What’s up people? Motorcycles capable of warning riders when they’re speeding, cornering too fast or too close to the vehicle in front are to begin road trials in June of this year in the UK.

The warning system is a prototype of safety technology the European Commission (EC) would like to see manufacturers put on road bikes in five or six years.

An EC-funded research project called Saferider will equip at least nine bikes with the technology, including a Yamaha Tenere an X-Max 250 scooter, and a Piaggio MP3 Hybrid.

It’s likely they will use satellite navigation and speed limit maps to warn the rider when he’s speeding.

A “curve speed warning” feature will tell the rider when he’s approaching a bend too fast.

Sensors will detect objects ahead and warn riders if there is a risk of collision.

Current trials involve simulators but bikes are to be tested on the road this summer ahead of public demonstrations at the Mira test track in Nuneaton on November 5.

Dr. Roberto Montanari, technical manager of the project, at Italy’s University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, said: “We are in the development phase and the riding side will be done in June.”

Stay tuned!

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Hey guys, it’s Jon here agin with some pretty cool news. This is Valentino Rossi’s new 2010 factory YZR-M1 machine that Yamaha hopes will catapult the Italian to a 10th world title this year. Check it out!

Yamaha won ten races in 2009 to complete the Triple Crown of rider, team and constructor titles in another dominant campaign for the Japanese factory.

Rossi and Spanish team-mate rode the new in-line four-cylinder machine for the first time as winter testing resumed at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia today.

Yamaha revealed that the key changes to the new YZR-M1 were on the chassis while it also has a new long life engine with riders restricted to using only six engines for the entire 18-round campaign.

Please visit YZF Boards for more Yamaha fun!

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What’s up guys? You guys are probably sick to death at the point of the new Honda VFR1200. I know I am. The amount of press that Honda has been cramming down our throats has been, quite literally, choking us to death.

Well, get ready for more, because apparently Honda of the UK has effectively banned owners of VFR800 and other previous VFRs from riding the 2010 Honda VFR1200. I know what you are thinking, WHAT?!?

MCN, England’s largest bike publication, had scheduled a loan of a VFR1200, nicknamed Shamu in order to get real riders’ opinions of the new bike. But, when Honda got wind of MCN’s plans to put VFR owners on the bike and then publish their opinions, they balked, ordering the paper not to allow anyone but editorial staff on the heavyweight V4. MCN’s response? They won’t test it. Cheers! Right?

European journalists have been complaining about everything from the VFR1200’s 591lbs weight to the expected price of repair following a low-speed spill to much more serious criticisms like the 160-mile tank range and the uncomfortable seat. Following that coverage, Honda’s refusal to allow consumers on to the bike before it reaches showrooms is damning. Many other publications claim that that demonstrates a shocking lack of faith in their own product’s ability to weather criticism.

Hmmm… I have a different take. With the downward facing global economy, our great friends at MCN tried to do something different and push the envelope with this particular testing. Sure, regular schmoes get to test ride new bikes for the first time. Of course, they would have the public on their side!

Honda’s concern and refusal are standard operating procedure. Think of the liability! These are not trained professional riders/writers. It’s going to be a fiasco. Honda did right but that doesn’t mean they won’t pay for it. Much like other media, the motorcycle community is going to tear Honda a new one over this.

The motorcycle media is going to have a feeding frenzy over this. Sorry Honda. All I can do is not join in. All things aside, things are not shaping up well for the new VFR…

Stay tuned for more updates, folks.

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Hey guys, I thought this was pretty amusing. Looks like we aren’t the only ones with Police problems. This article is courtesy of MCN from across the pond.

A theft victim has been arrested for harassing a vehicle pound which is holding his stolen bike.

“He was later released having admitted the offence and agreeing to be dealt with by means of a caution.”

Stay tuned for more updates!

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Hi guys! Paul here again. Today, as promised, we are finally giving you a video sound clip of our full system exhaust from Remus without the street legal baffles.

With the baffles removed, the sound was pleasantly deeper but the bike seemed to lose a bit on the low end. We are going to ride it a few more miles before making the decision to connect a Tuneboy or Power Commander. However, I am thinking we are going to have to, due to the fact that it is a full system we installed, not just a slip on.

Stay tuned for more updates and be sure to check out Triumph Boards for more information.

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