The first mode has all the power available and is truly exciting to ride, the second is more easy going and great for city use and the third is designed for slippery surfaces. In short, the Dorsoduro seems destined for inevitable success.

After the first part of the course with the Sport mode, we moved on to the Touring where the power of the motor is the same but the throttle opens more quickly even with the slightest rotation of the accelerator. The difference can be noted - in the Sport mode gas opens at 40% acceleration and with Touring it opens at around 60%. Even in the passing stages the engine reacts more rapidly.

For on the road riding and especially in the lower gears the Touring mode is more gratifying, while we preferred the Sport for the higher gears or for tracki use. For more “adrenalin” riding and to better manage one-wheeling, the ideal choice is again the Touring as it manages to better maintain stability and is easier to hold the front wheel off the ground at a constant height.

In general the new “ride by wire” convinced us, even bewitched us. The Dorsoduro benefits from the latest evolution in riding modes and this adventurous and innovative project seems to have reached its highest stage and the benefits can be felt. This new system is the same as the

Shiver’s 2008 version and has been sensibly improved since the previous one.

The thing that most impressed us is the natural response to accelerator manipulation, no late response in the system and that sensation of immediate connection between right wrist and rear wheel. Fantastic even is the feeling and response demonstrated during partial acceleration or when closing of the gas, with which the Aprilia technicians have always spoiled us from the technical point of view. But this time they have really surpassed all expectations because on this aspect, especially as many were ready to point the finger about the acceleration.

The other point of eccellence with this bike is its riding style, equipped with a longer wheelbase and great suspension with 160mm for each wheel. The bike can be maintained quite flat giving the sensation of riding on a table, as the suspension works in syncronisation keeping the bike at the perfect angle. The balance of this bike pushes you to seek out its limits, while staying up both on the track and road, leaving the rider a great margin in the opportunity of managing it in more delicate situations.

Aprilia SMV 750 Dorsoduro: a beautiful creature

posted: Friday 09 May 2008 by Alison in: Our tests Supermoto Aprilia

In the Aprilia Company the arrival point is well defined: to create a supermotard with no compromises, in every detail. And so it has been. In the planning of the Dorsoduro the Noale technicians have exploited all the experience accumulated in the World Supermoto, designing a benchmark chassis and a riding experience, and mapping out the twin-cylinder 750cc that makes full use of the “Ride by wire” technology.

Equipped with a torque that favours lower and medium ranges, the Aprilia engine gives out 92 hp at 8,750 revs and a maximum torque of 82 Nm at 4,500 revs. The clean lines of the front and the lovely tail give voice to the racing spirit of this bike.

In the seat you feel at home, with the tank positioned such that the legs can hold on without necessitating fatigue. As you gain confidence you find yourself leaning in more to the bends knowing the bike will adjust its trajectory. We were well impressed by the quality of the engine, gutsy at lower revs, and of the three driving modes: Sport, Touring and Rain.

History

Motrec creates and manufactures industrial vehicles renowned for their superior quality, performance and reliability.

Our carriers first charged onto the heavy-equipment scene in 1988, standing up to even the roughest operating conditions. Over years of use and after constant improvements, they developed an enviable reputation for being solid and dependable vehicles.

In 1990, Motrec designed its first electric tow tractor, the

E-280B , to meet the new demands of just-in-time supply for North American automobile industry assembly lines. In 1993, the company received its UL certification. A new factory was built in 1998, equipped with the latest manufacturing equipment. Management took advantage of this opportunity to integrate the KAIZEN and lean manufacturing concepts into their workflow. These changes allowed Motrec to achieve significant increases in productivity. The production capacity leapt from several hundred to over 2000 vehicles per year. In 2001, Motrec made an entry into the European market, leading in 2003 to the launch of the GT series vehicles, made especially for markets where aesthetics play heavily into the purchasing equation. Throughout its evolution, Motrec has capitalized on every opportunity to improve its product line and diversify its markets, helping its business partners along the way. Today, Motrec offers the most complete range of industrial vehicles and tow tractors in the industry. Take a look down the service corridors of any air terminal, hospital or industrial complex, and chances are you’ll see a Motrec vehicle hard at work. A factory tour might find you comfortably seated in one of our electric shuttles – appreciating your host’s dedication to getting the very best.

Harley-Davidson XR 1200TM

May 7, 2008

The XR 1200 Prototype was first unveiled to huge acclaim from customers and the media alike by Bill Davidson (great-grandson of one of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company’s founders) at the Intermot motorcycle show in October, 2006. “The incredibly positive reaction we received to the XR 1200 Prototype and sustained level of anticipation amongst customers and the press across Europe confirmed how much interest there is in a Harley-Davidson motorcycle inspired by our racing line” said Davidson, Director of Motorcycle Product Development.

The result points to the most powerful air-cooled European specification Harley-Davidson yet, with a 1200cc downdraft fuel injected engine producing high torque and peak horsepower. The suspension and braking have also been fine tuned to suit European roads. With a generous lean angle; specially tuned Showa® sports suspension, including 43mm inverted front forks; high performance Nissin® brakes; and specially developed Dunlop® Qualifier tyres, the XR 1200 is set to become the best handling Harley-Davidson regular production machine ever seen.

The XR 1200 is a bike full of purpose and character coupled with great performance, handling and a unique feel. Above all else it will be a bike that will offer a hugely rewarding riding experience.

XR 1200 features include:

· XR 750-inspired styling and livery

· 1200cc high performance powertrain finished in as-cast silver powdercoat

· Downdraft fuel injection and electronically controlled active air intake system

· Specially developed Dunlop® Qualifier tyres (front 120/70ZR18; rear 180/55ZR17)

· Unique lightweight cast wheels with dirt track-inspired design

· Specially developed sports-tuned Showa® suspension including 43mm inverted front forks

· Agile handling and ample cornering clearance

· High performance Nissin® brakes

· Ergonomics designed to fit the average height European customer

· A commanding sport riding position with wide handlebars for leverage and semi-rearset footrests

· Unique new instruments with a large white-faced tachometer and digital speedo read-out

Blowin in the Wind

Wednesday April 16, 2008

So I'm out in Monterey, CA for the Sea Otter Classic. Although the event is notorious for crappy weather, it looks like we are in for some good sunny days.

I wasn't really agreeing with that statement so much yesterday as I was getting blown off the trail by about 4 feet while trying to climb a hill, but today was much better.

Anyway, I'll post some updates from the expo and races. Hope some of you can make it out here, the event runs through Sunday.

Time for Another Reminder: Check Your Tire Pressure

Saturday April 12, 2008

Alright, I know I talk about this a lot, but seriously, everybody needs to learn to use the right tire pressure.

A simple change in tire pressure can take a bike from sketchy at best to controlled and predictable.

The right tire pressure can change from trail to trail, but usually, once you find what works for you, it's easy to make adjustments from there. Check our easy guide to setting the right tire pressure.

Making it Your Own

Thursday April 10, 2008

When you get a new bike, chances are, it's just like everyone else's. Your new bike is most likely one of a few hundred.

It's only when you set it up for yourself, and especially when you put some of your own parts on it that it really starts to become your own. Bikes rarely remain stock for their whole life.

So when you get that new bike, don't forget to take a little time to turn it into something of your own. Stickers, bells, new components, even your favorite tires are all good ways to individualize your bike.

Otherwise, like in my case, wait for a few good crashes and you'll learn to love each and every scratch and dent. Well, maybe a

A Little More on 650B Bikes

Monday April 7, 2008

The 650B mountain bike movement has had some serious setbacks in the last few months. With it looking doubtful that any major fork manufacturer (besides White Brothers) will have the redesigned suspension forks available until at least the 2010 model year, there will be few front/full suspension production 650B wheeled bikes available in the next year.

About ForexTrading

ForexTrading.com is owned by Saxo Bank A/S. The purpose of ForexTrading.com is to give information on Forex and access to trade Forex online. ForexTrading.com is the entrance to Saxo Bank, a major trading provider for Forex, CFDs, Futures and Managed Funds to private and institutional clients. Saxo Bank has won many of the trading industries' most prestigious awards for it's innovative trading technology and services.

Saxo Bank is a fully licensed and EU-regulated international investment bank, headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark. Founded in 1992, Saxo Bank has risen to become a leading international investment bank and Internet trading provider to both private and institutional investors.

WHAT IS ONLINE FOREX TRADING?

Online Forex Trading is about buying or selling of currency pairs such as Euro
versus the US Dollar, the Dollar vs. the Japanese Yen (and a lot more) without
having to physically change your money. If you invest in company stocks, you
invest in a corporation, think about Forex trading as investing in a currency
versus another currency. In essence, Online Forex Trading is about using your
money to invest in money.

Unknown to most people, the Forex Market is the Biggest Financial Market in the
world with an average of approximately 1.9 Trillion US Dollars changing hands
on any given day. It is where Banks, Investors, and Speculators exchange one
Country’s currency with another. Although modern forex trading has been around
since the early 20th century it was not easily accessible to individuals due to the
high capital requirement and cumbersome technology. It was only well after the
1990s when the computer and internet revolution made it possible and more
convenient for small investors like you and me to invest in Forex.