2013 et 2014 sont venus récompenser la domination des Vantage V8 sur la piste.

Aux 24 Heures du Mans, Aston Martin Racing a terminé 3^e LM GTE Pro en 2012 et 2013 et remporté la catégorie LM GTE Am l’an passé. Avec trois voitures engagées en Pro et deux en Am cette année, Aston Martin Racing a pour objectif de remporter les deux catégories.

L’équipe dirigée par David Richards a confirmé poursuivre le développement de sa Vantage en 2016 et travailler déjà sur sa remplaçante pour 2018.

At the 2015 Le Mans 24 Hours, Michelin will have 20 partner teams which we will be introducing one by one up to race week. With five Vantage V8s entered for this year’s race, Aston Martin Racing will be one of the biggest contingents.

Despite its illustrious racing record, notably at Le Mans (victory in 1959), Aston Martin only opened a factory team in 2005 when Aston Martin Racing (AMR) won the GT1 class at Sebring with a DBR9/Michelin.

Two years later, it won the same class at Le Mans when Turner/Rydell/Brabham came fifth overall with Turner/Rydell/Brabham. AMR claimed another victory in 2008 (Brabham/Garcia/Turner) before turning its attention to an LM P1 prototype programme in 2009.

That year’s endurance racing season saw the British operation run an Aston Martin V12-engined Lola B09/60. Le Mans Series success for Charouz/Enge/Mücke at Barcelona and the Nürburgring helped AMR to the Teams’ and Drivers’ crowns. At Le Mans, the same trio came fourth overall, while the similar car of Davidson/Turner/Verstappen was 13^th.

The 2010 visit to Le Mans harvested sixth place for Primat/Mücke/Fernandez but the new AMR-Ones had a disastrous time in La Sarthe in 2011. That prompted the team to return to LM GTE Pro class for the 2012 FIA World Endurance Championship with the new Vantage V8. A parallel programme saw factory Vantage V12 GT3s contest the Nürburgring 24 Hours.

Since the WEC’s creation, Aston Martin Racing has notched up 12 pole positions and 21 class victories (LM GTE Pro and Am). Its only titles so far, however, have been LM GTE Am Drivers’ crowns in 2013 and 2014.

At Le Mans, AMR came third in LM GTE Pro in 2012 and 2013 before claiming the LM GTE Am spoils 12 months ago. This June, the team will have three and two cars in the Pro and Am classes respectively in an attempt to win both.

The David Richards-led operation will continue to develop the Vantage in 2016 but is already working on a replacement due in 2018.

Cars entered for the 2015 Le Mans 24 Hours

N°95 Aston Martin Vantage V8 (LM GTE Pro): Marco Sorensen / Nicki Thiim / Christoffer Nygaard

N°97 Aston Martin Vantage V8 (LM GTE Pro): Darren Turner / Stefan Mücke / Rob Bell

N°99 Aston Martin Vantage V8 (LM GTE Pro): Fernando Rees / Alex MacDowall / Richie Stanaway

N°96 Aston Martin Vantage V8 (LM GTE Am): Roald Goethe / Stuart Hall / Francesco Castellacci

N°98 Aston Martin Vantage V8 (LM GTE Am): Paul Dalla Lana / Pedro Lamy / Mathias Lauda

Le Mans record

1959: 1^st, Aston Martin DBR1 (Shelby/Salvadori)

2007: 1^st LM GT1, Aston Martin DBR9 (Brabham/Turner/Rydell)

2008: 1^st LM GT1, Aston Martin DBR9 (Brabham/Turner/Garcia)

2009: 4^th LM P1, Lola B09/60-Aston Martin (Charouz/Enge/Mücke)

2010: 6^th LM P1, Lola B09/60-Aston Martin (Primat/Mücke/Fernandez)

2012: 3^rd LM GTE Pro, Aston Martin Vantage V8 (Mücke/Fernandez/Turner)

2013: 3^rd LM GTE Pro, Aston Martin Vantage V8 (Mücke/Turner/Dumbreck)

2014: 1^st LM GTE Am, Aston Martin Vantage V8 (Heinemeier-Hansson/Poulsen/Thiim)

DISSIDENT: A NEW YAMAHA YARD BUILT XJR1300

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Three years ago, Yamaha Europe kicked off its Yard Built program with the Wrenchmonkees’ stunning ‘Monkeefist’ XJR1300. Since then, we’ve seen a steady stream of killer customs from some of Europe’s best builders, including Deus, Benders, Marcus Walz and JvB-moto.

And now we have ‘Dissident,’ a super-streamlined XJR1300 from the Portuguese builders with the weird name, it roCkS!bikes. Osvaldo and Alexandre are familiar with the XJR series, and to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the iconic street bruiser, they’ve delivered one of the best custom XJRs yet.

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Choosing the Porto-based workshop was a gamble on the part of Yamaha’s product manager Shun Miyazawa. But it’s paid off. “It roCkS!bikes were high on the list of builders we wanted to work with,” he says.

“Their experience working on the 1200 and 1300 models shows: they can build stunning customs without losing the heart of the original.”

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As with all Yard Built bikes, the brief was to modify the machine without cutting or welding: showing how far a ‘plug and play’ solution can transform the look of the XJR1300.

Osvaldo and Alexandre are civil engineers by day, and their engineering skills are plain to see. Their bikes all have ‘monocoque’ one-piece tank and seat/tail units, requiring precision and attention to detail.

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On Dissident, the handcrafted metal flows in one unit—stretching from behind the triple clamps all the way to the tail, which conceals recessed LED lighting.

Suspension dynamics have been upgraded with YZF-R1 forks, modified to fit the XJR1300 steering column. Motogadget supplied the bar-end turn signals, plus a hi-tech Motoscope dashboard—which is mounted on a custom CNC-machined aluminium bracket, and protected by a hand-fabricated bikini fairing. The clip-on bars, grips, rearsets and pegs are all from LSL.

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There’s also a complete new braking system from the Swedish masters ISR, connected with Hell Performance hoses. That includes new master cylinders and monster 340mm dual discs up front, with six-piston calipers to apply extreme force. The wheels are 17-inch tubeless Kineo spoked rims, shod with Pirelli Angel GT sport touring rubber.

On top of the tank is an aluminum Monza-style gas cap, and just behind it is an unusual ‘medallion’ featuring Yamaha’s tuning fork symbol. The hand-made leather seat is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, and clips into the one-piece monocoque in true café racer style.

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On both sides of the engine, the covers are lightweight aluminium items with glass windows to reveal the engine internals. There’s a compact oil cooler to keep temperatures down, and a seamless custom 4-into-2 stainless exhaust system to raise the blood pressure.

The paint job bucks the current trend for minimalism, and we’re all for it. It’s a sublime reinterpretation of the classic Yamaha colours of the 70s and 80s, with pearl white, black and gold—and of course, the legendary speed blocks.

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It roCkS!bikes are making small production runs of all the pieces used on this machine, which is good news for XJR1300 owners. Contact them via their Facebook page for details, and if you need to see the bike in the metal before handing over the cash, head over to the Bike Shed London event this weekend.

Yamaha Motor Europe | Yard Built Facebook

via BIKEexif