Browsing Archive: February, 2014

Moto Guzzi V7 Special

Posted by Howard Trott on Friday, February 28, 2014, In : Italian Motorcycles

Although Moto Guzzi first developed its V-twin motor in the 1950's, motorcycle interest in Italy was at a low ebb and the motor was used in a three-wheeled military vehicle. The V-twin motorcycle was built to fulfil an order from the Italian police. Overseas interest created a need for a civilian version. The 703cc V7 came out in 1967. In 1969 the bore was enlarged by 3mm, increasing the capacity to 757cc and called the V7 special. It ran until 1971 and had many features seen on modern Guzzi ...
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Honda Goldwing GL1500

Posted by Howard Trott on Friday, February 28, 2014, In : Japanese Motorcycles

The symbol of the Golden wing was already a familiar Honda trademark when the model was christened in 1975. At the time of its launch, the 1000cc four-cylinder machine was simply the biggest, most complex motorcycle ever produced in Japan. By the 1980's, Honda was an established car-maker, with car and motorcycle assembly plants around the world. In 1981, Goldwing production moved from Japan to Ohio, the biggest market for the motorcycle was in America, but it was exported all over the world,...
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Honda CB350

Posted by Howard Trott on Friday, February 28, 2014, In : Japanese Motorcycles

The CB350 was the smallest of the 1970's road going, four cylinder, S.O.H.C machines. Never officially imported into Britain, and failing to gain support in the USA, Honda looked to Europe, where some countries import tax laws favour sub-350cc motorcycles. Police versions were offered in France and Holland. Even so, the CB350 had a short life. Introduced in 1972, it was replaced in the markets by the CB400F, which appeared in 1974. Capacity of the 400 four was increased to 408cc. It was resty...
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Harley-Davidson Hill Climber

Posted by Howard Trott on Friday, February 28, 2014, In : American Motorcycles

The ingredients of an American hill-climb motorcycle appear simple, even if the reality is rather more complicated. The essential element is power, and in the case of this machine a methanol-burning eight-valve engine was enough in 1930 to make it a competitive motorcycle. A long wheelbase and weight at the front to prevent the motorcycle tipping over backwards are both essential, as is grip, which is why the motorcycles rear tyre is wrapped in chains. A good level of expertise was involved i...
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Ducati 851

Posted by Howard Trott on Friday, February 28, 2014, In : Italian Motorcycles

The 851 was the most complex Ducati road bike ever built when introduced in 1987. It retained desmodromic valve operation and the 90 degree V-twin engine layout, but also incorporated four camshafts, eight valves, water cooling, and petrol injection, all first for a road Ducati and introduced to meet increasingly strict emissions and noise legislation. These features were also brought in to meet World Superbike race rules, and the 851 was the basis for Ducati's successful 888 Superbike racer.

Browsing Archive: February, 2014

Moto Guzzi V7 Special

Honda Goldwing GL1500

Honda CB350

Harley-Davidson Hill Climber

Ducati 851

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