Motorcycles

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Andrew Nabors – October 25, 2019

Ducati Unveils Streetfighter V4

"All that is complex is not useful, all things that are useful are simple." General Mikhail Kalashnikov was a brilliant inventor who engineered the AK-47 to be one of the world's most reliable weapons. It seems as if someone in Bologna, Italy had the same idea, as Ducati has unveiled the Streetfighter V4. Essentially a naked version of their famous Panigale, the Streetfighter shares many styling cues with the latest Lamborghinis. It might be coincidental that Claudio Domenicali is the boss of Ducati while Stefano Domenicali is the CEO at Lamborghini. In fact, Lamborghini owns Ducati outright, so your 2-wheeled Aventador has arrived. Browse All Ducati For Sale Taking minimalism to the extreme, only a few parts are shared with its predecessor. With a dry weight of only 397 lbs, it sends 208 horsepower and 90.4 lb-ft of torque to the rear tire. The engine is a 1,103cc with its trademark Desmodromic top end. Click the button above to find our Ducati dealer near you, and ride safe! " width="680">

By Edward Jones – May 20, 2019

Configure Your Own NMOTO Nostalgia Motorcycle

Each NMOTO Nostalgia motorcycle that's created is designed to pay homage to the BMW R7 pre-way prototype, the classic bike which was the inspiration for the Nostalgia. Just because these new motorcycles are purposefully designed, doesn't mean that customers can't customize theirs. For that, NMOTO has an in-depth configurator. Many people are hopping in line to get one of these Nostalgias, like Billy Joel who stopped by NMOTO's headquarters to get fitted for his bike. Check out the steps of the configurator by scrolling below and get started on building your next bike. Click Here for the NMOTO Nostalgia Configurator Step 1. Paint There are 11 options here, each of the quite different from each other. I chose midnight blue because I thought it'd be fitting for a bike with a BMW badge. Step 2. Wheel Type Here there are two options, cast aluminum and spoked. Spoked costs a little bit more, but the result is a very vintage look. Step 3. Wheel Color Again, NMOTO is providing a good lists of paint colors but this time for wheels. It may be unconventional, but I love the way the desert paint looks against the blue. Step 4. Leather Color I continued the dark brown color from the wheels onto the leather with the dark beige Ferrari Nappa pick. Step 5. Leather Stitching You can either opt for diamond stitching or straight stitching, which will change how both the seats and grips look. I, for one, am a fan of diamond stitching. Step 6. Steering Bar Here's where you get to decide how you'll be driving the bike, thanks to these two options. The Vintage bar is a bit more narrow, while the Nostalgia bar is wider. Step 7. Footrest Type From your hands to your feet, you get to pick out how you'll be driving. While I do love the look of the Factory footrest, the Vintage footrest provides plenty of space. Step 8. Summary From here, you'll be able to either share your NMOTO Nostalgia or send it to NMOTO so you can get the build process started. It's as simple as that! Click Here for the NMOTO Nostalgia Configurator

5be00dda8f67b77909a98fec_Curtiss Zeus-11

By Andrew Nabors – April 12, 2019

Curtiss Motorcycles Unveils the Zeus Bobber

Glenn Curtis was a pioneer of American aviation, and the first major rival to the Wright Brothers. Planes were his eventual triumph, but his career began with motorcycles. His engines were groundbreaking, and in 1906 he built a bike around a 4.4L V8. This 40 hp beast reached 136 mph without a transmission. It had so much torque it was direct-driven from the crank to the tire. Seeking to honor his innovations, Curtiss Motorcycles has unveiled the Zeus Bobber. Instead of gasoline, the Zeus is all electric. Using the latest in battery technology, Zeus sends 90 horsepower to the rear tire without a transmission. Much like its V8 ancestor, it has 145 lb-ft of torque at almost all RPM- No shifting required! This American masterpiece combines T6 Aluminum and carbon fiber into an elegant cruiser. CEO Matt Chambers was also the founder of Confederate Motorcycles, but he decided on an electric path and parted ways. If the bobber is too vertical for you, a Zeus Cafe Racer is also in the works. Machined is the standard finish, but the entire bike can be anodized black for a few dollar more. As it is, you will have instant power and 280 miles of range for only $60,000. Their state-of-the-art factory is located in Birmingham, Alabama, and it is loaded with the latest in CNC machines. If you want the latest in 2-wheel technology, click the link below for all the details. Explore Curtiss Motorcycles Related: Curtiss Motorcycles Unveils the Zeus Concept

By Edward Jones – November 08, 2018

Arc, Maker of High-End Electric Motorcycles, Gets Jaguar ...

Arc, a UK-based company, unveiled their first production electric motorcycle at the EICMA 2018. Called the Vector, this electric motorcycle has a carbon fiber monocoque with 120 miles of range on the highway and 200 miles of range with urban use. Arc also note that the bike can be charged in 45 minutes at a quick charge point or at a service station. As for speed, it can run from 0 to 60 mph in around 3.1 seconds and hit a top speed of 120 mph. All of this will cost just over $100,000. These figures were impressive enough to catch the attention of Jaguar Land Rover, who have now invested in the company. According to Arc, JLR's venture capital fund InMotion Ventures has backed the company, along with Mercia Fund Managers and the Midlands Engine Investment Fund. Related: Curtiss Motorcycles Unveils the Zeus Concept Replicas for Sale Keanu Reeves Unveils New Motorcycle During The Big Game

By Edward Jones – May 25, 2018

New Ducati Panigale Hyperbike Crushes Audi R8

The new version of the Ducati Panigale has taken the Audi R8 V10 to task thanks to a recent video from Autocar.Right from the start, most know that a hyperbike like the Panigale would be able to smoke most cars out there. But when Autocar raced the Panigale against the base R8 V10, the results were pretty interesting.Ferrari 488 GTB vs McLaren 570S vs Audi R8 V10 PlusAs far as specs go, the bike comes in with 211 bhp @ 13,000rpm, 91.5 lb-ft of torque @ 10,000rpm and a curb weight of 436.5 lbs. Opposite of the hyperbike is the R8 V10 that has 540 bhp @7,800rpm, 393 lb-ft @ 6,500rpm and a weight of 3615.5 lbs. Obviously, the R8 has more power, but the power to weight difference is massive.Check out the race by clicking play below and be sure to stick around to see the results. Honestly, the times weren't that far off from each other and this wasn't even the R8 V10 +.

By Andrew Nabors – May 15, 2018

Curtiss Motorcycles Unveils the Zeus Concept

Glenn Curtis was a pioneer of early aviation, and his planes formed the backbone of the Army's Air Corps. But before his business literally took off, he was the fastest person on two wheels. He invented the v-twin motorcycle engine in 1903, and that is why Curtiss Motorcycles is honoring him with their Zeus concept.It is their first concept to wear the Curtiss name, as Confederate chose to retire their brand name. Many of the engineers and machinists are the same folks who built the P51 Combat Fighter and the Hellcat. Invoking the name of Zeus might offend your pagan sensibilities, but the Greek god of thunder and lightning seems appropriate for this high-voltage bike.Glenn Curtis built the world's first V8 motorcycle, and it went 136 mph on the sands of Ormond Beach. So Curtis Motorcycles has dropped a full-size 3-phase AC motor into a chassis of 6061 aerospace aluminum. The drive ratio of the front to rear sprockets will give you an idea of the power they are dealing with. It is rated at 290 lb-ft of torque and 170 horsepower, which will be impressive when channeled to one tire. That is more than some exotic cars for sale, so stay with us for all your Curtiss Motorcycle updates. Exotic Cars For Sale

By Edward Jones – November 06, 2017

MV Agusta Brutale 88 RR Pirelli Edition

Pirelli and MV Agusta have teamed up to create the new Brutale 800 RR Pirelli Edition. This new bike is based on the motorcycle manufacturer's "naked" bike that has a chassis made of a steel tube trellis and aluminum alloy plates. Powering the bike is an 800-cc three-cylinder engine that generates 116 horsepower. Making this bike stand out from the rest of the Brutale models are two different color schemes: matte black with red inserts and grey with blue inserts. Additionally, this bike's saddle was created specifically for it and matches the two color schemes.McLaren 650S for Sale

By Edward Jones – September 28, 2017

Lazareth Wazuma V8M - a V8-Powered Trike

French manufacturer Lazareth has just surprised the world with the new Wazuma V8M, a V8-powered trike.Introduced today, this new trike was inspired by the LM847 that was introduced a year ago. Instead of riding on two wheels, the Wazuma V8M is a trike with two wheels up front and two in the rear that are housed very close together. So, it's technically not a trike, but the appearance definitely is that of one. Koenigsegg Motorcycle Concept Powering the Wazuma V8M is a massive 4.7-liter V8 engine. Alright, so that's not a truly massive engine, it's big when considering it's powering a trike. The engine has 460 horsepower and 520 lb-ft of torque at the ready, an insane amount for a trike. Housing the engine is a body comprised of carbon fiber, leather and Lacantara Lelievre Paris.

By Edward Jones – January 18, 2017

New Ducati Diavel is Devil on Two Wheels

Ducati and Diesel have teamed up to create a limited edition bike that combines "elements from the past and the future." It's being called the Ducati Diavel Diesel.According to a press release from Ducati, the bike will be produced 666 times. "To create the Ducati Diavel Diesel, the two style centers were inspired by a hyperkinetic dynamism of a post-apocalyptic, retro-futuristic world," notes Ducati.The exterior of the bike features a hand-brushed stainless steel superstructure that has "visible welding and rivets". These details along with the leather saddle give the bike an amazing appearance.“It’s an important bike that reflects the rock side of Diesel’s DNA,” explained Andrea Rosso, Creative Director of Diesel Licences. “The wording ‘Never look back’ engraved with the two logos captures the essence of this collaboration: a timeless bike that catches the eye with so many unmistakable details, such as the brushed stainless steel with visible welding and rivets. Ducati, Diavel and Diesel, three words, six letters each, forming 666, the limited number of examples of this new collaboration”.Here's an entire list of features that make this bike a special edition: Tank cover in hand-brushed stainless steel with visible welding and rivets Front cowl and passenger saddle cover with visible welding and rivets Black lateral anodized air intakes with visible welding Lateral air intake covers in red methacrylate with the Diesel logo on the inside Red LCD dashboard Exhaust pipes with black Zircotec ceramic coating Black silencers with ends machined from solid Exclusive design leather saddle with DDD pyramid Numbered plate on frame Matte black front mudguard with DDD pyramid Rear-view mirrors with stem and cup machined from solid Red Brembo front brake callipers Chain with five red links Bike cover and rear stand supplied standard All Ducatis For Sale

By Edward Jones – January 06, 2017

Kawasaki Ninja H2 Obliterates McLaren and Lamborghini

How many times have you been driving on the road in your car and a motorcycle whizzes by you at what seems like a million miles per hour? Here in Florida, at least, it happens all the time. Now imagine that you're racing one of these motorcycles, say a Kawasaki Ninja H2, in your McLaren MP4-12C or Lamborghini Huracan and the superbike just destroys you.(Related - 2000 hp Lamborghini Races Kawasaki Ninja H2 on Highway at 200+ mph)Well, that hypothetical race isn't all too hypothetical because GTBOARD.com filmed this very race and the impending obliteration at the hands of the Kawasaki. Check it out below to see what happens when you line up against the wrong bike. All Lamborghini For Sale | All McLaren For Sale

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