Monday, December 30, 2013

Comparing Two Super Bikes - Yamaha R1 VS R6

Comparing Two Super Bikes - Yamaha R1 VS R6

Let me start with the introduction of R1.
Comparing Two Super Bikes:  R1 can storm from not to 100 km/hr. in less than 3 seconds and go about a top speed of 300 km/hr. This level of performance is impossible to measure on urban roads. So, we were on a race track to get the true feel of the 'World's Super Bike Race' winner.
Those of you who know super bikes might be a little disappointed 2012 version of this bike because it looks exactly like its previous models apart from color changes. But if you look closer, there are a couple of detail changes.
The overall shape of the bike remains the same but it has a big nose with bigger L.E.D lights to give an attractive headlight look. It's more aerodynamic too.


This bike has basically the same engine that it had last year. Asking about the new thing, it has an updated E.C.U (Engine Control Unit). It may be an inline four-cylinder engine but what sets it apart from other inline four-cylinders is the way it makes it power. It's Yamaha's crank design and a change in the firing order of its four cylinders, it gives that special character. The connection between the throttle, rear tire and the road feels more alive and you feel more in control. The 2012 model has introduced an extra and very important feature to keep you safe, the Traction Control.
The T.C.S. or the Traction Control System has six settings. On number six you can catch the fun nice and early and on number you get a lot more slides before it starts to get speed. You can change the settings by a switch on the left handle bar.

But, how does the T.C.S. work?
There is a sensor on the front and rear wheel of the bike. When the rear wheel starts turning faster than the front, the system understands that it should maintain a balance. So it starts adjusting different parameters such as ignition timing and throttle opening and brings everything under control.
You can also turn this system off. But, I would suggest you to leave it to the experts.
Now let me talk about the king of 600 cc sports bike. Yes, I am talking about the Yamaha's R6.
If R1 is all about the engine, then R6 is all about the handling. The smaller size and comparatively less weight allow this bike to turn much more quickly which makes it easier to hustle around the track. Nothing much has changed this bike and it doesn't needs to. It is still the best bike under the 600 cc category.
This bike has only 600 cc four-cylinder engine and 50 horsepower less than R1. So, ultimately it is not as quick as the latter. But, this doesn't make it a soft option. In many ways, this bike is a hardcore option. It is a focused track weapon.
Conclusion:
R1 is the best choice if you are looking for speed and power. But, if you want control, handling and a perfect design, I would suggest you to go for R6.

Comparing Two Super Bikes


Friday, December 20, 2013

New To Motorcycles? Learn The Basics

Interested in motorcycles? Who can blame you! Motorcycles reek of coolness, but before you jump into the motorcycle riding scene, you need to learn the basics of the bike!
Stand Up Straight Please

It's mind boggling how they do it, but motorcycles stay upright while they are moving due to some pretty advanced physics. A still motorcycle will lean over without some sort of support. But a moving motorcycle will stay upright without much effort thanks to a couple of little things called angular momentum and torque.
To see these physics at work, imagine that you're holding a bat in your palm with the heavy end up. It's going to tip over, right? It's too unsteady. Now imagine that you're wiggling your palm in an effort to always keep it directly under the heavy end of the bat. Suddenly the bat is steady. That's how motorcycles stay upright.
Driving forward on a motorcycle thanks to the power and torque provided by the engine, the rider (or the palm in our example) is constantly moving the bike (the bat in our example) to keep it directly inline with the center of gravity (that is, the heavy end of the bat in our example).
Yes, I know I am over-simplifying with this example. But in fact, it's basically the forward momentum and the rider constantly adjusting the center of gravity that will keep the motorcycle upright.
Going, Going, Go
Regardless of the varying motorcycle designs produced over the years, most bikes include some pretty standard operating configurations.
One of those is the arrangement of elements in the steering mechanism (the handlebar). On the right handle is the throttle and twisting it backward will give the engine more gas so the machine will accelerate (as long as the brakes are off). On the left handle is the clutch lever. Pulling it in and then releasing it will enable you to change gears. Some motorcycles have automatic shifting, but they are far and few between.
The gearshift on a motorcycle is normally under the rider's left foot. Riders will squeeze the clutch lever (left hand), ease off the gas (right hand), and move the gear shift up or down (left foot). Releasing the clutch (left hand) and twisting the throttle backward (right hand) will make the motorcycle move forward.
As you can see, there's a lot of left-right hand and foot action going on here and it's going to take a bit of practice to get it right. It'll be difficult to grasp at first, but with some practice, it becomes second nature.
Stopping the Motorcycle
Now that you know how to "go," it's time to learn how to stop! Attached onto the right handle grip is the front brake lever. This lever gives the motorcycle most of the friction it needs to slow down (about 80%). The friction is caused by pads squeezing against a metal disc (or drum in older bikes) in the center of the wheel. Since this particular lever is so powerful, it can even flip a bike if it's pulled too fast especially on downward slopes.
The rear brake lever is next to the right footrest. When it's pressed, it engages the rear brake mechanism. Push it too hard and you will make your rear tire skid.
Both, the rear brake lever and the front brake lever, will eventually bring a bike to a complete (but not necessarily) controlled stop if used individually. It's the correct combination of front and rear break power that will bring a bike to a smooth stop. Constantly pumping either one however will unduly wear your brakes down and loosen their effect ahead of time.
Bikes that have linked braking systems work a little differently. With this kind of system, the rear brake works with the front break because it engages part of it. As with the more traditional types of brake systems on a motorcycle, it's the combination and simultaneous use of both brakes that creates smooth stops.
So now you know how to go and stop. But what about turning the motorcycle off in an emergency? Almost every motorcycle today has a kill switch you can use in case need to hurry up and turn the thing off for whatever reason (failing brakes, you fall off, etc.).
Is that all I need to know?
Of Course not! There's a lot more to motorcycle riding but the above should give you a good idea of the overview.
Not all motorcycles operate in the same manner so some of things will work differently -- especially if you're attempting to ride an older bike that uses a kick starter! Newer models may offer GPS systems, custom suspension, and electronic de-fogging mirrors -- things that I haven't even touched on.
Remember to always wear your protective gear and enjoy the ride!
About the Author
Passionate about motorcycles, Daniel Levy is the owner and/or contributing writer of different motorcycle