HOREX VR6 CLASSIC : New retro-styled Classic is based on the six-cylinder Roadster.

By Bruno dePrato

Horex has expanded its model line with the addition of the VR6 Classic, a variation of the current VR6 Roadster. The new machine features a number of styling and graphic touches intended to create a visual connection with the traditional image of the top-class bikes that Horex produced until the late 1950s, the most prestigious being the Imperator, an elegant-looking 500cc parallel-Twin.

The VR6 Classic brings back traditional Horex metallic red and related striping, plus retro-looking, but state-of-the-art, Kineo wire-spoked wheels and a nicely contoured, double-stitched seat. The rest of the chassis remains unchanged: an inverted 48mm WP fork, a 24-degree steering-head angle with 3.7 inches of trail, a Sachs shock working in conjunction with a single-sided swingarm, and a 59.3-inch wheelbase. Only the front brake system—a mix of radial-mount Brembo calipers and 320mm stainless steel Braking rotors, which don’t look very “classic”—departs from the original. Claimed dry weight is 549 pounds.

For the Classic, the triple-overhead-cam, three-radial-valves-per-cylinder, 1.2-liter, 15-degree V-Six has been detuned to 126 horsepower at a moderate 8500 rpm, with 88.5 foot-pounds of peak torque coming at 7000 rpm. To deliver this level of very smooth power, the VR6 has a compression ratio of 12.5:1, breathing through six 34mm throttle bodies and using a new six-into-two exhaust system.

 

Horex VR6 Classic

 

Compared with October, 2010, when the Horex project was launched, and December, 2011, when the production version of the VR6 Roadster was unveiled, the power level of this “Classic” is drastically reduced. In original form, supercharged by a centrifugal blower, the VR6 was expected to produce a cool 200 hp. Then, for the naturally aspirated Roadster, peak power was a still-respectable 161 hp.

No matter how smoothly it is delivered, is 126 horsepower worth the complexity of a triple-cam, 15-degree V-Six capped by a single cylinder head? Keeping the conversation within German borders, BMW makes almost the same performance with just two cylinders and does it smoothly, too.

 

View images in photo gallery:

MERCEDES-BENZ SLR MCLAREN ROADSTER LHD

Vintage Motorcycle BSA Sloper 1928

BSA Sloper 1928 is one of the most beautiful pre-war motorcycles, which is surprisingly cheap. The model of the BSA Sloper appeared on the market in 1927. The name of the bike was a bit of an unusual angle of the engine, as in those years, most engines are set or vertically, or V-shaped. In fact, the model BSA Sloper has become an example for many other manufacturers that have adopted the geometry of the location of the engine.

Motorcycle BSA Sloper is different from low center of gravity and therefore, it has a good controllability. The model was produced until 1935 with virtually no major changes, but popular among motorcyclists who appreciate the convenience and comfort of the bike. Shown in the photographs 557-cc motorcycle BSA Sloper 1928 that was exhibited at the Brooklands Museum in 1998. On September 7, it will be sold at auction “National Motor Museum Collectors’ Motorcycles” (Bonhams). Estimated cost of this motorcycle is $7,000-7,800.

from BIKEGLAM

On track with Unit 56: Private test days for the discerning

Riding something different on the public road is certainly satisfying. There comes a time, though, when rarities from early 70s road-racing need exercising on a race track. If that appeals, and you want to be part of the ‘right crowd, no Day-Glo leathers’ set, give Larry Preston-Smith a call...

Late last month, Preston-Smith, of classic bike specialist Unit 56, took a few bikes down to the Llandow circuit near Cardiff, which he hired for the day. It’s set in beautiful countryside not far from the coast, and offers entertainment for novice and experienced rider alike.

This was the first of a what’s set to be a regular series of private days organised by the ever-affable Preston-Smith, a man with Enjoyment and Fun uppermost in his mind. Seen at Llandow were Preston-Smith’s own big Yamaha FZR1000 EXUP in ‘Kenny Roberts’ colours, Mike Gauntlett riding the company’s customised 1983 BMW Motorcycles K100 and friends from far and wide. Also seen that day were machines as varied as a 500cc Manx Norton, one that won on the Isle of Man in 1961, a Harris Kawasaki and an Egli-Honda.

It was fast and friendly and, most of all, FUN.

If you fancy taking to the track, you’ll do yourself a favour and give Larry a call to find out when the next day is booked. And, of course, Unit 56 has many machines for sale in the Classic Driver Market.