Mountain Bike Racing

Who can race?

Everyone! Most mountain bike race events are divided into different categories: gender, age and ability. So even if you are just beginning to love the sport or if you have been riding for several years, there is a race for you.

Who organizes the race?

Many of the best mountain biking races for beginners are organized by local communities. And most participants can be your friends and neighbors. How many joins this race? Depending on its popularity – maybe 30 or 100. The good thing about community-organized races is that they are less competitive as they are often participated by average riders like you. So if it is your first time to join a race, this is a good starting point.

Check with your local bike shop and bike websites to find if there are race events nearby.

Why race?

Racing improves your riding skill and makes you a better rider. Racing gives you a goal, which drives you to perform better than in casual biking. It improves your focus on the road. Since you dare to ride as fast as you can, it increases your reaction time to every bend, corners, rocks and dips. Also, knowing that the race is coming up, you eat and prepare better.

How much does it cost?

Entry or registration fee for community mountain bike race usually costs between $10 and $35. This usually includes t-shirt. Regional races are a bit higher. Often, gift certificates and bike gears are given and prizes.

Speaking of prizes, awards are given in all categories like Women 30-39 Beginner, Men 30-39 Beginner, Men 30-39 Expert, Men 40-49 Beginner etc. So there are several chances of winning. When they speak of the "depth", it means the number of places that is awarded for a particular category. If the awards are "five deep", that means prizes are given from first up to fifth place.

Either way, it is not about the prize but for the fun of biking.

What are the rules?

Know if you should be "self-supporting", meaning you have to provide everything you need during the race from water supply to repair tools. If not, ask if you can share tools and inner tubes with your teammates or other rides. Also, check if you can munch powerbars while riding or get water-bottle from your pit-crew as turn a lap. These are important details to know.

There are unwritten, non-technical rules in mountain biking race. First, do not mess with other riders. Do not block. Do not draft (riding directly behind another rider and use him as shield block the air). Do not endanger another rider. The aim of the race is fun and camaraderie so do not spoil it by kicking someone else's bike or throwing an empty water-bottle to other competitors.

What to prepare?

Be physically fit. Get stronger. Ride more often. Run the course at least once before the race to familiarize the terrain. Register in advance. Pack everything you need a night before.

On race day, arrive an hour early. This gives you time to rest, mingle with other racers and do some final check with your bike (do not change major parts on race day unless it is completely necessary). After the race, hang out with other racers, cheer for the late finishers, wait for the awarding and recall the day's event.

Bike World

Motorbikes are considered heartthrobs in the automotive world. Bikes are conventional, and normal bikes are used by ordinary, middle-class people who cannot afford to buy themselves a car. It would not be an overstatement that 90 percent of people who step into their professional lives and start earning buy a motorbike as a means of transportation. They can take their feet off the ground and flutter away on their vehicles.

These motorcycles are economical in many ways. Some third world countries have started producing their local scooters and bikes so that almost any person who manages to save a little amount of money can afford a scooter easily.

This goes for countries that are on their way towards development. Motorbikes are not hard to assemble and there are people who have managed to build their very own bikes.

It does not consume as much fuel as cars do and they can easily adjust themselves between cars in the parking lot!

It is hard to categorize bikes because now the ordinary Yamahas are beginning to come in the markets with the same features as those of trail or heavy bikes. Not exactly the same but a lot of features are being installed in all kinds of bikes. They are now more comfortable and smooth to ride on.

Bikes are of numerous types. An ATV drift has become dominant over the past few years. In ATV, there is a raptor 700R GYTR edition; its key features are much more advanced. It is appealing for bike lovers as it has special graphics system, all new skid plates and more powerful engine that can make this bike race in all sorts of riding environments. It is capable of riding smoothly in deserts, dunes and even thick woods. It is basically a sports bike and it is used in bike racing and over the years it has earned the reputation of the best racer in the world.

Such bikes are expensive and belong to the sporting world. They used to be rather plain featured as we have seen the trail bikes that come with extra shocks and special wheels. The latest bikes have no comparison; they are a complete package. Their bodies are light weight; they have bigger, smoother, comfortable cushion seats. And their over all performance is much more satisfying than people could imagine. Motorbikes are a joy to ride.

An Amazing New Sports Car

Here is a truly amazing new sports car – the KTM X-Bow. It is amazing in the way it looks, the way it is made and in its performance. So what is so special about the way it looks? Well, it has open wheels, with cycle type fenders, but you can hardly see them. At the front there is a big cowl which hides the wheels, but beneath that is a narrow chisel nose that is the front of the body, the engine being behind the cockpit.

On top of the engine is a curved cowl that acts as a cover, and provides some downforce at speed. Then, twin radiators are mounted each side of the engine, just behind the cockpit, where they partly conceal the engine and rear wheels. If you look from the back, you can see the rear suspension and a big muffler across the back with the exhaust coming straight out. This mufflers acts as a safety crash member, taking the impact in a crash.

One more thing that is different: the instruments and controls are all mounted in the hub of the steering wheel.

Austrian, with mid-engined layout

So who has produced this unusual sports car? KTM, the Austrian maker of high-performance off road motor bikes. Like KTM motorcycles, the X-Bow is a hot performer, without any creature comforts, and has shaken up the sports car world.

It has a carbon fiber body, made in Italy, which is one reason why this is a lightweight car, although not as light as the Lotus 2-11 or Caterham CSR, two competitors.

What is normal about it? Well, like the Lotus Elise, Exige and 2-11 sports cars the engine is mounted cross-wise in unit with the transaxle behind the cockpit, an arrangement which allows the use of a power train of a mass production front-drive car. In this case, the power train is the Audi two-liter turbo unit, developing 240 bhp.

All about performance without any frills

Like the Caterham and Lotus 2-11, the KTM X-Bow is all about performance. It can reach 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, and 100 mph in 8.5 seconds, which puts it up in the supercar category. For example, The acceleration is faster than the Audi R8, Jaguar XKR or Porsche Carrera S. It is matched by some other ultra-lightweight super sports cars like the Lotus 2-11, and is a little slower than the Caterham CSR, which reaches 60 mph in 3.7 seconds. Even so the performance is remarkable.

In some respects, the KTM X-Bow seems inspired by the Caparo T1, although it is slightly heavier and has half the power. Overall, the KTM X-Bow is an amazing addition to the sports car world.

Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R Crotch Rocket

The Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R motorcycle is a top-of-the-line crotch rocket. As one of the most popular crotch rockets or sport bikes in the motorcycle category it is probably most well known for its speed. It came into this world in 1999 and with ongoing testing it was the fastest production motorcycle in the world.

It enjoyed an excellent reputation among sport bikes however in 2000 the Japanese motorcycle manufacturers decided that they would have to change some of the specs. They were worried about the regulation that was bound to happen among various governments and they didn't want to have any problems.

So in 2001 and the following years through 2008, they added what is called a timing retard to the fifth gear and a rev limiter. This changed the maximum speed to 186 mph from the 198mph that was enjoyed on the earlier model.

It has six gears however most will keep it in third pretty much for tooling around town and up to 60 mph on the local tracks.

The Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R has a cool 3-way switch on the right handle bar. Choices are - one for full power and response and the other two switches reduce action and output.

And of course - it's a crotch rocket so you're going to be sitting close to the ground. It sits a little lower than some other models and the bars are not as narrow. But most crotch rocket lovers like this.

The translation of Hayabusa from the Japanese language is peregrine falcon. Thee peregrine falcon can travel faster than 200 mph. This Suzuki motorcycle certainly meets that definition.

In 2008 the crotch rockets or sport bike competition soared when the BMW K120S and the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R were brought to the marketplace.

Suzuki is no longer called the GSX1300R in some countries because Suzuki dropped it and they call it simply the Hayabusa.

The Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R can go a quarter mile in 9.62 seconds at 149 mph. It can go from 0-60 mph in 6 seconds and from 0-180 in 15.9 seconds.

The 2009 models come in white and silver, black and gray, black and gold and silver and gray. In 2008 the Hayabusa sold for $12,000 or so. Although now, individual deals can be made with local dealers. And if you're lucky enough to find a used Hayabusa that's not all beat up, that's good too and can save you a lot of money.

So if you're thinking about buying a Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R sportbike you'll get a high performance motorcycle - sport bike or crotch rocket that you'll be proud to own, do endless motorcycle stunts and wheelies and love to ride! But don't buy this crotch rocket - motorcycle as your first bike. Repairs can be expensive and one spill can end up causing a lot of damage. Get a used older bike and practice on that unless you're an experienced rider now.

Manufacturer: Suzuki 

Model: GSX-1300R

Engine: Liquid-cooled, inline 4-cylinder, 4-stroke, DOHC 

Displacement: 1298 cc 

Bore and Stroke: 81.0 x 63.0 mm

Carburetion: Keihin EFI, 46 mm Throttle body

Transmission: 6-speed, constant mesh, wet mulit-plate

Wheelbase: 58.5 in (1485 mm)

Seat Height: 31.7 in (805 mm)

Rake/Trail: 24°/3.8 in (97 mm)

Fuel Capacity: 5.8 gal (22 L)  

Oil Capacity; 3.7 qt (3.5 L)

Front Tire: 120/70ZR Bridgestone Battlax BT56 Radial

Rear Tire: 190/50ZR-17 Bridgestone Battlax BT56 Radial

Peak Horspower at crank: 180 hp @ 9800 rpm

Measured Peak Horsepower at wheel: 165 hp @ 9400 rpm

Peak Torque 102 ft-lbs @ 7000 rpm

Claimed Dry Weight: 474 lbs (215 kg)

Measured Wet Weight: 540 lbs (245 kg)

Imported Bikes In India

Bikes are a great passion among Indian men. The high-performance, stylized bikes are being purchased despite their exorbitant price, by boys, especially in their youth. Though often much talked of, imported bikes likes Kawasaki and Suzuki are seen on roads in much lesser number than Hero Honda and Bajaj Bikes. Indian bikes are more commonly seen or roads, whereas the Imported bikes, because of their heavy price, remain only with the rich businessmen and sports persons. The reason such bikes are being imported and not produced in India is because Indian manufacturers are not yet ready to launch such automated, futuristic high-speed bikes. Though Hero Honda has produced some revolutionary bikes like Hero Honda Passion Plus, Karisma and CBZ, Suzuki Hayabusa and Yamaha bikes are often been imported to India, keeping in mind their wide demand. Few impressive Imported Bikes in India are:

Suzuki Hayabusa: It’s a sport bike introduced by Suzuki in 1999. After that Suzuki developed various Hayabusa bike versions like Suzuki Hayabusa 2007, Suzuki Hayabusa 2008 and others. All are till date famous for their high speed and engineered build.

Kawasaki Ninja: This is a revolutionary, high performance, impressive bike that is revered by the bike aficionados in India. Mainly the prerogative of rich kids and sports freak, the Kawasaki Ninja (ZX12R) has 1199cc DOHC, liquid cooled 4-cylinder engine that gives 178 bhp. The speed stability and comfortable handling experience makes Ninja a challenging and adventurous riding experience. Its popularity can be judged from the fact that celebrities like Salman Khan stylishly ride it on the roads. The price has been high, but even this has not been able to steal thunder from this stylized bike.

Yamaha R15: The Yamaha YZF R15 is a revolutionary bike launched in 1998. With an inflated price of (average) Rs.90,000, it became an instant hit in the national market. More than performance and mileage, the YZF R15 is famous for its killer looks. Prior to Yamaha R15’s entry to Indian Automobile industry, Hero Honda Charisma and Bajaj Pulsar had captured the roads, but after the curtains were raised, Yamaha R15 managed to absorb all the attention.

The Imported Bikes can make a pretty good hole in your pocket, as you have to pay heavy duties/taxes too, but if you have the money to buy them, these bikes are worth the hype and price.

Choosing Perfect Bike

As people grow up they start having wonderful fantasies and these are developed as a result of others showing them. Most of the younger generation would love to own bikes which could be sped with. But while choosing your favorite, there should various things that have to be considered and taken into account.

While shopping for the first bike the most important thing to consider is the price range and your budget. There are wonderful motorcycles which cost a lot for you and look really handsome and stylish. There are premium varieties of bikes such as Ducati and even Harley-Davidsons which could be over expensive. But these are the motorcycles chosen by most of the teenagers due to its fame and popularity. These are those bikes which could be just dreamt by the ordinary people. If you are going to ride it for the first time then these models are not for you. As for experimenting bike riding, it is always advised to start off with the modest models. These are recommended for experts as they have wonderful experience in bike riding.

For those entire debuting bike riders, the best choice would be to choose used bikes which are available easily at affordable prices. This is because it is the best way to become expert and own fascinating models sooner. The used bikes will be having the same power as the new ones and due to this reason it becomes easier and safer to learn in these bikes for the beginners. It is also not much good for the experienced riders to humiliate the new riders on fancy bikes. It is always cooler to ride faster on a slow bike rather than to ride slowly on fast bike.

The most dangerous bike for all those new comers is the sports bikes which could really put the debuts in real trouble even risking their lives. This is because the sports bikes are light weight and even have horsepower and this helps in faster pace even top speeds. Many of the youngsters prefer to own a 1000 cc super bike but it is not recommended for the starters and is highly advised due to its great risks.

The hospitals and cemeteries had got various clients who had tried out the 160 horsepower liter bike. It is highly recommended to undergo a training class before trying any kinds of bike. The perfect choice would be to join classes offered by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Apart from providing training they also let you to use small motorcycles as part of it.

Whatever be your choice of bike ranging from a fancy bike to touring bike to sport bike to a cruiser to a standard style bike, all that is to be taken care is to get the bike that you feel very comfortable. After taken the right decision the next step is to go out for shopping. While shopping, sit on the bike with the kick start stand down and check whether feet touches the ground and if not then it would be better to choose a lower seat bike. Hence, following these steps in bike shopping would let you choose the perfect one for you.

Some Tips Before You Buy a Sports Bike

If you want speed in your life then go for sports bikes. However, not only these bikes are known for speed but also for excellent acceleration, maneuverability and deceleration. Before you go and buy a sports bike here are some things that you should know about these bikes.

Salient features of sports bikes

   1. In sports bikes you get a powerful engine for helping you drive faster and a light body which is easy to control

   2. The braking system of the sports bikes have both brake pads and multi-piston calipers and each are clamped into rotors

   3. Advanced adjustment system and materials are found in suspension so that both stability and durability can be achieved

   4. The tiers in front and rear are larger and wider than the other motorcycles so that you can get more speed and good angles.

   5. If fairings are used in sports bikes then they are shaped in such a manner that the aerodynamic drag is reduced to a large extent

There are various types of sports bikes available in the market and these are:

   1. Entry level: These are for those who want to practice before riding on an excellent sports bike. These are inexpensive bikes and are also lightweight and durable. The engines are made in such a way that they offer you both longevity and durability. The best part of these bikes is they are perfect for riders of any height and weight.

   2. Small capacity: The engines of these bikes range between 125 cc to 400 cc and are available as both 2 strokes and 4 strokes cycles. They are ideal for the riders with short statures and with light weight. These bikes also have short wheelbase and lightweight thus making the handling easier and similar to the high capacity sports bikes

   3. Hyper sport: Those of you who prefer bikes with high speed acceleration for them these bikes are ideal. The motors that you would find in these bikes range between 1000 cc and 1400 cc. These are heavier than the super bikes and therefore provide excellent stability

   4. Super bikes: These bikes are made for those who want to compete in bike racing. These bikes have larger engines ranging between 800 cc to 1200 cc.

   5. Super sport bikes: These bikes are also built keeping in mind the need of the racers. The power of the engines range between 600 cc to 800 cc.

   6. Sport touring: If you want to go for long rides then you should opt for sport touring bikes. Though these bikes are less powerful and heavier in comparison with the other sports bikes, they are preferred because of the comfort that they offer. They offer storage facility and make you feel comfortable while riding.

Honda Cbr1100xx - Super Blackbird

There is something just so utterly intoxicating about the way Honda's Super Blackbird blends such enormous raw power with such velvety-smooth refinement.

By rights, 152 claimed horses - which still equates with over 130bhp at the rear wheel - should make the 223kg Blackbird a big handful, yet somehow Honda's wizards have managed to break those horses, and train them to perform a synchronized ballet that would be the envy of Spain's famed dancing stallions...

Then there's the fact that some 10 years after its introduction, the Blackbird is still on the pace despite receiving very little in the way of modifications or upgrades.

Released late in 1996, the CBR1100XX went from carburettors to electronic fuel injection in 1999, and then received a catalytic converter and updated headlights, instruments and screen in 2001 - throw in the odd change in colour scheme here and there, and the Blackbird has really undergone very little in the way of tinkering.

And really, why would it? Pointing the bike down Victoria's Great Ocean Road recently, it showed it can still hold its head high, with a formula that really hasn't dated since its inception.

The Blackbird's turbine-like four-cylinder engine develops big torque and big power, with crisp fuel injection that places both at your beck and call. There are no flat spots to speak of, in fact there's nothing but bulk oomph pretty much throughout its entire rev range, from just off idle to its indicated 10,750rpm redline.

On the road this translates to a pure delight, although it's perhaps not as involving as other less-powerful machines, as even on a road with quite a variation of turns you can simply pick a gear and stick with it.

The Blackbird was the world's fastest production bike when it first hit the streets, a mantle it retained for over two years until Suzuki introduced the GSX1300R Hayabusa in May of 1999.

While it's not quite as strong as the 'Bus or Kawasaki's ZX-14 or even ZX-12R, there's still plenty here to keep you entertained, and you'll need to watch that right wrist like a hawk if you want any chance of retaining your license...

Stopping is a particularly important issue on a bike like this, and the twin-disc, three-piston Nissins are right on the money. Honda's Dual Combined Brake System (DCBS) is employed, which won't please everyone but will be appreciated by others. If you're not looking to break lap records at Phillip Island, it shouldn't be an issue - and if you are you should really be looking for something lighter anyway, like a Fireblade.

The suspension, though relatively low-tech, does a beautiful job, but tends towards the plusher end of the spectrum, at least in terms of sportier hardware.

The 'Bird's on the money in the comfort stakes too, with a firm but supportive seat, a good screen and slippery bodywork to allow you to scythe through the air. Those on the tall side may find legroom a bit wanting, but there's still enough there to ensure multi-day tours will still be on the agenda, aided further by the 'Bird's optional factory panniers ($1750). So what exactly is the Blackbird's focus? At 223kg (dry) it's too heavy to be a pure sportsbike, yet it's too fast and has too sporty a ride position to be a true tourer.

Really, it's a power-packed all-rounder and a hyper-tourer on the open road - provided you can find roads on which you can actually explore its potential (try Germany).

But even at legal speeds, that engine will always see you coming back for more. Happy birthday Blackbird - may your reign in the Honda stable continue for many years more.

SPECS: Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird

Engine: 1137cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, DOHC, 16-valve, inline four-cylinder

Bore and stroke: 79 x 58mm

Compression: 11.0:1

Fuel system

: electronic fuel injection

Power: 152bhp @ 9500rpm

Torque: 119Nm @ 7250rpm

Transmission: six-speed

Frame: alloy twin-spar

Front brake: twin 310mm discs with three-piston Nissin calipers

Rear brake: single 256mm disc with three-piston Nissin caliper

Front suspension: 43mm forks, non-adjustable

Rear suspension: Pro-Link monoshock, adjustable for preload and rebound

Wheels: three-spoked alloy

Tyres: Dunlop D205 Sportmax; 120/70ZR17 front, 180/55R17 rear

Seat height: 810mm

Wheelbase: 1490mm

Claimed dry weight: 223kg

Fuel tank: 24L

Price: $18,790 plus ORC

Colours: Iron Nail Silver Metallic or Darkness Black Metallic

Warranty: 24 months/unlimited kilometres