DAS TRAUMWERK’S “THE CRUNCH”

Most bike builders try to make their machines as squeaky clean as possible. If a build looks ‘factory fresh,’ it’s a job well done.

But Alex Ahrer and Herwig Prammer beg to differ. They buried the tank of this replica boardtracker on a sheep farm for three months, to get a thoroughly rusted effect. And then they painted the entire engine in retina-searing Sulfur Yellow—the color beloved of artists from Van Gogh to Mondrian. (And known to paint shops as RAL 1016.)

These are not the actions of logical people, so we had to investigate further. It turns out that Ahrer and Prammer are two friends from Upper Austria, and they run a garage called Das Traumwerk (‘The Dream Factory’). They’re helped by the town blacksmith, a multitude of local petrolheads, and a retired Austrian 600cc champion. And they like old bikes that wear their patina with pride.

This one’s called ‘The Crunch’ and it started life as a 1977 BMW R80/7. “It’s dedicated to the legendary board-track racers from the early twentieth century,” says Herwig. “Riders who risked their necks at speeds of up to 120 mph—without brakes.”

It’s an odd concept, turning a 1970s airhead into a boardtracker. But Austrians do have a somewhat subversive sense of humor—which they call Schmäh—and we’re prepared to give top marks for originality.

There are some neat period touches: the seat is an accurate replica of the Mesinger Racer, used on many American bikes between the wars. The curve of the bars is authentic, and so are the grips and the British-style levers.

Other parts were raided from the dusty cellar of an agricultural machinery warehouse, including Bakelite switchgear. The rear light is from a vintage Steyr Tractor and the front fender is from a wrecked Harley Sportster.

Most impressively, The Crunch is fully road-legal. And that’s no mean feat—Austria’s laws are similar to Germany’s famously strict TÜV inspections.

I’m sure eyebrows were raised when The Crunch rumbled into the garage to claim itsTypenschein. “The bike does attract attention,” says Herwig, “but that’s often because of the sound—which recalls bikes from Milwaukee, rather than an old BMW.”

Das Traumwerk’s other builds are a little more conventional. Find them here.

via BIKEexif

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Misano, prochaine étape de la saison MotoGP™ 2014 / Passionate crowds await MotoGP™ at Misano

Le Championnat du Monde MotoGP™ se rend au Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli cette semaine pour la treizième manche de la saison, le Grand Prix TIM de Saint-Marin et de la Riviera di Rimini.

Avant de se rendre sur la côte de Rimini, Marc Márquez, le leader du classement général et Champion du Monde en titre, avait renoué avec la victoire à Silverstone, signant son onzième succès en douze courses cette année et se relançant immédiatement au sommet après sa quatrième place de Brno.

Le pilote du team Repsol Honda égalait en Grande-Bretagne le record du plus grand nombre de victoires obtenues en une saison en MotoGP™ 4-temps, établi puis réédité par Valentino Rossi en 2002 et 2005. Une autre victoire de Márquez ce week-end à Misano, où il avait fini deuxième l’an dernier, lui permettrait d’égaler le record absolu en catégorie reine, que détient actuellement Mick Doohan (1997).

Une victoire à Misano permettrait aussi à Márquez de se rapprocher encore un peu plus de son second titre MotoGP™ et de la possibilité de le remporter dès la manche suivante, devant le public espagnol, au MotorLand Aragón.

Seul autre pilote à s’être imposé cette année, son coéquipier Dani Pedrosa n’a fini qu’en quatrième position à Silverstone après sa victoire de Brno et voudra revenir sur le podium ce week-end, en battant si possible Márquez mais aussi Valentino Rossi (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP), sur qui il ne compte que dix points d’avance. 

Troisième à Silverstone, Rossi totalise maintenant 4987 points sur l’ensemble de sa carrière en Grand Prix et pourrait devenir le premier pilote de l’histoire à atteindre les 5000 points en finissant dans les quatre premiers chez lui à Misano, où il est assuré de compter sur le soutien massif du public local.

Son coéquipier Jorge Lorenzo (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) est, avec quatre victoires (250cc en 2007 et MotoGP™ en 2011, 2012 et 2013), le pilote qui dispose du meilleur palmarès à Misano depuis le retour du circuit sur le calendrier des Grands Prix en 2007 et tentera une fois de plus ce week-end de s’imposer pour la première fois de l’année.

A domicile, Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati) comptera de nombreux fans dans les tribunes, à l'instar d'Andrea Iannone (Pramac Racing), et essayera de se battre aux avant-postes après avoir démontré une certaine progression à Silverstone et fini à moins de dix secondes du vainqueur tandis que son coéquipier Cal Crutchlow cherchera de nouveau à renouer avec la compétitivité.

Leon Camier aura quant à lui l’opportunité de participer à un quatrième Grand Prix avec Drive M7 Aspar en raison de la convalescence prolongée de Nicky Hayden. 

The MotoGP™ World Championship heads to the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli for round 13 of the championship this weekend - the Gran Premio TIM di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini.

As one of the most colourful events on the calendar, the visit to Misano always produces a fantastic atmosphere with the passionate and vociferous crowd supporting the World Championship’s numerous Italian competitors as they battle for victory.

Ahead of the visit to the Rimini coast, the win by World Champion and runaway standings leader Marc Marquez at Silverstone was the 11th time this year he has stood on the top step of the podium.

That triumph matched the record of MotoGP victories in a single season that was achieved by Valentino Rossi in both the 2002 and 2005 seasons. Another win for Marquez this year and he will equal the all-time record for most wins in the premier-class in a single season, currently held by Mick Doohan from 1997.

Furthermore, victory for Marquez at Misano would edge him closer to retaining his title, with a distinct possibility that the remarkable young Spanish rider could secure the 2014 championship crown in front of his home fans at the following round at MotorLand Aragon.

Looking to stop Marquez again, as the only other rider to have a won a premier class race this season, his Repsol Honda teammate Dani Pedrosa was off the podium in fourth place last time out at Silverstone – unable to repeat his Brno heroics.

Meanwhile, following his third place finish at Silverstone, Valentino Rossi has now scored a total of 4987 points across all classes during his Grand Prix career.  If he finishes in fourth place or higher at Misano - his home track - Rossi will become the first rider ever to reach the milestone of 5000 career points in GP racing.

The most successful rider at Misano since racing returned to the circuit in 2007 is Rossi’s Movistar Yamaha MotoGP teammate Jorge Lorenzo, with four victories: the 250cc GP in 2007 and in MotoGP for the last three years. Lorenzo had a great battle with Marquez at the British Grand Prix and will be determined to register his first victory of the year at the Italian circuit this weekend.

As an Italian rider on an Italian machine Andrea Dovizioso is sure to be given great support at Misano as he continues his hard work with the Ducati Team, whilst his teammate Cal Crutchlow will also be aiming for a good result. Between the Brno and Silverstone rounds Ducati tested at Misano, with Andrea Iannone of the Pramac Racing Team also present, meaning they will have plenty of relevant data available.

Elsewhere, Leon Camier is set to make a fourth consecutive substitute appearance for the Drive M7 Aspar team in place of the recuperating Nicky Hayden. Camier just missed out on the points in 16^th place at his home round at Silverstone and will relish another chance to race at the top level.

Range Rover Evoque gains Prestige Lux kit from Kahn Design

Costs 39,875 GBP

British specialists from Kahn Design have released a customization package for the five-door Range Rover Evoque.

The Evoque is perhaps one of the most stylish crossovers available right now but that didn't stop Kahn Design from developing a personalization program for a five-door version built in 2012 and equipped with the 190 bhp 2.2-liter SD4 engine. It's actually an evolution of their RS250 kit and has received 20-inch matt gun metal alloys and a different rear bumper incorporating a glossy black diffuser.

There's also a centrally-positioned dual crosshair exhaust setup, piano black vented rear fenders, vertical strips of LED daytime running lights and a revised front grille with a 3D mesh look. The changes continue on the inside where there are stainless steel door sill plates, diamond gear selector and a carbon center console fascia. Kahn also installed machined aluminum foot pedals, surround camera system and a panoramic glass sunroof.

This particular Range Rover Evoque with all the modifications can be had for 39,875 GBP.

Visit the source link below to find out all upgrades.

Source: Kahn Design via kahndesign.com

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