Motorcycles at Bangkok Show
I was fortunate to have Isle of Man
specialist Alan Coates covering the two (and three) wheeled
side of the Bangkok International Motor Show again this
year. The following is his report:
There was an environmentally green theme to the 2009 Bangkok
Motor Show. The motorcycle section could have been renamed
alternatively “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly”!
The regular major manufacturers were present together with
Zongshen Ryuka representing a Chinese interest. Local
representation was by a Thai Tiger and an ever present
Dirtshop. The latter exhibited a Ducati Monster, Triumph
Speed Triple and BMW Adventurer as well as accessories.
For a change, the format of this years report is by category
of product rather than a schedule of models presented by
each manufacturer.
Concept
Honda showed the EVO6 concept machine, designated
as a 6 cylinder, 6 speed automatic Sports Cruiser. The
power-plant has been derived from the Gold Wing model and is
1850 cc capacity with chain drive and twin gas shocks at the
rear. It looks surprisingly small and the exhaust plumbing
(six into three stubs) was a joy to the eye. However, I
suspect that ground clearance on cornering might be
compromised.
Overall, with ABS in place it did look the part. It will be
interesting to see if it follows the successful route from
concept to production relatively un-changed, as did Suzuki’s
B-King machine over a three year period.
Honda EVO6
Autotrivia Quiz
Last week I asked whether you listen to
the radio on the way to work? What was the first British car
to offer such an option? And when? The answer was the
Crossley in 1933.
So to this week, and an easy one. When were curved
windscreens first used?
For the Automania FREE beer this week, be the first correct
answer to email [email protected]
Good luck!
Bummer for Hummer?
GM says a decision on the future of its Hummer
SUV brand will be made within weeks But the US industry says
the decision on whether sell or fold Hummer, which GM
revealed had been “under strategic review” as early as last
June, won’t be known for at least two more weeks.
It is understood the divestment of both Hummer and GM’s
Swedish brand, Saab, were key parts of GM’s survival plan.
The world’s former number-one auto-maker has been given a
further 60 days to come up with a more convincing
restructuring plan by the Obama administration.
“Our efforts to sell Hummer are proceeding and there are
several parties interested - and I would say really
interested - in the brand,” said the GM spokesman. But no
money on the table - yet.
Electric cars can go
the distance
Tesla shows its electric sports car goes the
distance in Rallye Monte Carlo for Alternative Energies.
The American has set an unofficial record for the longest
electric vehicle run with its Roadster. This was the first
round of the FIA Alternative Energies Cup and covered a 390
km drive through France.
With its recharging outlet sealed by officials the Tesla
Roadster was able to cover the course from Valence, France
to Monaco. The course took in highway driving, two-lane back
roads and even mountain passes so speeds varied from 30 km/h
up to 100 km/h.
Aside from toilet stops, the Tesla - driven by Australian
Rudi Tuisk who is a part of the company’s European operation
- the car not only went the entire distance but still had a
further 61 km of range left in the batteries when it reached
the end. Former F1 grand prix winner Heinz-Harald Frentzen
drove the car during the night special stage.
Tesla is now waiting for the FIA authorities to verify the
time and establish it as an official record for an electric
car on a single charge. It is also awaiting official
confirmation that the car averaged 45 km/h for the journey.
Ugliest
Undoubtedly the main contenders were from Chinese
exhibitor Zongshen Ryuka. It was difficult to choose between
the bikes on their stand but the crudeness of the ZS125-50
shone through. This unbelievably low powered, over weight,
dull and “messy” looking machine finally took this category.
Think, “unable to pull the skin off a rice pudding” and you
will have some concept of its performance.
THE Ugliest!
Most Unloved
As predicted in the report from the 2008 Motor
Show, the Honda “Sports Tourer” DN-01 has not sold well.
Those having to ride them all castigate Honda for fitting
the “wrong” engine, a meager 640 cc, to a machine weighing
in at 270 kg dry. The result of which is an underpowered,
overweight sluggard. Many also slate the concept of this
machine. So it’s a unanimous vote for the DN-01 as the most
unloved, and I would predict major changes if indeed it even
stays in Honda’s line-up.
Most Unloved
Chinese GP this weekend
I start this section with sad news. Sunday 19 is
the culmination of the collective madness called Songkran,
during which people drink to excess, ride motorcycles and
fall off when hit by buckets of iced dirty water, and are
killed. This national sport kills around 600 participants
each year.
Songkran
So what has that got to do with the Chinese GP? Everything.
The ‘festivities’ are such that traffic comes to a halt and
businesses close their doors. One of these is Jameson’s
Irish Pub, with Landlord Kim Fletcher advising me that it is
impossible to drive along Soi AR at that time to even get to
the pub.
The race will start (I believe) at 2 p.m. on Sunday, but as
always, check your own TV feed, as I would not like to be
held responsible for you missing the start! However, I won’t
be at Jameson’s for once. For the best coverage, try to find
someone who gets the South African S5 channel, or even BBC,
as the Beeb has taken over from ITV this year.
So, sorry, no convivial afternoon. Stay inside and get them
to slide pizzas under the door while you are watching the
GP.
Sports 1 liter
The main contenders are without surprise, Honda’s
Fireblade, Kawasaki’s ZX1000 and Yamaha’s R1. Suzuki showed
only the GSXR750, not the flagship 1 liter version.
Honda, for whatever reason showcased a Fireblade not being
the latest model, i.e., without the fly by wire braking, the
“combined” ABS (C-ABS) as it is known. When Motor Cycle News
(MCN) UK tested the new ABS system on the latest Fireblade
they were ecstatic on its assistance to the rider under
adverse braking conditions; i.e., wet / sandy or other
treacherous conditions. Under normal braking the ABS does
not operate, but under heavy braking it balances front and
rear braking seamlessly for best effect allowing the rider
to stay in control. In a second test MCN found an
improvement in stopping distance of 14 meters in the wet
from 80 mph compared to a non C-ABS equipped bike.
Yamaha
YZF-R1
So, no vote for Honda but if you are in the market for a new
Fireblade, do wait until you can get the C-ABS model.
Kawasaki showed the new for 2009 color schemes for the Ninja
range by painting a ZX10R in sections. The ZX10R will be
available in the traditional fluorescent green, ebony black
or pearl stardust white. The underseat exhaust system has
gone and been replaced by a regular dustbin sized silencer
on the offside. Kawasaki had very little success with its
flagship sports bike in any series of racing in the 2008
season, so not much was learned, I guess, to pass onto the
road going machines. Kawasaki is probably more cash-strapped
than others for development funds and indeed have already
pulled out of MotoGP for 2009. So, no vote for the ZX10R.
The YZF-R1 is closely linked to Yamaha’s MotoGP winning M1.
For 2009 it is equipped with an all-new 998cc inline
four-cylinder engine with a crossplane crankshaft that runs
with an uneven firing interval of 270º - 180º - 90º - 180º.
This innovative new design ensures superb throttle
linearity, allegedly giving a feeling that the rider’s
throttle hand is directly connected to the rear tyre. The
new engine feels and sounds smoother than ever, and emits an
unforgettable growl from the exhaust. Pushing out 182 PS at
12,500 rpm with 115.5 Nm of torque at 10,000 rpm, this
engine is the most technologically advanced powerplant from
Yamaha. In addition, the Deltabox chassis is also new giving
a better balance between rigidity and flexibility. So my
award goes to Yamaha’s YZF-R1.
Prettiest
Honda presented the CB1100R as a production
prototype; modern technology for an already classic model
and one that is already in demand having been widely
exhibited elsewhere.
The
Prettiest
However, my eye was taken on the Tiger stand by the classic
lines of their little TT150 retro machine looking like an
old time TT Lightweight racer from the Isle of Man TT in the
1960’s. Indeed, the designer, to whom I spoke declared that
was his design intent, to emulate features of the racing MV
Augustas, Gileras and Ducatis of that era.
In my opinion he has succeeded with the tank and seat lines
of the TT150, the cradle frame and the chromed guards; a
pleasure to behold.
Most Unusual
This had to be the three wheeled Spyder import
from Canada. Notable features are the 1 litre motorcycle
power plant by BRP-Rotax driving the single rear wheel. The
front end is typical car setup but steered by handlebars.
With 110 BHP hauling a mere 317 kg a 4.3 second 0 to
100km/hr is no surprise. Big bike performance with less risk
of falling off comes at the hefty price of 1.6 million baht.
Most Unusual
