Tag Archives: “cafe

The Harley-Davidson Raptor Is A Dazzling Cafe Racer Like No Other

Summary

  • The TNT Motorcycles Raptor blends Harley-Davidson heritage with cafe racer aesthetics.
  • From ergonomics to suspension, there are a complete lot of upgrades right here.
  • Unfortunately, the Raptor is a present bike not on the market, nevertheless it evokes fans to customise their very own X 440.

Think of Harley-Davidsons and café racers; two pictures will kind in your noggin. One is all about chest-thumping metal and booming V-twins, whereas the opposite is about agility and lightness. Basically, two fully distinct cultures. But what occurs while you mix the 2? Simple, you get to witness one thing extraordinary. Case in context is the Raptor from TNT Motorcycles. A glossy café racer based mostly on the favored Harley-Davidson X 440.

The adjustments are so huge, the Raptor may not even stand out as the X 440 at first look. And that is the best praise for a {custom} store. It’s modern, the eye to element is terrific, and there is a scintillating colorway to high all of it off. Developed as a collaboration between TNT Motorcycles and Harley-Davidson, we vividly bear in mind craning our necks to get a glimpse of it after we visited the India Bike Week final yr.

Related

Check Out This Custom Harley-Davidson X 440 Flat Tracker

Who knew the X 440 may look so fairly?

Beauty Is In The Eye Of Anyone Who Sees This

TNT Motorcycles is not any stranger to constructing modern {custom} bikes that make you surprise, “How did they pull THAT off?” The Raptor is one in every of them. You’ll see that, whereas the bike retains the X 440 silhouette, it’s something however that. Right from the entrance wheel to the rear finish, every little thing seems to be new or not less than personalized.

Many issues are new right here. Start from the entrance and the very first thing that catches your eye is the attractive balloon tire wrapped across the new ten-spoke aluminum wheel. The USD fork is inventory, however now holds a glossy CNC-machined brace that’s bolted to a naked carbon fiber fender. Further up are aggressively positioned clip-ons and a small, efficient headlight cowl ending the look. Move additional again and the tank will get a brand new orange ‘X’, whereas the panel below the tank lets you recognize who’s behind the design.

Harley-Davidson Raptor Custom Bike (4)
Facebook by way of TNT Motorcycles

Things get extra attention-grabbing as you progress again. The CNC-machined subframe is totally new, sitting below a carbon fiber cowl and a tan leather-based seat. This is supported by a Showa monoshock. , But the eye to element doesn’t finish there. Take off the seat, and it reveals a stunning design with orange accents and a Harley-Davidson bar-and-shield logo.

Finishing off the design are the rear set footpegs, a balloon tire on the again, and a chrome steel exhaust system. TNT Motorcycles claims that these adjustments to the subframe and the ergonomics give this bike a extra agile dealing with attribute. As a results of this, the bike might really feel like a totally totally different beast while you swing a leg over it. All in all, the Raptor is an train in design, mixing the long-lasting Harley heritage with the spirit of road bare underpinnings and café racer aesthetics.

Design Highlights

  • Timsun balloon tires give the bike an old-school really feel
  • Carbon fiber touches on the fender and rear cowl look beautiful
  • CNC-machined parts add a contact of modernity to the design
  • Vintage tobacco leather-based seat superbly contrasts the racing inexperienced shade of the bike
  • Subframe design below the rear cowl is iconic, to say the least
  • Beefy forks and the monoshock give the bike a sporty, aggressive stance

An X 440 With Road Manners Of A Sporty Naked

HD X 440 (Stock) Power Output: 27 Horsepower @ 6,000 RPM

Harley-Davidson Raptor Custom Bike (5)
Facebook by way of TNT Motorcycles

As for the powerplant, there is a performance air filter (likely a BMC or K&N unit) and a hand-crafted stainless steel exhaust. These add-ons make the bike extra highly effective, though we wouldn’t count on greater than a few ponies. None of this may harm its distinctive usability, nevertheless, as the X 440 is a sweet, torquey sub-500cc bike not a rampant, edgy naked. So the efficiency upgrades would solely add to that attraction on the street.

Other underpinnings on the bike, together with the sprockets, braking system, entrance suspension, and most important chassis stay the identical. It’s most likely for the higher as a result of the bike is already easy to experience. The gearbox is easy, the brakes are first rate, and the inventory chassis is confidence-inspiring. It’s a playful, light little bike by itself.

Harley-Davidson X 440 Specifications

Engine Type

Single-cylinder, air/oil cooled

Displacement

440cc

Compression Ratio

9.5:1

Torque Output

28 LB-FT @ 4,000 RPM

Seat Height

31.69 in

Curb Weight

419.98 lbs (in operating order)

(Specs sourced from Harley-Davidson)

Unfortunately, The Raptor Isn’t On Sale

Harley-Davidson X 440 Starting MSRP: INR 2,39,500 ($2,868 when transformed)

Harley-Davidson Raptor Custom Bike (1)
Facebook by way of TNT Motorcycles

TNT Motorcycle has finished an impeccable job at customizing the Harley-Davidson X 440, and we’d like to get our fingers on the bike even for a brief spin across the block. You could also be fortunate with that in the event you come throughout it within the wild, however don’t count on to buy the bike simply but. It’s a one-off custom-made in collaboration with the producer, largely for show functions.

Don’t let that dissuade you, although. Custom motorcycles just like the Raptor usually are not merchandise that encourage one to write down a examine. Instead, such bikes encourage one to take issues in personal fingers. Custom Harleys have a charm, and so long as you could have one thing within the imaginary world, you’ll be able to carry it to the tangible world. Yes, you’ll should pour money and time into drawings and CAD designs even earlier than you begin. But some would possibly argue that is the fantastic thing about doing issues your method. A small value to pay for a one-off {custom} bike.

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This Baffling Harley-Davidson Breakout Is So Beastly, It Redefines Muscle Cruisers

Right from the wheels to the brake levers, every little thing has been personalized to raise the muscle quotient

In the identical breath, it additionally exhibits how versatile the X 440 is as a clean canvas. We’ve already seen variations of it, together with a flat tracker, café racer, bobber, and extra on the India Bike Week 2023. So you’ll be able to rework it into something you’ll be able to think about. The solely unhappy half is that this is not on sale anyplace out of India. And the probabilities of its American arrival are tremendous bleak. Your solely choice to get ahold of an X 440 is both relocating to India or getting one imported right here. Both issues will price way more than the bike’s upfront price.

Alpinestars’ Drops It’s New Tech-Air 3 Canvas And Leather Vests

Some disciplines of motorcycling are simply extra “fashionable” than others. Indeed, a restaurant racer rider’s match isn’t full with out retro-themed gear, whereas the rider of an ordinary or bare bike can get away with any outdated using jacket. The identical is true for cruisers.

But what in order for you that badass cruiser look full with a leather-based chaleco, or say, wish to add a splash of journey with a canvas vest, all with out skimping on security? Luckily, Alpinestars has bought you lined with the brand new Tech-Air 3 Leather and Tech-Air 3 Canvas vests.

Alpinestars Tech-Air 3 Canvas Vest

Alpinestars Tech-Air 3 Canvas Vest

Alpinestars Tech-Air 3 Leather Vest

Alpinestars Tech-Air 3 Leather Vest

The model simply launched the most recent members of its Tech-Air household, and are merely differentiated by the supplies used on the outside, as these new vests make use of the identical tried and examined Tech-Air 3 air-bag know-how inside. 

The secret sauce that makes the Tech-Air 3 standout from different airbag programs is Alpinestars’ crash detection algorithm. The firm says that the system has been developed utilizing AI, with hundreds of thousands of miles of using information fed into the algorithm for essentially the most exact deployment of the airbag system.

Naturally, airbag programs just like the Tech-Air 3 elevate the bar on security, particularly when mixed with a protecting using jacket with D3O or equal safety. Alpinestars says that it reduces as much as 95 p.c of influence power transferred to the rider’s higher physique throughout a crash, with protection areas encompassing the rider’s full chest and again.

Alpinestars Tech-Air 3 Canvas Vest - Collage
 

As somebody who rides on the road on a near-daily foundation, I’m an enormous fan of discreet gear that doesn’t scream “Hey, look at me, I ride motorcycles, I’m so cool!” Nearly all the road gear I personal is muted, understated, and might simply be blended and matched with common garments on the every day.

Gear just like the Alpinestars Tech-Air 3 Canvas and Leather vests encourage riders to spend money on their safety, with the inducement of preserving their swag and magnificence. Alpinestars has V-Twin riders in thoughts right here, however in fact, you’re free to put on these vests on any bike you please. After all, they’re designed to be worn each beneath or over a bike jacket.

3 Yamaha Motorcycles Suited For Expert Riders

Like the MT-10 SP, the XSR 900 is quick, enjoyable, and filled with options. This three-cylinder cafe bike, nevertheless, is a wolf in sheep’s clothes. The XSR 900 is powered by a three-cylinder, 890cc engine that produces 106 horsepower – a determine that appears low by R1 and MT-10 requirements, however it’s no slouch. Even with probably the most aggressive traction and throttle controls turned on, the XSR 900 needs to get the entrance wheel off the bottom. It’s a playful, aggressive, and critically fun-to-ride bike, however it requires warning and talent to trip safely within the metropolis. The adjustable rider aids assist issues out a bit, ensuring you are not a hooligan 100% of the time, however just some severe self-discipline with the throttle will maintain you out of hassle.

If it is cafe-racer model that you just’re searching for, however you do not want all of the grunt of the XSR 900, think about the smaller and cheaper XSR 700. The XSR 900 has a beginning value of $10,299 (plus vacation spot), whereas the XSR 700 is $8,899 (plus vacation spot). The XSR 700 has comparable styling, however it is not as aggressive, and it may possibly nonetheless be modified with Yamaha accessories to assist it slot in on the native cafe bike evening. 

BMW Group to construct state-of-the-art Talent Campus in Munich

+++ Cutting-edge coaching centre +++ due for completion in 2025 +++ timber building +++ public café will combine campus into neighbourhood +++

Munich. The BMW Group is to arrange a state-of-the-art Talent Campus in Munich. The new constructing will probably be erected within the northeast of the house plant, on the location of the previous carpark on Riesenfeldstraße. Together with Munich’s current buildings and coaching areas, the brand new construction will kind an open campus that gives coaching and schooling for the BMW Group’s approx. 40,000 Munich-based workers – 900 trainees amongst them. It will probably be dwelling not solely to cutting-edge coaching areas and workshops but additionally a workers restaurant and a public café. In addition, new inexperienced areas will combine manufacturing seamlessly into the neighbourhood. The new Talent Campus will open for enterprise in the summertime of 2025.

“Training and education are key to our transformation and to making the BMW Group electric, digital and circular. With the new Talent Campus, we are investing in a flexible, needs-based education infrastructure for our Munich site and adding another crucial component in the global training and education campaign that will make the BMW Group fit for the future,” mentioned Ilka Horstmeier, Member of the Board of Management at BMW AG, People and Real Estate, Labour Relations Director.

Peter Weber, Director at BMW Group Plant Munich added: “BMW Group Plant Munich is currently preparing to produce the Neue Klasse, and our employees will be crucial to its success. I am very proud indeed that our main plant will be home to a cutting-edge training centre that will benefit the whole of the BMW Group. With the new centre, we are creating the infrastructure needed to ready specialists in every area of car production for the future.”

Martin Kimmich, Chairman of the General Works Council, BMW AG, emphasised: “The BMW AG Works Council has long been committed to this Talent Campus, and we are delighted that our vision is now becoming a reality, with construction about to start. Given the lack of skilled workers, investments in training and education are key for the future viability of our company.”

Timber construction

The new Talent Campus will probably be constructed largely from wooden, which will even be seen on the façade. This will lend heat to the inside in addition to a pure look to the skin. The beneficiant home windows will let loads of daylight into each a part of the constructing for the optimum studying ambiance. The areas themselves will probably be open and usable in numerous methods, with layouts that may be modified and upgraded at any time. This will lengthen the lifetime of the construction as it may be tailored to fulfill altering wants with out requiring main constructing works. The total constructing will supply barrier-free accessibility.

State-of-the-art studying atmosphere

The mixture of cutting-edge tools, a high-tech studying atmosphere and pure supplies will supply excellent circumstances for profitable studying. The Talent Campus will enable BMW Group trainees and workers to develop all the abilities they want for the long run automotive business. It will present coaching and schooling for folks throughout the Munich website. In addition, the purpose is to make chosen areas out there for public coaching programs. The new constructing will incorporate not simply school rooms but additionally workshops, a workers canteen and a public café.

ROCKS!BIKES Creates Lithium: A Custom Triumph Thruxton

A custom motorcycle from ROCKS!BIKES caught our attention. This bike, called Lithium, goes beyond mere aesthetics and incorporates modifications that enhance its performance. It was created in response to a customer’s request.

The base bike used for this custom build is a 2006 Triumph Thruxton. While it may seem like the bike only needs a race fairing on top of its clip-ons and its round headlight, ROCKS!BIKES went the extra mile in this custom build, surpassing the basic requirements.

Inspired by 1970s cafe racers and endurance bikes from the same era, ROCKS!BIKES accepted the customer’s commission to create Lithium. The name was coined by the shop’s own team. This build achieves a classic look that conceals modern hardware, striking a perfect balance between old and new.

What stands out immediately are the retro-style fairing and the custom paint by ROCKS!BIKES. Upon closer inspection, you may notice that certain parts of the bike have been removed or replaced with more suitable components for racing purposes. Surprisingly, this bike also features modern suspension. The gold tubes in the photos may reveal this, but the fork is actually sourced from a Yamaha R1. This build utilizes a KYB upside-down fork from the YZF-R1, while the rear is equipped with two Bitube shock absorbers.

The braking system is also taken from a YZF-R1, featuring a double-disc setup in the front and a single disc in the rear. The wheels are also noteworthy, utilizing a Kineo radial set that is fitted with Metzeler M7 tires.

The bodywork of Lithium is undeniably captivating, enhanced by the custom paint and intricate details. It boasts a full fairing in the front and on the sides, deviating from the standard round headlight found on a Triumph. Instead, it incorporates a special LED cluster at the front. Lights and other electronic components are supplied by Motogadget, a renowned company known for its accessories like bar-end mirrors. The singular gauge pod features a tachometer, but thanks to the LCD display, it can provide a wealth of additional information at a glance.

The craftsmanship of this bike goes beyond technological innovations and retro-style fairings. The build also includes hand-stitched leather for the rider’s seat.