Haydon is back

Virgin Mobile Yamaha announced the signing of James Haydon to complete its 2007 British Superbike rider line-up. Haydon returns to the team after a two-year absence.

For more info click here:http://ama.en.dailymotos.com/new/8002/1//

NOS Q and A

Q: How does nitrous work?

A: Nitrous oxide is made up of 2 parts nitrogen and one part oxygen (36% oxygen by weight). During the combustion process in an engine, at about 572 degrees F, nitrous breaks down and releases oxygen. This extra oxygen creates additional power by allowing more fuel to be burned. Nitrogen acts to buffer, or dampen the increased cylinder pressures helping to control the combustion process. Nitrous also has a tremendous "intercooling" effect by reducing intake charge temperatures by 60 to 75 degrees.

Q: Will Nitrous affect engine reliability?

A: The key is choosing the correct H.P. for a given application. A kit that uses the correct factory calibration does not usually cause increased wear. As the energy released in the cylinder increases so do the loads on the various components that must handle them. If the load increases exceed the ability of the components to handle them, added wear takes place. NOS kits are designed for use on demand and only at wide open throttle. Nitrous can be extremely advantageous in that it is only used when you want it, not all the time. All NOS kits are designed for maximum power with reliability for a given application.

Q: Can I simply bolt a nitrous kit onto my stock engine?

A: Yes. NOS manufactures systems for virtually any stock engine application. The key is to choose the correct kit for a given application; i.e., 4 cyl. engines normally allow an extra 40-60 HP, 6 cyl. engines usually work great between 75-100 extra HP, small block V8's (302/350/400cid) can typically accept up to 140 extra HP, and big block V8's (427-454) might accept from 125-200 extra HP. These suggested ranges provide maximum reliability from most stock engines using cast pistons and cast crank with few or no engine modifications.

Q: When is the best time to use nitrous?

A: At wide open throttle only (unless a progressive controller is used). Due to the tremendous amount of increased torque, you will generally find best results, traction permitting, at early activation. Nitrous can be safely applied above 2,500 RPM under full throttle conditions.

Q: Where can I get my bottle refilled?

A: Simply call 1-800-99-REFILL for the location of the nearest NOS dealer with refilling capabilities, or check immediately for the most up-to-date Authorized NOS Refill Station Dealers List online.

GARMEN MOTORCYCLE FRIENDLY GPS

All we can think about is if this product actually delivers as stated, we’re going to start seeing a lot more of the touring sort running with these - especially the sport tourers along with the Goldwing type crowd.

A few of the specs before you take the jump to the site and get all excited:

Glove-friendly touch screen with left-handed controls makes it easy to operate

High bright sunlight-readable, UV-resistant display makes it easy to view your screen

Motorcycle console for trip information, including fuel gauge to warn you when its time to fill up

Motorcycle mount with universal mounting hardware so you can mount it anywhere

Included motorcycle mount and automotive mount (with integrated speaker) for riding or driving

Custom caps, available in a variety of colors, to reflect your style

Vibration-tested, waterproof and built with fuel-resistant plastics to withstand the elements

Also integrates with Google Earth, has bluetooth headset for XM radio, cellular phone, and listening to road directions.

NEW ARMY RIDING GEAR

Power Trip has come out with a line of riding gear licensed by the U.S. Army. After doing some research I have found a few places on google where these products are sold, you should be able to find them with my google links provided. You can also view the product line at www.power-trip.com. As a member of the armed forces myself I am a big fan of the new gear, but I think the look will attract more than just military folks.

2007 DUCATI 1098

Ducati North America announces the international launch and North American pricing for the new 1098 Superbike.

This incredible new machine produces 160hp and 90.4lbs/ft of torque, which results in making the 1098 the most powerful twin-cylinder motorcycle in the world, with the highest torque-to-weight ratio of any sport bike. In addition, the 1098 is also the lightest open class Superbike available, weighing 381 pounds.

The priority in every step of the 1098 development has been performance first.

Every system, every detail and every component has been studied and pared down to its essence in order to increase performance to the maximum. If it didn’t make the 1098 lighter, faster or deliver quicker lap times, it wasn’t considered.

The 1098 will be available in three versions starting in February. The 1098 Biposto will carry a manufacturers suggested retail price of $14,995. The 1098 S will be priced at $19,995, while the limited edition 1098 S Tri-Colore will be $24,995. The 1098 S Tri-Colore will feature a evocative red, white and green racing livery and a Termignoni performance exhaust system, among other performance enhancements.

Prices in Canada will be $19,995 for standard version, while the 1098 S will be $24,995 and the Tri-Colore will be $29,995.

"We are very pleased to announce not only a radical new Superbike family, but also a brand new competitive pricing structure. We have worked very long and hard to make this happen, and we are excited to introduce this motorcycle to the American public at the Seattle round of the International Motorcycle Shows, which happens December 1-3," said Michael Lock, CEO of Ducati North America.

2007 AMA SUPERBIKE SCHEDULE

The 2007 AMA Superbike Championship schedule is as follows:

DATE, LOCATION

March 7-10 Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, FLThe Daytona 200 by Honda 1.800.PITSHOPwww.racetickets.com

April 20-22 Barber Motorsports Park, Birmingham, AL(Superbike Doubleheader)Honda Superbike Classic 1.800.240.2300http://www.barbermotorsports.com/

April 27-29 California Speedway, Fontana, CA (Superbike Doubleheader)Suzuki Superbike Challenge 1.800.944.RACEwww.californiaspeedway.com

May 18-20 Infineon Raceway, Sonoma, CA (Superbike Doubleheader)Kawasaki AMA Superbike Showdown 1.800.870.RACEwww.infineonraceway.com

June 1-3 Road America, Elkhart Lake, WI (Superbike Doubleheader)AMA Suzuki Superbike Doubleheader 1.800.365.RACEwww.roadamerica.com

June 22-24 Miller Motorsports Park, Tooele, UT(Superbike Doubleheader)Honda Summit of Speed 1.866.297.2636www.millermotorsportspark.com

July 20-22 Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey, CA **The Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix 1.800.327.SECAwww.laguna-seca.com

August 3-5 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Lexington, OHHonda Super Cycle Weekend, presented by Dunlop Tires (Superbike Doubleheader) 1.800.MID.OHIOwww.midohio.com

August 17-19 Virginia International Raceway, Alton, VASuzuki Big Kahuna Nationals, presented by Parts Unlimited(Superbike Doubleheader) 1.303.377.3278http://www.virclub.com/www.M1event.com

August 31-Sept. 2 Road Atlanta, Braselton, GAAMA Suzuki Superbike Showdown, presented by Makita (Superbike Doubleheader) 1.800.849.RACEwww.roadatlanta.com

Sept. 15-16 Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey, CAAMA Superbike Championship 1.800.327.SECAwww.laguna-seca.com

Sept. 28-30 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Lexington, OHAMA Superbike Championship Shootout 1.800.MID.OHIOhttp://www.midohio.com/

**AMA & Moto GP combined weekend Total Events: 12 Dates and Locations Subject to Change

2007 R1 REVIEW

Yamaha Reveals Entirely New 2007 R1 SuperbikeBy Dirck J. Edge

When Yamaha first introduced its radical R1 in the late 1990s, it was described as a "no compromises", high-performance sportbike. Yamaha has tried hard to stay ahead of the competition ever since. For 2007, Yamaha has yet another generation of R1 to introduce to sportbike enthusiasts.

At first glance, the styling appears to be a mild evolution over last year's popular machine, but Yamaha had more than a new look in mind with the new R1's bodywork. Yamaha claims that the new R1 will have improved aerodynamics and intake flow into the ram-air system. Additionally, a layered cowling is designed to draw hot air away from the engine compartment to help maintain maximum horsepower.

The biggest changes lie beneath the surface of the new R1. The new engine switches to four-valve heads (from Yamaha's trademark five-valve design), features a higher compression ratio (12.7 to 1), and titanium intake valves. The trickest part of the new engine is in the intake, however.

The new fuel injection system features what Yamaha calls "YCC-I" (Yamaha Chip Controlled-Intake). The intake runners measure 140mm at lower rpm levels -- switching to 65mm at higher rpm levels. This spreads torque and horsepower over a broader range than fixed-length runners.

For 2007, the R1 also gets throttle-by-wire similar to the system found on the R6 last year. The powerful chip reads throttle position changes every 1000th of a second. The new R1 will also come with a stock ramp-type slipper clutch for smoother downshifts and corner entry. Radiator capacity is up by 13%, and the exhaust system (titanium, except for a stainless mid-pipe and catalyst) is redesigned for 2007.

Net effect of these engine changes (and others we will discuss after we test the bike) is a claimed increase in power across the board (low-end, mid-range and top-end power). Peak power is said to increase by 5hp to 178hp at the crank.

Consistent with the "all-new" theme is a new frame (flex-tuned for better handling and traction). The rigidity of the all-new swingarm is also tuned (30% stiffer torsionally and slightly less stiff laterally). With a swingarm pivot position 3mm higher than last year's model, Yamaha claims improved turn-in, together with improved traction for corner exits. New 43mm forks feature larger pistons (up from 20mm to 24) and slightly reduced weight. Yamaha claims their rigidity is matched to the new frame for improved performance.

The rear shock features new linkage to change the progressive nature of the damping (again, to aid traction while exiting corners on the throttle).

The front brakes are new, 6-piston calipers using smaller (310mm) rotors. Yamaha claims the new calipers grip the disc closer to its circumference -- effectively making the braking surface as large as the old system, which featured larger, heavier rotors.

The new R1 will be available in the U.S. from November, 2006 at a suggested price of $11,599 for the Team Yamaha Blue color scheme or $11,699 for Charcoal Silver or Candy Red.