SUPERBIKE REBORNAn innovative and stylish motorcycle has been unleashed on to the international market. The Mono Tracer is a Swiss two-wheeled "cabin" motorcycle. The sleek self-supporting composite-monocoque body, made from glass, Kevlar and carbon weave encompasses the rider. But this four cylinder, in-line BMW liquid-cooled, 16-valve 1171cc K-engine is no slouch on the road.
It's lithe, lightweight and agile, weighing in at a dry weight of between 460-485kg. This hybridisation of sports bike cum sports car can impressively lean to 52 degrees. When the rider turns into a corner a retractable stabiliser wheel is deployed enabling the bike to lean.
With a top speed in excess of 155mph, the manufacturers compare its performance power with a Porsche 911. "With the MonoTracer you also get the performance of a 911 combined with the unrivalled exhilaration of a superbike's angles of lean thrown in for free," according to MonoTracer manufacturer Peraves. The door is gull-winged and there's a sunroof, so you can still aspire towards that freedom feeling of straddling a regular motorcycle.
With a price tag of €52,500 plus VAT, the Mono Tracer is clearly aimed at the high-end market. "Many of our clients have an academic education, 911-experience, a pilot's licence and have driven or ridden the Nurburgring race track for real. Many are over 40, the age when rheumatism can start to set in," according to Peraves.
For more information, visit www.monotracer.com
YAMAHA'S CITY BIKES
Two new and updated Yamaha scooters were unveiled at last month's Madrid Motorcycle Show: the Neo 50cc and the X-City 125. The Neo has been stylishly updated. The new X-City will certainly accommodate the Dublin commuter who has to traverse the bumpy, uneven and pothole-pocked roads of the city.
ISLE OF MAN CENTENARY
If you can't make it to the Isle of Man this year to witness the road racing antics of the Centenary TT you can sit back comfortably in your armchair and listen to the sounds of the TT stars of yesterday in the comfort of your own home. TT Stars of Speed has been released by Duke video as a compact disc. Originally released on vinyl, it features racing heroes like Mike Hailwood, John Surtees and Geoff Duke with commentary from the renowned Murray Walker.
"The roar of BSA, Gileras, Moto Guzzi, Honda, Norton and many more conjure up the atmosphere of history making race meetings," according to Duke.
TT Stars of Speed is available from Duke and costs around €22, visit dukevideo.com for more information. - Patricia Weston
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