prototype Articles
Yikes! First photos of the road-legal Vyrus 986 M2
These are the first photos of the road-legal version of the Vyrus 986 M2. Originally designed to compete in Moto2, the hub-center-steered bike fits a Honda CBR600RR motor in a prototype, omega-frame chassis. If that's not weird enough, the rear shock is mounted transverse. Yours for 40 large. What’s hub-center steering? Conventional telescopic forks dominate motorcycle design because they’r...
Apr 20, 2012
ATK semi-auto prototype: the ultimate learner cruiser
If there’s one thing Americans fear more than universal healthcare, it’s the dreaded clutch mechanism. That’s a problem when it comes to learning to ride; not only are motorcycles not nice, safe SUVs, but they’re equipped with the devil’s-own manual gearbox. Enter ATK, in addition to providing Harley dealers with a new range of small and mid-capacity, affordable entry-level bikes, the Ut...
Sep 17, 2010
The Aprilia RSV4 could have gone disastrously wrong
This is the Aprilia RSV4 that could have been. Could have been if the original third-party prototype had continued through to production unaltered that is. When Aprilia first gave the RSV4 project the go ahead in 2005, they turned to Robbiano Design to turn their ideas into something physical. Robbiano conceived a two-part magnesium/aluminum frame with a matching swingarm and horrendously awful st...
Apr 19, 2010
Dailies
Aprilia RSV550 prototype confirmed
When pushed for answers concerning the possibility of wedging Aprilia's 550 V-twin into the legendary RS250 chassis, Aprilia's Motorcycle Product Manager, Francesco Polimeni, smiled and said with a heavy accent, "Yes. It is a beautiful engine. In fact, we have a prototype at the factory." Wow, so you put it in the RS250 chassis, right? "No. Actually, the RS125 chassis is, as you know, oversized an...
Nov 04, 2009
Dailies
1997 AguÌ GP6 previews Moto2 racers
Like the In an effort to reduce costs and level the playing field, the new Moto2 rules are heavy on the list of items not allowed and light on what is permitted. The engines will have a maximum capacity of 600cc, no more than four pistons, will have capped rev limits, no pneumatic valves, no variable valve timing or lift, no variable-length inlets, no direct fuel injection, and must use internal c...
Jan 05, 2009