| | Biker News - Regularly updated
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- Langen Motorcycles have, once again, been invited to ride the stunning Two Stroke up the iconic hill at this year’s Festival of Speed.
- Leading journalists, influencers and racers have been scrambling for the handful of places available to ride the Langen Two Stroke at the most prestigious event on the automotive calendar.
- Chris Ratcliffe, the CEO of Langen, is keeping tight-lipped as to who he has allocated the rides.
- The Langen Two Stroke will make two appearances a day across the four days of the festival.
Langen Technology Limited (Langen), one of the leading automotive engineering and development companies specialising in low volume motorcycles, will once again be making an appearance at the Festival of Speed. Each day two lucky people will have the opportunity to crack open the throttle and experience the thrill of riding this beautiful, hand built 90° V-Twin Cylinder 2-stroke machine up the twisting course in front of the crowds at Goodwood.
Since unveiling the first two custom personalised machines to their recipients at the NEC’s Motorcycle Live event in November 2022, there has been a steady stream of deliveries to customers of the limited edition Langen Two Stroke.
What makes this motorcycle unique is the intoxicating 250cc V-twin engine combined with the focus on simplicity, the reduction in weight using modern technology and materials, along with the use of components of the highest quality. Modern design meets Great British traditional craftsmanship.
Being born as a side project in the Ferrari factory, the first version of the V-Twin was realised in 2014 by Vincenzo Mattia as a brutal GP race engine delivering 95bhp. The patented fuel injection and ECU controlled lubrication system have enabled Langen and Vins to develop the purebred V-Twin into a durable, controllable engine which meets modern emissions regulations. The well-mannered power delivery allows a predictable ride with endless, addictive torque on tap. Take the needle upwards of 9,000 rpm for an experience like nothing else on the road.
Drawing on a wealth of experience and expertise, Langen pride themselves on producing a whole motorcycle package which can not only contend on the race-track but also provides a confidence inspiring and unequalled ride on the road.
Langen’s specialism echoes the great Colin Chapman “simplify then add lightness”. Relentless design, testing and optimisation of every component and system on the bike enables The Two Stroke to weigh in at an incredible 120kg translating to over 600bhp/tonne. The aluminium space-frame chassis provides the optimum stiffness, weight and geometry to give incredible cornering speeds, change of direction with reassuring stability, at 130mph.
Christofer Ratcliffe Founder and CEO of Langen comments: “We are delighted to be back at Festival of Speed, it gives a premium, niche manufacturer like us the opportunity to showcase this stunning motorcycle to a knowledgeable and appreciative crowd.
We are constantly inundated with requests from journalists, influencers, and industry professionals to review and ride The Two Stroke and we have hand-picked the people we think will do it justice to offer them this exclusive opportunity.
Our customers who have already been in receipt of their bikes report only one problem – every journey is extended due to the large crowds the Langen draws wherever it goes and the constant stream of interesting questions from admirers.
At Langen we believe that “cars move the body, yet motorcycles move the soul” - it demonstrates the intangible and unmatched human experience of riding and owning a Langen. Where better to demonstrate this than at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2023.
Discover more at: https://www.langenmotorcycles.co.uk/
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The final of the nationally renowned BSH Custom Championships has a new home! The long-standing motorcycling competition, hosted by the original custom bike magazine, Back Street Heroes, will now take centre stage at the Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show, held at Stafford Showground over the weekend of October 14-15, 2023.
Categories include: Best Chopper, Best Custom, Best Engineering, Best Paint and Best New Skool Custom. The final will showcase the best of the best custom bikes, chosen from thousands entered at heats countrywide. What better place is there to admire them than at the world’s largest classic bike show!
Mortons Media Group’s Exhibitions manager Nick Mowbray said: “Stafford is about one thing and always has been – it’s about enjoying motorcycles! The team and I are delighted to host the finals of the BSH Custom Championships – it’s a perfect fit while also bringing a completely new element to the show which is sure to please visitors both old and new to the event.”
Alongside the BSH display there will be the usual fantastic show highlights, more than 900 traders, live stunt displays, the world-famous Bonhams Auction, and of course, the hundreds of bikes on display!
Special guest this year will be none other than TV personality and motorcycle enthusiast Henry Cole – and along for the ride will be his close friends Guy Willison (Skid) and Allen Millyard. The trio are sure to provide a great mix of motorcycle knowledge and tales to wow the crowds over the weekend.
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Automotive industry charity, Ben, is inviting the automotive community to ‘Rev up 4 Ben’ and create an ultimate driving playlist, with songs handpicked by industry people, influencers and enthusiasts.
The purpose of the campaign is to curate an epic Spotify playlist of driving songs for summer while encouraging engagement for the charity on social media using #RevUp4Ben, as well as increasing sign ups to its email list. This will help get as many people in the industry as possible to know that Ben is there to support them.
As it’s summer and peak time for travelling to new destinations, it’s the perfect opportunity for a new playlist - Ben can save you the time and provide one, recommended by your colleagues in the industry!
Get involved
Find out more about #RevUp4Ben and get your favourite driving song on the playlist: www.ben.org.uk/drivingplaylist
Sign up to receive the playlist
To get the ultimate driving playlist sent straight to your inbox when it’s ready, sign up to hear from Ben: www.ben.org.uk/signup.
Ellen Plumer, Head of Marketing, Outreach, Communications & Awareness, said: “To celebrate a love of music, driving and our industry, we’re creating the ultimate driving playlist, chosen by the automotive community – by the community, for the community! We’re really excited to launch this just in time for summer so those travelling to new holiday destinations can have a great new set of tunes to listen to on their journeys.
“The purpose of the campaign is also to boost awareness and increase Ben’s reach so that everyone in our industry knows about the services we provide. We need your help to spread the word about Ben and our services so no-one in our industry has to struggle alone. Help us do this by getting ready to #RevUp4Ben!”
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Indian Motorcycle London is delighted to announce the exclusive display of the highly acclaimed custom Indian FTR, ‘Tokyo Connection.’ The result of a unique collaboration between renowned Japanese custom bike builder, Cheetah, and the UK’s Sideburn Magazine. ‘Tokyo Connection’ will be showcased at Indian Motorcycle London in Kensington from July 11th to July 31st, providing a perfect opportunity for motorcycle enthusiasts to witness this extraordinary masterpiece.
Originally revealed at the Bike Shed Moto Show earlier this summer, ‘Tokyo Connection’ gained significant attention at the show and on social channels through its combination of Japanese craftsmanship, British ingenuity and American Moto culture. Its design elements reflect the rich heritage of Indian Motorcycle while incorporating a modern and dynamic aesthetic.
“We are delighted to give everyone in the UK another opportunity to see this remarkable FTR after its recent trip to Wheels & Waves,” said Claire D’auria, marketing manager for Indian Motorcycle UK & Ireland. “This motorcycle represents the true spirit of collaboration and Indian Motorcycle London provides the ideal setting for displaying ‘Tokyo Connection.’ Its modern and stylish dealership environment perfectly complements the artistry and craftsmanship of this exceptional custom bike.”
Visitors to Indian Motorcycle London during the display period will have the opportunity to explore the unique features and intricacies of the ‘Tokyo Connection.’ The motorcycle showcases striking details and hand-painted graphics that reflect its fusion of Eastern and Western influences. Its bespoke exhaust system, custom seat, and expertly fabricated one-piece petrol tank and seat cowl further enhance its overall appeal, making it a truly unique collector’s item.
In addition, visitors will be able to purchase from a selection of very limited apparel that was released alongside ‘Tokyo Connection’.
The range includes:
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- A heavyweight hoodie in light grey with Cheetah brush script Indian Motorcycle logo on the front, Indian Motorcycle company logo on one sleeve, ‘Tokyo Connection’ illustration by Cheetah and script on the back
Black or White T-shirts with Cheetah brush script Indian Motorcycle logo on the front, company logo on one sleeve, ‘Tokyo Connection’ by Cheetah and script on the back
- An embroidered Snapback Cap
For more information on, and how to find, Indian Motorcycle London, please visit their website.
As part of the build, a series of videos follows the project from the build to its unveiling and beyond.
To follow all the videos as they are released, bookmark the YouTube Playlist
‘Tokyo Connection’ Custom Indian FTR
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- Handmade aluminium tank cover and seat cowl bodywork by Cheetah Custom Cycles (@cheetah_4d.studio)
- Centre panel on the tank cover fabricated and engraved by Cheetah
- Air scoop for front disc brake by Cheetah
- Chromoly subframe designed by Cheetah, fabricated by Garage Ducktail (@ducktail_watanabe)
- Aluminium petrol tank designed by Cheetah, fabricated by Garage Ducktail
- Leather seat by Atelier Tee (@ateliertee)
- Paint by S Paint Works (@spaintworks_aki @spaintworks)
- Signwriting by Shakin @grindandbrush
- S&S Grand National exhaust system, Cerakoted Stormtrooper White
- Indian Motorcycle x Gilles Tooling rearsets
- Indian Motorcycle x Gilles Tooling brake & clutch levers
- Indian Motorcycle x Gilles Tooling radiator cap
- Indian Motorcycle x Gilles Tooling oil cap
- 19in FTR Rally front wheel, powder-coated black & rebuilt by Hagon
- 19in rear rim, laced to FTR Rally hub by Hagon
- Dunlop DT4 dirt track tyres
- Neken dirt track handlebars
- Rizoma mini indicators
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For every motorsport fan, of all eras, the Goodwood Festival of Speed represents a unique and unmissable opportunity to see the legends of two and four-wheel racing come together.
This year Aprilia will have the honour of taking part in this sort of Woodstock of engines, held at the Goodwood Circuit near the south coast of England, bringing the latest evolution of the Italian MotoGP project to the attention of the ever knowledgeable public.
The Aprilia RS-GP 2023, the highest and most advanced expression of research and technology applied to a racing bike, will be the protagonist along the legendary asphalt of the Goodwood Hillclimb, ridden by riders Lorenzo Savadori, Miguel Oliveira and Raùl Fernandez.
From Thursday 13th to Sunday 16th July, the roar of the Italian V4 will echo through the English countryside during an event that will see, in addition to the MotoGP riders, many other motorsport icons riding (or at the wheel) of equally exceptional vehicles.
For those who do not have the opportunity to attend this extraordinary event in person, the weekend's activities can be followed through the official Goodwood FOS channels and on Aprilia's social media profiles.
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