6/11/2007

BMS Nehme-sis. Oh my God!








Phat chopperThe Nehmesis' chunky back tire is the largest ever on a motorcycle.By JOHN GITTELSOHNThe Orange County Register Harley-Davidson has ruled the world of choppers seemingly forever. But a bike customized from a Star Cruiser by Yamaha Motor Corp., which has its U.S. headquarters in Cypress, broke the lock.

The Nehmesis, built by Sam Nehme, a Florida motorcycle customizer, was the first non-American bike to take the top prize in the American class at the 2006 Biketoberfest Rats Hole in Daytona Beach, Fla. "It was huge," said Nehme, whose chopper will join hundreds of the newest, fastest and shiniest motorcycles at the Long Beach Convention Center this weekend for the 2007 model Cycle World International Motorcycle Show. Manufacturers represented at the show include BMW, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Kawasaki, Moto Guzzi, Suzuki, Victory andYamaha.

Nehme said he built his chopper from a Yamaha original because the Japanese-made bikes are more reliable and reasonably priced than Harleys. The Nehmesis features a 360-millimeter back tire – the largest ever on a motorcycle. The front and rear wheels are mounted on a single-sided swingarm, rather than secured with a traditional front fork and a conventional rear swingarm. The rims are plated in chrome and gold. Red and gold flames adorn the seat and gas tank.

"It handles pretty good for a bike as low and long as this," Nehme said. "It doesn't have that good of a turning radius. But I'd ride that bike any day of the week." He says he will make only one Nehmesis, which is why it doesn't come cheap.
Cost:$250,000
Information on the show:800-331-5706 or
www.motorcycleshows.com

* * *

An amazing thing happened at the Rats Hole show in Daytona Beach, Fla. during last October’s Biketoberfest – a custom Star Motorcycle won the show’s top prize. In doing so, it garnered the first win for a metric chopper in the premier category that’s traditionally ruled by American machines. Even more amazing the machine, named Nehme-sis after its builder, Broward Motorsports and BMS Choppers owner Sam Nehme, was the only metric cruiser ever to compete against American machines in Rats Hole’s prestigious Over 1000cc Super Radical category. “This year was the first time in 38 years they have ever allowed a metric bike to compete in the American class,” Nehme explains. In building Nehme-sis, Nehme literally took the Star Motorcycles tagline to heart. “We build it, you make it your own” never had a more perfect interpretation. The efforts of Nehme and his employees to create such an incredible motorcycle also powerfully shows what individual dealers can do – for themselves, for their dealership, and for metric cruisers and the Star Motorcycles brand.

Together Nehme, Broward Motorsports and BMS Choppers of Davie, Fla. made a huge commitment in developing and building Nehme-sis. Considering the shop’s $80 per hour flat rate, Nehme reckons there is $250,000 just in labor to handcraft the machine from the ground up – never mind the cost of parts, paint and plating. Now that’s going above and beyond the call of business. Star Motorcycles salutes you Mr. Nehme!


Racing against time The story of how the world’s most exotic Star custom helped boost metric cruisers to the apex of bike building is truly sensational. Nehme, head machinist Ron Tilson and “Jonesy,” a fabricator, created Nehme-sis over a six-month period. But its inspiration started with Nehme, who sketched out some ideas on paper after being invited to participate in an ESPN2 bike build-off. While no cost restrictions were established, there was a catch – the machine had to be designed and built within six months, a task that even the experienced Nehme found nearly impossible.

With the full support of the 50 Broward Motorsports employees, Nehme, Tilson and Jonesy worked day and night to bring the sketches to life. They started by dismantling a brand-new Road Star, saving only the engine, engine cradle and steering head (the latter to retain the original VIN). Extensive design work and testing went into the single-sided front “fork,” whose main spar is more than three feet long and machined from aluminum billet. Fully functional, it incorporates an air-ride system that, along with the single-sided swingarm rear suspension, can lift the motorcycle 10 inches or lower it right onto the ground. In fact, a side stand is unnecessary as Nehme-sis softly lands on its frame rails when it’s time to park.

To make the most of the beautiful Road Star engine, BMS Choppers developed a new frame with no front down tubes, instead utilizing the V-twin as a structural element. The frame was likewise tested for bending rigidity prior to continuing with the build. Nehme is proud to note that the frame, suspension and bodywork – in fact nearly everything except the wheels, plating and paintwork – were created in-house at BMS Choppers. And he especially credits Tilson and Jonesy for the expert results.

Everywhere you look, Nehme-sis surprises with clever engineering. In back is an extraordinary 360mm rear tire (wider than a Dodge Viper’s!) from Vee Rubber, flanked by a custom LED taillight/brake-light array integrated into the rear fender edges. An automatic clutch and a clever electronic grip shifter help clean up the overall lines. The rider selects gears by rotating the left handgrip, which can also switch modes to control the air-ride suspension on the fly. For space efficiency, the fuel tank was sectioned into two parts – one for gasoline and the other for electronics.

There are dozens more neat features, such a hidden front brake caliper and a rear brake tucked behind the chain drive’s front sprocket. And the finish is simply exceptional, with many gold-plated components including the custom wheels, which use an artful blend of gold and chrome plating. A skeleton motif extends from the paint to intricate details such as the bony hands surrounding the air filter.


Nehme started BMS Choppers in 2003 as a secondary business to Broward Motorsports after receiving compliments on a few machines he had developed. Now the company builds about 30 ground-up customs and hundreds of personalized Star motorcycles for its customers every year, but Nehme-sis is by far the wildest to date.He states that despite having a half-year for the project, Nehme-sis was done just three hours before ESPN2’s midnight deadline last May. Then after a brief test ride, it was stored until its September unveiling at the sports channel’s Metric Revolution show taping in Las Vegas. There it passed a demanding road test, then ascended through a 10-bike field to finish in the top three and win the Peoples Choice vote from over 5,000 show goers. The actual Metric Revolution show winner will be chosen during Daytona Bike Week next March as the show is finalized.

“Everyone was excited for us to be on TV and to be in the build-off,” Nehme says of the buzz Nehme-sis generated at Broward Motorsports. “It’s great bragging rights for the store, and it’s huge for our employees to be part of a company building metric customs.”


After returning from Las Vegas, Nehme-sis was entered in a pair of shows during last October’s Biketoberfest. First it won Best of Show on the Daytona Beach Boardwalk ahead of another Road Star and a Roadliner. Then came the famed Rats Hole show where Nehme-sis shocked the establishment by winning the premier class. “I think it blew a lot of minds in the industry that a metric bike could win the top prize on the first try,” he adds. “And it was really exciting that we finally beat the Harley-based American-built bikes.”

This winter you can see Nehme-sis in person at any of the 2007 Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows (

http://www.motorcycleshows.com/) as an official part of the Star Motorcycles exhibit. Then in April be sure to catch ESPN2’s Metric Revolution chronicling the entire build process and competition.
Source: Internal

6/06/2007

Kawasaki Z1000






KAWASAKI’S NEWEST VERSION OF THE Z1000 OFFERS STYLE, FUN, AND PERFORMANCE

Kawasaki engineers have literally upped the ante in the naked bike arena with the introduction of the newly-redesigned 2007 Z1000. Offering both increased performance and the styling to complement the visceral riding enjoyment it provides, this purpose-built Kawasaki is sure to find a home in the garages of both practical motorcyclists—and those simply seeking a smile-producing weekend ride.

This latest incarnation of the Z1000 features a seriously bulked-up performance capability that is created by refocusing engine and chassis characteristics for serious street riding. With one liter of superbike technology, the Z1000’s boosted engine performance provides greater exhilaration when passing or pulling out of corners. This version of Kawasaki nakedness has been tuned to satisfy the most demanding musclebike riders. Not only will its reconfigured torque measurements provide low-end get-up-and-go, but the increased pull follows through its mid-range, giving the rider extra thrust for conquering most road challenges.

Placing maneuverability at the forefront of the engineering task, Kawasaki has developed a new engine sub-frame and re-engineered chassis rigidity balance to provide truly outstanding feedback, enabling the rider to read and respond to all motorcycle behaviors, in all speed ranges.
Improvements in mass centralization and revised ergonomics have significantly enhanced the synergy between rider and machine. The handlebars of the Z1000 have been positioned closer to the rider, and combined with a slimmer saddle, the result offers a more compact riding position. This, in turn, lets the rider take full advantage of the motorcycle’s greater stability and sharp, nimble, handling characteristics, while making short work of their favorite ribbon of asphalt.

A big increase in the “Fun to Ride” factor is an unavoidable side-effect when you couple a more powerful engine with a more maneuverable chassis. When it comes right down to it, isn’t that what motorcycling is all about?

This particular model—perhaps more than any other—speaks to the intrinsically raw desire of the dedicated motorcyclist. While providing maneuverable, functional transportation in any daily environment, it provides the ability to unleash the fun-seeker in every rider. And it does it with Kawasaki performance and styling characteristics unmatched in the naked bike category.

Honda or Suzuki? Let's see!

Let's compare some models of Honda and Suzuki.

HONDA599
This 600-class minimalist sportbike has long been an enthusiast favorite, and now it's better than ever. New inverted front suspension, topped off with an attractive meter and cowl package. Same easy-to-use, free-revving power. Rock-solid chassis. Great riding position. It's everything you want in a sportbike and not an ounce more.

HONDA RC51

Broadband power and torque. Incredibly stable, razor-sharp cornering. There's only one sportbike in the Honda line with this combination of race-honed performance and handling: the stellar RC51™, a machine that's won both the AMA and World Superbike crowns. Built around a 90-degree V-twin engine and twin-spar chassis, it's all about high tech — without the high maintenance.


HONDA CBR600RR

Serious sportbike pilots have eagerly anticipated the arrival of the potent new 2007 CBR600RR, and now the industry experts have confirmed this incredible machine was well worth the wait. Cycle News crowned this middleweight missile winner of its '07 600cc Class Shootout, with the more compact, more powerful and lighter-weight 600RR easily besting the competition on both track and street. Roadracing World went one better, calling the CBR600RR "the best 600cc sportbike ever." Praise doesn't come much higher. And neither does performance.


SUZUKI KATANA 750

Suzuki's Katana sport bikes have a well-deserved reputation for offering an exhilarating combination of sport performance and exceptional open-road comfort. For 2006, the Katana 750 carries on that tradition, calling you to enjoy whatever kind of riding suits you.

At the heart of its performance capabilities is a 16-valve engine derived from the original, legendary GSX-RTM. With instantaneous throttle response and terrific midrange performance, the Katana 750 is a blast on tight, twisty roads. And with strong high-rpm performance, it invites you to enjoy its sport performance right up to the legal limit.

When the canyon roads turn into the open highway, the Katana 750 is equally at home.

Its deeply padded seat, spacious riding position and smooth engine operation provide you with comfortable sport-touring hour after hour. Its advanced suspension systems provide a plush ride to enhance its smooth open-road performance. So if you're looking for the ultimate in versatile sport performance, you came to the right place. The 2006 Katana 750!


SUZUKI KATANA 600

You're looking at the ideal fusion of sport-bike performance and sport-touring comfort - the Suzuki Katana 600. For proof, check out the Katana's impeccable performance credentials. It has a strong, lightweight and rigid perimeter-style frame for exceptional handling on the back roads. Its triple-disc hydraulic braking system offers outstanding braking power.

A high-performance, 16-valve engine derived from the original, legendary GSX-RTM offers crisp throttle response, strong midrange performance and something true sport riders will really appreciate - a terrific top-end charge. Put it all together and you have a light and responsive sport bike that can take on the tight, twisty roads - and come back for more.

In the mood for some sport-touring? The Katana 600 is designed to accommodate. It has a roomy seating position and a comfortable saddle. Its aerodynamic windshield offers excellent wind protection for both the rider and passenger. And its suspension provides smooth, supple performance for long-distance comfort. The 2006 Katana 600 - the sport bike that specializes in versatility.

SUZUKI Bandit 1250 ABS

The Suzuki Bandit became a favorite of a wide range of riders worldwide by delivering an unmatched package of performance, style and value. Now the Bandit is even better!

Introducing the 2007 Suzuki Bandit 1250S. Combining heavyweight power with distinctive styling and the quality of an all-new, technologically-advanced liquid-cooled engine and an advanced digital fuel injection system.

The new Bandit 1250's balance of power, style and technology is a combination developed by a team of dedicated Suzuki engineers, working together to produce a street machine of unmatched quality. It is a demonstration of Refined Total Balance, with Complete Quality, or in other words, the new Bandit 1250. You'll call it a motorcycle like no other.





My moto fotos collection. Please, enjoy!