2009 Moto Guzzi Café Classic: A Modern Classic
It seems I am getting obsessed with Café Racers, first Royal Enfield, then Triumph Thruxton and now Moto Guzzi Café Classic V7.
Amongst the first mass produced motorcycles to run at 124mph in 1970s, Moto Guzzi V7 Sport has its share of history when it comes to motorcycling. Wrapped in a radiant paint and pure café racing sporty styling Moto Guzzi launched its V7 Café Classic in 2009.
A 744cc OHV, air-cooled, 90-degree V-twin engine producing 49bhp of power output and a thrilling top speed of approximately 115mph, it’s a stunning display of speed and beauty. Moto Guzzi Café Classic V7 has a beautifully crafted fuel tank with a nice chrome filler cap and a gorgeous bum-stop seat. I will not say that it’s blisteringly fast but the speed is enough to give thrills to any Café Racer enthusiast.
Its Weber-Marelli electronic fuel injection provides a decent economy while front brake, a floating 320 mm stainless steel disc and rear a 260 mm stainless steel disc, do a good job to bring this classy Moto Guzzi Café Classic to a quick stop. A Marzocchi telescopic front forks and light alloy swingarm with 2 pre-load adjustable shock absorbers are just fantastic.
It’s a true stunner of a Café Racer and packs enough punch to give that thrill of hopping between Cafés of Rome
2009 Moto Guzzi V7 Café Classic Specifications
Engine
Type Four-stroke V 90 twin
Displacement 744cc
Bore and Stroke 80×74 mm
Compression ratio 9.6:1
Timing 2 valves per head operated by light alloy pushrods
Fuel Supply Weber-Marelli electronic fuel injection
Exhaust System Three-way catalyser with lambda probe
Transmission
Gearbox 5-speed
Lubrication Forced lubrication with lobe pump
Clutch Dry single plate with flexible couplings
Primary Drive Helicoidal gears
Final Drive Shaft drive
Chassis
Frame ALS steel tubular dismountable twin cradle
Wheelbase 57 in
Front Suspension Marzocchi telescopic front forks
Rear Suspension Oscillating light alloy swingarm with 2 pre-load adjustable shock
absorbers
Front Brake Floating 320 mm stainless steel disc; 4 opposed calipers of
differing diameters
Rear Brake 260 mm stainless steel disc
Wheels Spoken steel rims; front – 2.50” X18”, rear – 3.50″ X17″
Tires Metzeler Lasertec; front – 100/90- 18, rear – 130/80 -17
Dimensions
Length 86 in
Width 31.5 in
Height 43.9 in
Seat Height 31.7 in
Steering Angle 32°
Dry Weight 401 lbs
Curb Weight 437 lbs
Fuel Capacity 4.4 gal
Triumph THRUXTON900 Café Racer, A Timeless Beauty
Ever since I have written about Royal Enfield Bullet Café Racer, I was wondering… rather doubting if there is any motorcycle manufacturing company in the world which can create a modern classic. I got up in the morning switched on my computer and I don’t know why just went on to Triumph website. There it was right on the homepage, Thruxton 900, a Modern Classic, which cleared all my doubts about who can create a motorcycle which can be a Modern Classic. Nobody can do it better than Triumph and Thruxton a Café Racer says it all what Triumph Motorcycles is capable of. 
Name of this sporty and genuine Café Racer is inspired by the race track which Triumph motorbikes have always ruled and Ton Up Boys of the 60s. For those who value retro motorcycling experience Thruxton is a treat. Triumph Thruxton 900 is powered by state of the art parallel twin 865 cc engine churning out 69 pc of pure thrilling power capable of providing the ecstasy of street racing and whiles its looks gives that feel of riding on a vintage motorbike. To bring the motorcycle to an abrupt halt Thruxton is fitted with 320mm floating front disc brakes and 255mm rear disc brakes gripped by Nissin 2 piston floating caliper. The Thruxton is priced at £6,699 OTR and is available in two colors presently, a Tornado Red/White Stripe and Jet Black/Gold Stripe 
We all know and I don’t have to say it again that after sales services of Triumph is unmatched and unparallel.
Specifications: THRUXTON 900
Engine
Type Air-cooled, DOHC, parallel-twin, 360 degree firing interval
Capacity 865cc
Bore/Stroke 90 x 68mm
Compression Ratio 9.9:1
Fuel System Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection with SAI
Transmission
Final Drive X ring chain
Clutch Wet, multi-plate
Gearbox 5-speed
Cycle Parts
Frame Tubular steel cradle
Swingarm Twin-sided, tubular steel
Front Wheel 36-spoke, 18 x 2.5in, aluminum rim
Rear Wheel 40-spoke, 17 x 3.5in, aluminum rim
Front Tyre 100/90 18
Rear Tyre 130/80 R17
Front Suspension Kayaba 41mm forks with adjustable preload, 120mm travel
Rear Suspension Kayaba chromed spring twin shocks with adjustable preload,
106mm rear wheel travel
Front Brakes Single 320mm floating disc, Nissin 2 piston floating caliper
Rear Brakes Single 255mm disc, Nissin 2 piston floating caliper
Dimensions
Length 2150mm (84.6in)
Width (Handlebars) 830mm (32.7in)
Height 1095mm (43.1in)
Seat Height 820mm (32.3in)
Wheelbase 1,490mm (56.7in)
Rake/Trail 27 degree/97mm
Dry Weight 230kg (506lbs)
Fuel Tank Capacity 16 litres (4.2 US gal)
Performance (Measured at crankshaft to DIN 70020)
Maximum Power 69PS / 68bhp / 51kW @ 7400 rpm
Maximum Torque 69Nm / 51ft.lbs @ 5800rpm
Well the story doesn’t end here. Triumph is planning to introduce a special edition of Thruxton which is a treat to watch, I bet your heart will miss a beat when you see it. It’s genuinely, authentically, truly and a complete a British classic. With a red powder coated frame, specially designed decals, a Crystal White body paint work with red sporty stripes from tank to tail and blacked out engine cases make Triumph ThruxtonSE a true winner.
My SPECIAL THANKS to Triumph for the Specifications and Pictures of the Motorcycle.
Royal Enfield Bullet Cafe Racer
Royal Enfield Bullet is all set to give the bike makers like Honda, Bajaj, Yamaha, Suzuki and TVS a run for their money. A lot of sleepless nights are in store for these bike makers for sure. Based on their Classic UCE EFI500 Model, Royal Enfield has unveiled their new “Cafe racer concept motorbike” at the 10th Auto Expo in New Delhi. In the beginning of year 2012, it’s going to be exported to the US and Europe, but eventually towards the end of year 2012 they have a plan to launch this in India.
The Motorcycle is for those who want to hop to a coffee shop for a coffee or to a bar or pub for a beer. It’s aimed at the youth primarily. It’s a lot different than the Royal Enfield Bullet we are used to as it includes a host of sporty features like a retro tail lamp cluster, “Bump Stop” seat, clip-on bars, new twin pod instrument cluster, chopped mudguard, racing number plates on sides and megaphone muffler.
Royal Enfield is planning to price it around Rs.170, 000. It will be fitted with same UCE500 motor doing job in Royal Enfield Bullet classic 500 when it will be launched in 2012. It will be for sure a bit quicker than the Royal Enfield Bullet 500 of today though.
I am sure Harley Davidson will take a serious note of this development.
I am waiting for a V-Twin from Royal Enfield now. Am I getting a little too greedy?
Royal Enfield Pavilion at Auto Expo 2010
MY APPEAL TO MR SIDHRATH LAL CEO AND MD ROYAL ENFIELD
WE WANT ROYAL ENFIELD BULLET CLASSIC IN MILITARY GREEN COLOR IN INDIA
PLEASE
ITS GORGEOUS, ITS DAMN GORGEOUS
Chevorlet Launched BEAT
Chevorlet launched BEAT it premium hatchback model on 4th Jan. 2010. Its stunning looks are for sure better than any in its class. The stylish interiors and peppy 1.2 litre engine is going to give Maruti Suzuki run for its money. Its styling will certainly set a new trend in the market which many will follow. It’s for sure a show stealer when it comes to its gorgeous interiors. Interiors are not only plush but also very practical. Hoped to be priced in league of Maruti Estilo & Hyundai i10, but is clear cut superior to its closest rivals. I bet it’s time for Maruti Suzuki to revamp its swift to tackle BEAT.
Kawasaki Vulcan VS Honda Valkyrie Rune
Honda Valkyrie Rune
I bet you can buy Honda Valkyrie Rune for its sheers looks. But Honda Valkyrie Rune is much much more than that. Honda and only Honda can manage to bring a concept to reality like never before. It is designed to steal the show and to turn heads even faster than it covers the ¼ of a mile. It has a massive 1832cc liquid-cooled horizontally opposed engines which provides an ultimate hot rod experience you can ever dream of.
Its 6.1 gallon fuel tank is perfect for long range drives. It has a fuel-injection system with six 32mm throttle bodies, a revolutionary Unit Pro-Link rear suspension, Honda Ignition Security System (H.I.S.S.) provides a fool proof safety by completely disabling the ignition system and greatly reducing the possibility of theft.
It has a beautifully crafted LED taillight flush-mounted in the rear fender. Rune comes with a 6.9-liter airbox that supplies a huge quantity of cool, clean air to the engine for maximum performance. Its incredibly powerful 1100-watt alternator supplies its electrical accessories with abundance of power. The Rune has big radial tires, a 180/55R-17 rear and 150/60R-18 front that allows superb grip and a great stability while riding on high speed.
SPECIFICATONS
Model: NRX1800
Engine Type: 1832cc liquid-cooled horizontally opposed six-cylinder
Bore and Stroke: 74mm x 71mm
Compression Ratio: 9.8:1
Valve Train: SOHC; two valves per cylinder
Carburetion: PGM-FI with automatic choke
Ignition: Computer-controlled digital with three-dimensional mapping
Transmission: Five-speed
Final Drive: Shaft
Suspension:
* Front: Trailing bottom-link; 3.9 inches of travel
* Rear: Unit Pro-Link with single shock; 3.9 inches of travel
Brakes:
* Front: Dual full-floating 330mm discs with three-piston calipers
* Rear: Single 336mm disc with two-piston caliper
Tires:
* Front: 150/60R-18 radial
* Rear: 180/55R-17 radial
Wheelbase: 68.9 inches
Seat Height: 27.2 inches
Dry Weight: 794 pounds
Fuel Capacity: 6.1 gallons
KAWASAKI VULCAN 2000
Kawasaki Vulcan is amongst the largest displacement cruiser motorcycles in the world. Its elite projector-type headlight sheathed in chrome nacelle is a show stopper. Speedometers are mounted on fuel tank with informative LDC display which keeps the rider informed about bike’s various functions. Its massive 52° V-twin, 2053cc four-stroke engine churns out explosive torque and push-rod valve actuation adds to its lower engine height, low center of gravity and comparatively low seat height. Engine Control Unit (ECU) controls its electronic fuel injection, while digital ignition system optimizes its throttle response. Spark plugs are in centre which improve combustion for smooth, reliable power and reduced emissions.
Its low maintenance belt drive is smooth, silent and very dependable. Vulcan has 16 inches, 7 spoke cast aluminum wheels fitted with massive 200/60R radial tires. Dual front 300mm disc brakes with four-piston calipers and single rear disc brakes provide enough confidence at high speed and bring this massive cruiser to a quick halt smoothly. Its big 5.5-gallon fuel tank is excellent for long drives and cross country trips. Comfortable bucket-type front and rear passenger seat provides added comfort and style to the cruiser
SPECIFICATION
Engine: Four-stroke, 52-degree V-twin, dual cams, eight valves
Displacement: 2,053cc
Bore x Stroke: 103mm x 123.2mm
Compression Ratio: 9.5:1
Maximum Torque: 141 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm
Cooling: Liquid, plus cooling fins
Induction: Digital fuel injection, dual 46mm Keihin throttle bodies
Ignition: TCBI with Digital Advance
Transmission: Five-speed
Frame: Steel, double-cradle with box-section single-tube backbone
Rake / Trail: 32 degrees / 7.2 in.
Suspension, Front / Wheel Travel: 49mm telescopic fork / 5.9 in.
Suspension, Rear / Wheel Travel: Triangulated steel tube swingarm with direct-action single shock, fully-adjustable spring preload, eight-way rebound damping / 3.9 in.
Front Tire: 150/80-16
Rear Tire: 200/60-16
Brakes, Front: Dual 300mm discs with four-piston calipers
Brakes, Rear: 320mm disc with dual-piston caliper
Overall Length: 99.8 in.
Overall Width: 40.4 in.
Overall Height: 45.5 in.
Ground Clearance: 5.3 in.
Seat Height: 26.8 in.
Dry Weight: 750 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 5.5 gal.
Wheelbase: 68.3 in.
Colors: Two-Tone: Ebony / Pearl Meteor Gray
Royal Enfield Bullet: Beautiful Add-On Kits
Royal Enfield offers plenty of add on kits to make it look even better. Here are some for you which I have managed to list. I am sure you will like it.
Twin Seats
To give a period look to your Royal Enfield Bullet you can install spring coiled split seats on rider and pillion seat assembly. You can find these at any Royal Enfield dealers and authorized service points. This accessory is a retro fit only for the new-model Bullet Machismo.
Disc Brakes
Royal Enfield Bullet has now come up with a very affordable and effective disc brake system. This is available with all authorized dealers and service points and can be easily fitted onto your bullet. They offer two types of disc brake kits, one is with a short hose with standard handlebars and other with a longer hose for the Lightning 535cc and models with longer handlebars. But these disc brakes are not retro fit on a few models like Thunderbird, the 2004 Bullet Electra and Bullet Machismo (five-speed). These bikes will need a new fork end to fit this Disc brake kit.
This will facilitate abrupt halt even while cruising at high speed. Resistance to water flooding to a great extent, self adjustment of slack, improved performance in muddy condition and the most important it can easily be incorporated with ABS.
Windshield
Royal Enfield has come up with a special polycarbonate windshield with UV protection which provides great weathering properties. Apart from great impact resistance, it saves the rider from that scorching Indian heat and mellow down the sun glare to a tolerable level. It provides a great feel in long distance drive. It’s available with all the authorized dealers and service centers of Royal Enfield Bullet
Motorcycle Cover
Keeping your Royal Enfield Bullet spic and span is a must to enjoy its beauty for a long time. Royal Enfield’s synthetic silver-coated, plastic-coated, water resistant, logo-emblazoned motorcycle cover is one way to do it. It’s easily washable and protects your Bullet from heat and water and reduces staining.
Saddle Bags
I will say this is something we all have always wanted. Royal Enfield offers hand crafted leather bags of the finest quality, exclusively designed for rugged Indian terrains. The buckles and fittings are made of solid brass to give it a rugged, natural look. It provides sufficient luggage compartment to match your requirements while traveling long distance. It comes with a Royal Enfield logo as well to make it complete. You can find these at any Royal Enfield dealers and authorized Service Points
EXPERT EZINE AUTHOR
tandoorandtravel
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