Well, as you can see, the CBR is all back together and today I did the final buffing and applied the logos and rear number plates. The color match is just about spot on and is easily as good as factory panels. The bike looks great and the flat black on the orange is perfect. We still need to put the HONDA’s on the lower belly but that will have to wait until the lowers are off the bike. If you need logos or number plates, www.Tapeworks.com is where you want to go- they can cut you most anything. Here are a few pictures…

painted mid panel on original tank

I just finished painting all of the panels- except the tank cover- on an 08 CBR600RR Pearl Fire Orange. This is an almost impossible color to match since it is a tri-coat with a base, mid and clear. Since I had no idea where to start, we decided to go ahead and spend the big money on ColorRite’s paint. The results are pretty good. The shade and brightness of the orange is very good, but the size and clarity of the metallic flake is not quite right. Since I had the original tank cover to compare with, it was pretty easy to see that the original paint has more of a bass boat look- the metallic is bigger. The ColorRite paint is more of a pearl. In the bright sun, they look very close but indoors, you can see the difference. Still, this is probably as good as you will get with a pre-mixed formula. Here are a few other observations-

1) The 86.00 1/2 pint base coat is just plain white. I was so mad when I saw this. Next time I need to use this color, I will just use a regular white base and save a lot of money.

2) The Orange Pearl top coat took 5 coats to get the right shade. That’s crazy. Why they didn’t tint the 86.00 base coat a bit is beyond me. I guess they just need to sell more paint.

3) They are not kidding when they tell you to do spray out panels. This is critical to getting the correct shade. See the pictures for the test panel. You will not get a decent match without test panels.

4) If you want a close color, get a pint of PPG hot licks orange. It is basically a very bright Harley orange. Then get a half pint of the ColorRite orange and use it as a mist top coat for the metallic. You could also put some of it in the clear to add some 3D depth like the original paint has.

spray out test panel on original tank

close up comparison

The study also finds that motorcycle build quality improves to 122 problems per 100 motorcycles (PP100) from an average of 133 PP100 in 2010. One-half of owners say they have experienced zero problems with their new motorcycle, and among these owners, satisfaction with build quality averages 963. However, among owners who say they experienced two problems with their motorcycle, satisfaction with build quality declines considerably to an average 871.

Among the five problem categories examined in the study, problems with engines account for the greatest proportion of problems experienced (27%), although the incidence of engine-related problems has improved slightly in 2011—a decline of 5 PP100 from 2010. Problems with excessive heat from engine, unusual engine noises, and excessive engine vibration account for 51 percent of all engine-related problems reported.

Issues with fit/finish comprise the second-largest proportion of problems, followed by problems with braking/ride.

“The increase in overall satisfaction and the improvements in five of the six factors are very positive news for the industry, which is still trying to fully recover from the blow the economy has delivered in recent years,” said Brent Gruber, senior manager of the powersports and commercial vehicle practice at J.D. Power and Associates. “Improving the quality of motorcycles, as well as the sales and service experience, certainly positions the manufacturers and their dealerships well for market recovery.”

You can read the entire article here-

2010 Street Triple R side

2012 MV Agusta Brutale 675

BRUTALE 675 THE NEW MV AGUSTA FOR EVERYONE

With the introduction of the Brutale line, MV Agusta has created the reference point of the large displacement naked category offering a product with a truly unique desing and superbike level performance.

Today, the Brutale family is about to grow with the introduction of a completely new model that is destined to become the reference in the middle-weight category.

The Brutale 675 is born, a bike that pays tribute to the advant guard styling of the original Brutale and offering performance never before available in this market segment.
The incredibly refined mechanical design has been matched with an ultra-technological chassis makes the new Brutale 675 a guaranteed success.

An innovative project, exclusive while at the same time accessible to all passionate motorcyclists with various levels of experience. This motorcycle is capable of satisfying even the most demanding riders as well as those that are new to the sport. From street to track, the MV Agusta Brutale 675 is able to take on any situation in stride and offer the pleasure, excitement and emotion that is typically MV.

Light, agile and power above and beyond that offered by the competition, the MV Agusta Brutale has a revolutionary engine that is the most advanced in the middle-weight segment. The new in-line three cylinder power plant is derived directly from the F3 and sets new records for compactness and the application of technical solutions only previously seen on MotoGp motorcycles such as advanced electronics with the MVICS (Motor & Vehicle Integrated Control System), a system that integrates the Full Ride By Wire throttle control with integral multi-maps for the engine and traction control. Power output is a staggering 115 hp at 12.500 rpm and a torque curve that is more similar to a liter bike rather than a supersport.

The chassis, as is the MV Agusta tradition, is without rivals in this category. The frame is a mix of steel tubing and aluminum components that offers a level of rigidity that is destined to make it the reference in its class.

At only 163 kg dry, the MV Agusta Brutale 675 can satisfy even the most demanding of riders. The extremely light weight coupled with the high power output of the engine will allow the Brutale 675 to accompany new riders from the beginning of their adventure on two wheels all the way to the peak of their riding capabilities.

In detail, the principle characteristics of the MV Agusta Brutale 675 are:
• Ultra-compact three cylinder engine with counter-rotating crankshaft
• Electronic technology: MVICS (Motor & Vehicle Integrated Control System)
• Traction control with 8 levels of adjustment
• Frame with a mixture of steel and aluminum components
• Single-sided rear swingarm with a Sachs rear shock
• 43mm upside-down front forks
• Racing brakes with radial calipers

DESIGN
As with all MV Agusta products, the Brutale 675 is characterized with a truly unique style where even the smallest detail was fretted over. For and function come together to create perfection.
The integration of the fuel tank, seat and tail section is a fulcrum of the design of the Brutale 675 and demonstrates the extreme compactness of the bike. The rider becomes an integrated component of the bike, perfectly inserted into the ultra-short and agile chassis with the narrowest mid-section ever seen on a production supersport that allow all riders to easily place their feet securely on the ground. These details help the rider to immediately become one with the motorcycle and develop the perfect feeling between the Brutale 675 and the pilot. The bike immediately gives the impression that the rider has always ridden this bike as the ergonomics are in perfect harmony with the rider. The tail-section is extremely compact, the headlight is classic Brutale and the digital dashboard all contribute to making the MV Agusta Brutale 675 exceptionally unique.

ENGINE
The in-line 675cc three cylinder engine, which made its debut in the supersport F3, finds an ideal position within the Brutale 675 after receiving a number of modifications that adapts it perfectly to sport/street use that typifies the Brutale.
The engine is incredibly narrow and shorter than any of its competitors thanks to a unique layout of the internal components. With a large 79mm bore and an ultra-short 45,9mm stroke, the three cylinder MV Agusta is a power plant with an extremely oversquare layout that allows it to rev to previously unheard of levels.

The Brutale 675 has a maximum power of 115 hp at 12.500 rpm and 71 Nm of torque at 10.600 rpm, but even more important is the huge spread of power and torque throughout the entire rev range and the over-rev after max power that allow the rider to hold a gear even longer if required. Even more important than the peak power is the fact that it is very linear and controllable in all situations. Thanks to this configuration, the three cylinder is an engine capable of taking on city traffic as well as screaming up your favorite mountain road.
As with the F3, the Brutale 675 utilizes a counter-rotating crankshaft which has only been seen on MotoGp motorcycles, this important design feature helps the Brutale reach previously unreached levels of dynamic balance and ease of handling.

The compact dimensions and reduced weight of the engine place it at the top of the naked category and make the MV Agusta Brutale 675 truly unique, destined to become a milestone thanks to the technical solutions incorporated such as the closed deck shell mold cast crankcase with integrated cylinders and the MVICS. Another important detail is the fact that the oil and water pumps and circuits have been completely integrated into the crankcases which has a big impact on efficiency and the clean lines that are fundamental on a naked bike. Brutale 675, the most powerful Italian three cylinder ever.

ELECTRONICS
The most advanced electronic engine control system ever seen on a middle-weight naked has been designed specifically for this extraordinary new three cylinder. A system of fuel injection that is extremely sophisticated with a 47mm throttle body for perfect combustion at all rpm’s. The MVICS system that allows the engine to unleash a record level of power and control in every situation. The rider can select one of the 4 maps available, or customize an additional map to obtain the power delivery desired. With the MVICS system it was possible to generate a perfect harmony between the power delivery and the traction control which offers 8 levels of adjustment and is accessible through the input on the left handlebar and dashboard interface.

FRAME
The Brutale 675 confirms the fact that MV Agusta is always capable of developing an extremely easy and intuitive chassis while at the same time offering the maximum performance. The upper section is fabricated from steel tubes and connected to the aluminum side plates which mate with the engine. The realization of all new MV Agusta models is a synergy between the work of the chassis and engine designers. The ultra-short engine allowed the chassis designers to develop an extremely short and agile bike mated with a long single-sided swingarm that helps put the power to the ground.

SUSPENSION
The optimum performance of the suspension was a very important point during the development of the Brutale 675. Even a “simple” naked motorcycle needs to have the best that the market offers in terms of suspension performance. The 43mm upside-down front forks offer feedback that leads the competition and allow the rider to easily take on even the most challenging city streets or tortuous mountain roads with confidence. The rear suspension works through a progressive linkage and has adjustable spring pre-load with 123mm of rear wheel travel.

BRAKES
The best technology currently available is utilized on the MV Agusta Brutale 675, including Brembo radial calipers and Nissin master cylinders with integrated reservoirs underlining the supersport intentions of the project. The 320mm front disks are the same as those employed on the F3 and offer incredible stopping power that is also completely controllable in all situations.

The new BRUTALE 675 will be presented at the 2011 EICMA (stand P30 – Hall 2) and will be available from authorized dealers starting in march 2012. It will be available in 3 color combinations: Red/Silver, Pearl White/Matt Gold and Matt Magno Grey/Matt Antrhrocite for 8.990€ (Every country could have a price variation due to local import duties and taxes).

Some of the custom stuff was amazing and NCR Ducati had a bunch of exotic stuff there along with lots of vintage Ducs.

Check out the gallery of photos…

Schwantz's Norton

Barber always puts on an excellent event and the weather is going to be outstanding, so don’t miss it!

Vintage Truimph

SV tank painted

The 07 SV650 restoration project is coming along- slowly. But, the painting is done and it is a slightly darker shade with a touch of purple or magenta in it. Here a few pictures- the headlight bucket and rim look awesome when they are painted on an SV. It really gives the bike a custom look without spending much money at all. I have striped a bunch of these SV’s but I chose not to on this bike. I am sort of wishing I had done the Suzuki “S” on the tank in black instead of white, but it still looks really good.

Munich. As a globally successful carmaker within the premium segment, the BMW Group attaches the utmost importance to advanced technology in all sectors of automotive manufacturing. Exclusive innovations and technological leaps secure BMW’s lead amongst the competition. In the field of exterior vehicle lights, BMW also leads the way for example with full LED headlamps for the BMW 6 Series and with new developments such as the “Anti-dazzle High- Beam Assistant”, as well as with “Dynamic Light Spot”. The term “Dynamic Light Spot” stands for a marker light system that automatically illuminates pedestrians in good time, thereby guiding the driver’s attention.

After LED technology, laser light is the next logical step in car light development. BMW engineers are currently already working on the introduction of laser light as a further pioneering technology for series production within a few years. Laser light could then facilitate entirely new light functions for even more safety and comfort and at the same time contribute significantly through its higher degree of efficiency towards a saving in energy and fuel respectively.

Laser light produces virtually parallel light beams.
By definition, laser lighting is radically different from sunlight, and also from the various types of artificial lighting in common use today. For a start, laser lighting is monochromatic, which means that the light waves all have the same length. And it is also what is known as a “coherent” light source, which means that its waves have a constant phase difference. As a result, laser lighting can produce a near-parallel beam with an intensity a thousand times greater than that of conventional LEDs. In vehicle headlights, these characteristics can be used to implement entirely new functions. Also, the high inherent efficiency of laser lighting means that laser headlights have less than half the energy consumption of LED headlights. Simply put, laser headlights save fuel.