Laser Ignition System Eliminates Spark Plugs – Internal Combusion Engines Continue to Evolve

by PAUL CROWE – “THE KNEESLIDER” on 7/16/2009

in ALTERNATIVE FUELS, ENGINES

Scientists in Liverpool working with some engineers from Ford, have developed anignition system that ignites the fuel mixture with a laser instead of a spark plug. Engines in their labs are currently running with the laser system.

The laser can be split into multiple beams which means it can have multiple ignition points, improving the chance of a complete burn, reducing emissions and improving efficiency in cold and damp conditions.

Part of the laser can be reflected back to provide information about how the engine is running, giving the computer the ability to adjust the air fuel mixture, also raising the possibility of better utilizing alternative fuels.

Ford says they will possibly use the system in their high end vehicles in as little as 2 years. Although this is strictly an automotive system at the moment, there’s certainly no reason this technology couldn’t, at some point, be adapted for smaller engines such as those used in motorcycles. Very cool technology!

Electric powered vehicles of all sorts are touted as the future but the old internal combustion engine just keeps getting better and better. It’s also a huge opportunity for anyone who wants to study and remain at the cutting edge of the technology, mechanics who refuse to learn and evolve will find their opportunities fading fast.

Link: Telegraph via Autoblog

Laser Ignition System Eliminates Spark Plugs – Internal Combusion Engines Continue to Evolve.

2009 Aprilia Mana 850 GT ABS Preview

Picture Gallery

Posted on 07.1.2009 15:06 by Maxx Biker
Filed under: Aprilia | Sportsbikes | Aprilia Mana

Aprilia has been producing the Mana 850 as an entirely naked bike only, but the Italian manufacturer now also produces the sport-touring version called the Mana 850 GT. At its base, the bike remains the same all-rounder with nothing more than a half-fairing and an adjustable windscreen that is new for 2009, but it is claimed to be a completely new motorcycling concept and that definitely raises a few question marks.

Introduction
Naked motorcycles are known as being versatile and user-friendly, qualities that turn veritable fun commuters out of these things, which always seem to easily find their place on the market. With the 2009 Mana 850 GT, Aprilia adds touring capabilities on top of what still is the body and soul of the original, innovative naked bike.

The new bike is powered by an unchanged 839,3cc, 90-degree V-twin engine (Euro 3 homologated) and values the 76hp and 73Nm with the use of a Sportgear transmission. The intelligent transmission is a Mana characteristic and offers two riding modes: Sequential and Autodrive. The first allows the rider to decide when to change gears either in the classical way (pedal) or by pressing a switch on the handlebar. In case that the rider forgets to downshift when slowing down/decelerating, the Semi-Sequential function intervenes and starts changing down gears. Autodrive mode lets electronics and the CVT transmission to do the entire job for the rider, who only needs to accelerate in order to be supplied with all the needed get-up-and-go. The best of it is that it offers three different mappings: Touring (docile engine and great mileage), Sport (100 per cent use of the engine’s potential) or Rain (to be activated on slippery roads, allowing the rider to change down gears for safe riding). The rider can switch from one mode to another and use the innovative transmission in his favor virtually at all times and in all riding conditions and situations.

2009 Aprilia Mana 850 GT ABS

Aprilia builds the Mana 850 GT on a robust steel tube trellis frame with a single piece aluminum swingarm. This, together with the 43mm upside-down fork and spring preload and rebound damping adjustable shock absorber has much to do with the bike being able both to filter traffic around town and gather up hundreds of miles during those long weekend trips.

Like any veritable sport-touring motorcycle, the GT is fitted with an ABS system. The latest generation 2-channel Continental ABS enables riders to use the bike’s entire braking potential even on surfaces with reduced grip without risking to crash as a result of locking the wheels.

Yet another innovative feature of the Mana is the under-seat fuel tank. The 4.22 gallons unit allows for good autonomy, but that’s not the reason why you’ll find it there. A helmet compartment with non-scratch lining for a full-face helmet, with mobile phone holder, toolkit/glove-box and 12V-power socket is located where the fuel tank would normally be and that is why the Italians went for the under-seat tank. Does this mean that you can even ride the Aprilia Mana 850 GT to the office wearing a suit? Yes, and you don’t need to carry the helmet with you and nobody will be aware of the ride that you had on the way to work.

See complete article here

Don’t Be Under Pressure This Summer, Says Avon Tyres

Press Release:

 

Avon Tyres is advising bikers across the UK to check their tyre pressures ahead of this Bank Holiday weekend, which traditionally heralds the start of the motorcycling summer.

The British-based tyre specialists know how important running the correct pressures is to the safety and stability of a bike, thanks to a century of motorcycle tyre experience.

Peter McNally, Avon Tyres’ Technical Product Manager for Motorcycle tyres says: “Tyre pressures on a motorcycle are critical to the safety of the rider aboard it – there’s no other way of putting it. The tyre’s connection with the road has to be perfect and if the tyre is under inflated after a winter’s lay-off, the bike will not handle properly and it could be dangerous.

“During testing for our range of tyres – including our new VP2 Sports tyres – we have seen how under-pressure tyres can degrade handling, affect steering, as well as leading to increased and un-even tyre wear.”

McNally says the tyre pressure check should be the first thing on the agenda for any rider who’s contemplating getting back on to two wheels this weekend, and offered his top tips for bikers wheeling out their machines for summer.

Make sure you use an accurate tyre pressure gauge – the ones found on the forecourt of your local service station could easily be out by several psi

Know what the optimum tyre pressures are, front and rear, for your bike and tyres fitted; keep a note of them in your wallet or under the seat

Checking your tyre pressures should be at least a weekly ritual, more often if you commute to work on your motorcycle

If you get into the habit, you’ll spot other safety concerns, such as when your chain needs adjusting or when your tyres are coming to the end of their life

Avon Tyres is a Cooper Tire & Rubber Company brand, and has been designing and manufacturing tyres for many different motorcycles and specifications since 1885 and manufactured their first motorcycle tyre in 1911.

For more information go to: www.avonmotorcycles.com.

via Don’t Be Under Pressure This Summer, Says Avon Tyres.

BMW Motorrad Innovation Contest 2009

by PAUL CROWE – “THE KNEESLIDER” on 4/10/2009

BMW wants to know what you’re thinking. First, they brought out the LoRider Concept and put up a survey to see what you thought about it, which is a good way to generate feedback in the most direct fashion, “Here it is, what do you think?” Now, they have an innovation contest and they’re looking for some of your ideas about future products:
 

via BMW Motorrad Innovation Contest 2009.