street bikers

K&N Engineering, Inc.

2007-05-09T00:16:00.000-07:00

K&N Engineering, Inc. is a manufacturer of automobile parts that is best known for its namesake air filter. It is headquartered in Riverside,California.

K&N Engineering was founded by Ken Johnson and Norm McDonald. K&N Engineering became known for its performance air filters for motorcycles and racing vehicles. K&N air filters were first used by off-road racers. The extremely dirty conditions in off-road racing quickly clogged the paper filters that were available at the time. K&N's filter technology was applied to automotive applications. K&N manufactures the majority of its products in-house.

K&N's air filter is an automotive air filter constructed of cotton gauze material sandwiched between aluminium wire mesh. The filter withstands repeated washings unlike paper filters. After washing, the filter is treated with an oil. Introduced in 1969 by K&N Engineering, Inc., the company states that owners can drive for 50,000 to 100,000 miles between cleaning and claims a million mile warranty.
K&N offers several lines of cold air intake systems. K&N product lines include Fuel Injection Performance Kits, AirCharger Intake Systems, Typhoon Intake Systems, and High Flow Intakes.

Paper vs K&N

2007-05-08T23:30:00.000-07:00

To meet minimum filtration standards, paper air filters must be thick and/or the fibers must be tightly compressed and dense. Therefore paper elements that provide adequate filtration are more restrictive to air flow by design. Additionally, as a paper filter becomes more and more clogged, the pressure inside the filter drops while the atmospheric air pressure (approximately 14.7 psia at sea level) outside the filter remains the same. It’s like using your lungs to draw the air out of a plastic milk bottle. When the pressure differential becomes too great, the bottle will collapse. The same thing could happen to your paper filter, although it is unlikely. But what will happen could be just as severe. An excessively high pressure differential created by a restricted filter can literally pull dirt particles through the paper medium. In other words, the performance of a paper filter, i.e. air flow through the filter and its ability to protect your engine, DECREASES near the end of its service interval.

Disposable Paper Air Filter

Pleated wood pulp bonded together.
As dirt builds, passages are plugged and filter must be replaced in approximately 10,000 miles.
Irregular passages filter out dirt on a go/no go basis.
As fibers swell from moisture or oil blow-by vacuum pressure increases and airflow decreases.
Turbulent filtered air.

Typical Foam Air Filter

Lack of surface area hinders air flow and dirt holding capacity. Open cell foam usually saturated with oil.
Dirt builds on outside and blocks the openings.
Higher vacuum pressures distort the cells drawing dirt deeper into the filter.
Airflow is reduced as cells become blocked.
Turbulent filtered air.

K&N vs. Disposable Filter Life

Stop Throwing Away Your Air Filter!One K&N air filter will last the life of your vehicle. Assuming you drive your vehicle 150,000 miles and bought and installed a disposable filter every 15,000 miles, you would throw away 10 disposable air filters.

Some important tips about K&N Filterchargers

2007-05-08T23:16:00.000-07:00

Service Interval

A K&N Filtercharger is a high-performance air filter, both in terms of air flow and filtration. However, the service interval can vary widely depending on the severity of the driving conditions. The service interval can be from 100 miles in a desert-racing environment to 50,000 miles for normal street use. The proper way to determine when an air filter needs service is with an air restriction gauge. Such a device is commonly used on heavy duty trucks and construction equipment. A restriction gauge, measures the pressure differential inside and outside the filter and gives the information in different forms of measurement. As the filter collects more and more dirt, the restriction value increases. At a predetermined point or rate of restriction, the filter is serviced. The maximum allowable restriction for a K&N Filtercharger is 15" of vacuum (water). If the restriction is allowed to go higher, the filter media might become so restricted that the element could distort allowing dirty air to bypass the filter and enter the engine. Conversely, cleaning a filter too often will shorten its serviceable life expectancy. Installing a restriction gauge will optimize service intervals and take the guess work out of your maintenance schedule.

Service Life

A K&N Filtercharger can be washed up to 25 times before it is considered no longer serviceable. Even though the filter may not show outward signs of deterioration, it should be replaced after 25 washings. Excessive washings will deplete the tiny cotton hairs that crisscross the openings. The resulting damage will allow tiny dust particles to pass through.

Fit and Finish

When installing a K&N filter, check all gaskets, clamps and seams for damage and/or deterioration. Check the filter's sealing surface. Do not install a filter if the seal shows signs of damage or deterioration. Check for cracks in the air box, particularly at the seams and around the corners. Such defects could cause air leakage around the filter. Also, check to insure the filter is sealing properly in the air box. A plastic air box can warp from age or continuous heat cycling. Apply a thin layer of filter grease on both sides of the seal each time the filter is installed. An impression in the grease will indicate a positive seal. Check any lines or hoses connected to the air box or adjoining hoses leading to the engine. Engine oil in the air box, resulting from excessive blow-by, will cause the filter to shrink and possibly lose its seal. Clean any dust or debris out of the air box with a damp cloth, making sure nothing enters the air inlet while the filter is out. Never start the engine without the filter in place. Use only K&N Air Filter Cleaner to clean your filter. Harsh household cleaners can damage the cotton material and/or the rubber seal. Check the outside of the medium for broken wires, rips or tears. Do not use an element that shows signs of damage or wear. Use K&N Air Filter Sealing Grease on the sealing surface that contacts the air box. Do not use sealing grease on clamp-on type filters. If a filter is especially difficult to install, it will come with an instruction sheet explaining the correct installation procedure. Keep the instruction sheet with the vehicle for reference anytime the filter is removed. It is very important the filter be installed correctly. The filter can be positioned in the base or the lid, whichever is more convenient and makes the installation easier. Do not use excessive force to install a filter.

5 types of modifications in pulsar

2007-05-01T01:11:00.000-07:00

Lamborghini Motorbike 1000cc

2007-04-26T03:41:00.000-07:00

The Lamborghini Motorbike was designed in 1984-85 as a result of a close collaboration between Lamborghini and the French leading-edge racing bike constructor Boxer-Bike.

Boxer Bike has been famous since the seventies for their sophisticated racing bikes: hand-built in Toulouse (the French Aircraft and AeroSpace Valley) with extensive use of aerospace-technology, ultra lightweight frames theses motobikes offered the highest performance.

In 1986, in search of expansion and visersification, Lamborghini decided that a motorbike would bear their name. Boxer was the only partner capable of building the ambitious, ultra-expensive Lamborghini Design 90, powered by a state-of-the-art, 4-cam, 4 valve per cylinder straight-4 Kawasaki engine.

The price was twice as high as the most famous high-end motorbike of the period. This outrageous price factor, in addition to the extremely limited series - Lamborghini announced that 20 to 25 would be built, but only a handful were actually completed - contributed to establish the myth of the Lamborghini bike. Chief Engineer for this bike was Claude Fior, famous for his unique high-tech racing bikes. Fior unfortunately died young a few years ago in aircraft accident.

an estimated 130 HP for 170 kg, and with its radical shapes, this bike was a dream for millions of enthusiasts. Five to possibly six of these exclusive motorbikes were ever built with the complete fiberglass dramatically aerodynamic bodywork, inspired by the world-famous "25th Anniversary" Countach. One is still owned by one of the founders of Boxer-Bikes.

The market value of theses bikes, in perfect order, are estimated bewteen $50,000 and $70,000 USD (£30,000 - £40,000).

Honda CBR 600RR Fireblade

2007-04-26T03:36:00.000-07:00

On track or road, the CBR600RR is destined to revolutionise the Super Sports sector, much the same as its incredible RCV inspiration.
In its first season the RC211V won its debut race and has cntinued to dominate the new MotoGP racing series. In racing terms, you might say, the RC211V has taken control! Now it's the turn of the CBR600RR!

Fischer MRX 650

2007-04-26T03:32:00.000-07:00

The Fischer MRX 650 is an American sportsbike powered by a Korean made Hyosung engine. The 77 horsepower V-twin engine is fitted to a American designed chassis, covered by a hand laid fiberglass (or carbon fibre) fairing designed by an Englishman, Glynn Kerr.

The Fischer MRX 650 can be equipped with a variety of performance parts straight from the factory, including:- Micron race can- Brembo four piston brake calipers- ultra-lightweight cast alloy wheels- carbon rear air diffuser- race style belly pan- Ohlins front forks

CRS Vun

2007-04-26T03:26:00.000-07:00

The CR&S Vun (one) is powered by a BMW Rotax single cylinder engine. CR&S is a small company of around ten individuals. Roberto Crepaldi, one of the company's cofounders was a close friend of John Britten, a man who created one of the most radical bikes of the century the Britten V1000. The Vun pays homage to this visionary who died in 1995.The Vun is designed with minimum weight in mind, to this end the bike uses an underslung exhaust as used on Buell bikes.One of the main advantages of this design is that it keeps weight low down and lowers the center of gravity a vital component of good handling.CR&S will be producing the Vun in limited numbers.

Bimota DB5-R

2007-04-26T03:19:00.000-07:00

The Bimota DB5-R, like the Bimota DB5, is powered by a Ducati 1000DS motor mounted in a lightweight trellis frame. The Bimota DB5-R uses various parts sourced from the Benelli Tornado including the screen and mirrors.The Bimota DB5-R features full carbon fiber fairings, an exposed dry clutch, gold OZ Racing wheels and special Bimota paintwork.

Aprilia Blue

2007-04-26T03:12:00.000-07:00

The Aprilia 1000 Blue Marlin concept from 2001 is a purists dream. The Blue Marlin concept was inspired by Aprilia's first road going sports bike in the 1960's the Colibri 50. The clinical, machined lines of the bike work superbly with the exposed engine.
The Blue Marlin is powered by the same 60 degree V-twin used in the Aprilia RSV. The double cradle Perimeter frame draws on engineering solutions from both the road and track, and is constructed from advanced materials and mechanics. The result is an ultra-lightweight frame with high torsional rigidity enabling the engine to express the high power output to the full.

Bimota SB8R

2007-04-25T01:20:00.000-07:00

The Bimota SB8R is based around the Suzuki TL1000R sports bike. The SB8R is a exotic bike with a mixture of aluminium and carbon fiber being used for the frame. The front of the SB8R is complemented by Paioli upside down forks. The original Suzuki fuel injection is replaced by Bimotas own 59mm throttle bodies fed by carbon fibre air intakes originating from the front fairing of the SB8R.

Aprilia Shiver 750

2007-04-25T01:12:00.000-07:00

The 2007 Aprilia Shiver 750 is a naked sportsbike with some serious Italian style.

The Shiver 750's gorgeous gold-colored aluminium trellis frame leaves the all-new 95 horsepower, 59 ft lbs of torque, 90° V-twin engine on show. The new engine features Aprilia's first electronic throttle control available on a road bike.

The Aprilia Shiver 750 features cast aluminium wheels, radial Brembo brakes with four piston calipers and braided lines, offset canteliver monoshock, 43 mm upside-down front forks and a combined analogue/digital dash, making the Aprilia Shiver 750 slightly more expensive, yet far more exclusive, than its Japanese competitors like the Honda CB600F Hornet and Yamaha Fazer.

Overview of Sport bikes

2007-04-23T01:32:00.000-07:00

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation groups motorcycles into three separate classes; street, off-road, or dual-sport. Sport bikes are a type of motorcycle that fall under the street classification and generally emphasize performance over practicality.

With the emphasis of a sport bike being on speed, acceleration, deceleration, and maneuverability, there are certain design elements that most motorcycles of this type will share. Sport bikes have comparatively high performance engines resting inside a lightweight frame. The combination of these help maintain structural integrity and chassis rigidity. Braking systems combine higher performance brake pads and multi-pistons caliper that clamp onto oversized vented rotors. Suspension systems are advanced in terms of adjustments and materials for increased stability and durability. Front and rear tires are larger and wider than tires found on other types of motorcycles to accommodate higher cornering speeds and greater lean angles. Fairings may or may not be found on a sport bike. When used, the fairings are shaped to reduce aerodynamic drag as much as possible and less as wind protection for the rider. The performance of some stock sport bikes are so great that they can be ready for race track usage right off of the showroom floor (commonly referred to as being motorcycles that you ride to work on Monday and raced on Sunday).

These overall design traits mean sport bikes are generally less practical for street use when compared to most other types of motorcycles. There is little in the way of extra features or creature comforts like those present on touring motorcycles such as center stands, provisions for saddle bags, large windshields, or fairings providing protection from rain. Rider position and ergonomics are compromised in favor of weight distribution and aerodynamics. This generally means higher foot pegs that move the legs closer to the body and more of a reach to a lower set of hand controls which positions the body and weight forward and over the tank.

The term crotch rockets is slang for some types of sport bikes, mainly super sport and super bikes. The name is derived from the way the rider sits on the bike and from the speed and acceleration these bikes are capable of. A sport bike's foot pegs and shifter are located farther back than a conventional or 'cruiser' motorcycles; this puts the rider in a position that is more streamlined and aerodynamic and places the rider's crotch in very close contact with the seat.

Learner Legal

2007-04-23T01:25:00.000-07:00

This applies to the UK: Learner legal motorbikes are for people who have only passed a CBT, or a 'Part 1' test. If you have a CBT, you can ride a 125cc motorbike with up to 15bhp. Once you have completed a theory test, you are allowed on any machine as long as the output is below 33bhp, either as standard or restricted. Once you have your full license, you can progress to the other bikes outlined here.

Examples include the Aprilia RS125and the Suzuki Goose 350.

Beginner

2007-04-23T01:22:00.000-07:00

Beginner sport bikes are entry level motorcycles that are meant to introduce riders to the sport bike design. They are relatively inexpensive, lightweight, and durable. There are minimal to no fairings installed to cut down on cost and maintenance if the motorcycle were to be dropped. Although capable of more power, the engines are usually detuned for longevity and durability. Beginner sport bikes can usually accommodate riders of all heights and weights.

Examples include the Suzuki GS500 and Kawasaki Ninja 500R/250R.

Super sport

2007-04-23T01:18:00.000-07:00

Super sport bikes (also knows as middleweight sport bikes) are sharply focused for optimal performance on a race track. They are generally built around a high revving, small displacement powerplant that is usually sized around 600 cc to 800 cc. Most super sport bikes will carry a wet weight between 420—450 lb and can produce 100+ hp. Because of how strongly focused super sport bikes are on race track performance, riders with heights of 5 ft 8 in and below will generally find trouble being able to flatfoot (the placement of both feet completely flat on the ground while sitting on a motorcycle) these types of sport bikes. In turn, taller riders and heavier riders may find the rider ergonomics in the default position to be cramped and uncomfortable.

Examples include the Honda CBR600RR,Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R ,Suzuki GSX-R600, and Triumph Daytona 675.

Super bike

2007-04-23T01:11:00.000-07:00

The term Superbike is a word that is trademarked solely by Ducati Motor Holding, but due to the popularity of the motorcycles in this segment, the super bike term has been generally adopted to describe all bike (regardless of manufacturer) in this classification. Super bikes are large displacement super sport bikes. They have the exact same characteristics as the smaller super sport bikes which are mainly focused on race track performance, but are powered by larger engines that are usually sized around 800 cc to 1100 cc. A typical super bike will carry a wet weight between 440—480 lb and can produce 140+ hp. Super bikes with a displacement very close to 1000 cc are sometimes referred to as liter bikes as the engine displaces approximately one liter.

Examples include the Ducati 1098, Honda CBR1000RR, Suzuki GSX-R1000 and Yamaha YZF-R1.

Hyper sport

2007-04-23T01:03:00.000-07:00

Hyper sport bikes are very large displacement sport bikes with a strong emphasis on top speed and acceleration. These large displacement engines are usually sized around 1100 cc to 1400 cc. Hyper sport bikes are bigger and heavier than super bikes with wet weights generally being close to 500 lb. The increased weight compromises race track capabilities in favor of stability at very high speeds that can reach 180 mph. This compromise also allows manufacturers to design slightly more comfortable rider ergonomics.

Examples include the Honda CBR1100XX, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14, and Suzuki GSX1300R.

Sport touring

2007-04-23T00:55:00.000-07:00

Sport touring bikes are designed with a longer distance riding emphasis. They typically feature more creature comforts than that of the average sport bike. Sport touring bikes are typically heavier, less powerful, and less performance oriented than super sport bikes, but have the added capabilities of storage, more comfortable rider ergonomics, and better practicality. Depending on the amount of emphasis on these touring capabilities, sport touring bikes can range from super sport bikes with more comfortable rider ergonomics to full-featured touring motorcycles with sport bike-like capabilities and features.

Examples include the Honda VFR 800, Triumph Sprint ST, and Yamaha FJR1300.