2012 Yamaha MT-03

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Yamaha wants us to believe that the MT-03 is an ideal choice for you to enjoy some of the best riding experiences in its bike segment. Really, who are we to disagree with these guys?

The MT-03 is more than just a light and compact bike with a short wheelbase; its also a powerful and versatile machine that boasts of remarkable control, excellent traction, and unrivaled power.

Speaking of its power, the MT-03 comes with a high-torque, 660cc single-cylinder engine that was based closely on the highly-acclaimed XT660 powerplant. With high levels of low to mid-range torque, the liquid-cooled engine powering the Mt-03 is ideally suited for the bike’s overall design and performance characteristics.

It’s no wonder why Yamaha has been singing the praises for this bike for as long as anyone of us can remember. When you’re looking for a comfortable, safe, and powerful bike that will definitely turn some heads, you need not look further than the MT-03.

2001 Ducati Monster S4R

When Ducati launched the the first-generation Monster bikes - the M900 in 1993, the M600 in 1994, and the M750 in 1995 - it paved way to a new line of naked street fighters that was to become a Ducati staple in the coming years.

The Monster was designed by Miguel Angel Galluzzi, who built the bike at the behest of Massimo Bordi. He once said that this bike was what Marlon Brando would have ridden in The Wild One, had he been able to get one.

The Ducati Monster then paved the way for this particular bike, the Monster S4R, which made its debut in 2001 packing a 916 cc liquid-cooled DOHC Desmo V-twin engine with a six-speed transmission, semi-floating Brembo disc brakes, light wheels, and Showa inverted forks.

This particular bike is the actual test mule in which the 916 motor was fitted, when the project was being developed. It’s extremely rare for a developmental bike to come to market, especially one with such an obviously low set of matching numbers.

At the 2012 RM Auctions in Monaco, the bike was sold at a price of €2,340, which is about $2,900 based on current exchange rates.

TrakRok Concept Design Study by Alexei Mikhailov

Developing an ATV that is suitable for all season off-road mobility might be pretty challenging. However, Alexei Mikhailov - an industrial designer from Humber College in Canada - has overcome this feat with the TrakRok Concept, a hybrid ATV that was a snowmobile initially, but ended up turning into a pretty impressive off roader.

The TrakRok ATV features two wheels in the front that are direct driven individually by electric motors,a s well as a direct driven independent track system used for all season applications that is also powered by high powered electric motors. The entire system is runs on sustainable renewable energy using hydrogen fuel cell technology. The fuel cells are situated in the center belly of the vehicle lowering the center of gravity and the fuel cell cluster is liquid cooled by two large radiator intakes in the front of the vehicle. Aside from menacing aesthetics, the intakes provide adequate cooling and in casing protection for the fuel cells from harsh environment.

The design mimics a shell-like rib cage which looks really cool. The only problem with this design is that it has about zero chance of ever making it to production. It’s too bad because we think this would actually have a lot of appeal.

2011 CR&S VUN Tricolore

CR&S (Cafe Racing and Sport) is saying Happy Birthday to Italy with the unveiling of the VUN Tricolore. The model will be put on display at the "Esperienza Italia" exhibition in Turin from now until November 20, 2011.

The name VUN comes from the Milanese word for one which is perfect for this single cylinder, single seater sports bike. The tribute to Italy comes in the bike’s Italian tricolore paint job and the "1802-1805" logo - the time span for the First Italian Republic.

"The Italian leadership of today seems blithely out of step with current world events: The Italian premiere fawns over and publicly kisses the hand of Muammar Gaddafi, who upon returning to his kingdom of Libya, begins to brutally repress and murder his people; Japan struggles to prevent a major nuclear disaster, while Italy prepares to hold a referendum on whether to allow the construction of nuclear reactors on Italy’s earthquake-prone territory (the referendum is worded in such a way that if you are against changing the law to allow nuclear reactors you must answer "yes" - ’furbo’)."