Motorbike stories in brief
WHAT A PRODUCTION:
Producing 180-horse power at 12,400 rpm, the new MV Agusta F4 R312 is being hailed as the fastest production motorcycle ever. This may sound like a very brave statement from the Italian motorcycle manufacturers, but this speedy, groundbreaking and elegantly streamlined Agusta holds the record as the fastest top speed for a production motorcycle, racing ahead at 312km/h.
According to the makers, MV Agusta: "The new F4 R312 is the result of developments on the track where 312 is the top speed in kilometres per hour." That's about 194 mph. The 1,000cc machine has a highly developed professional suspension system. "Huge 50 mm Marzocchi forks provide all the stability that an incredibly powerful bike needs," according to MV Agusta.
These forks are carbon-nitride treated and feature 13 compression and 22 rebound settings. The motorcycle also has Sachs monoshock absorbers that have advanced compression settings to improve handling around corners. This new machine is fitted with Brembo wheels with 190-section tyres and Brembo brakes. It's also a motorcycle that complies with Euro 3 emissions limits.
Available in a distinctly unique colour scheme, the white livery highlights and Bodoni black evoke Italian style and elegance. And it's available in the classic MV Agusta red and silver. The F4 1000 R312 retails at €21,800 (£14,750) on the road for the monoposto (single seater) and €22,094 (£14,950) for the biposto (two seater).
SAFETY COMPARISONS:
Motorcycle manufacturers may be producing faster motorcycles but biking is a safer sport than horseback riding, according to a study carried out by Stoke Mandeville Hospital in the UK.
The survey revealed that a motorcycle rider is 21 times less likely to suffer a serious accident than a horse rider. According to the hospital, horse-riding accidents are on the increase. A horse rider has a serious accident on average within 350 hours, while a biker has one on average every 7,500 hours.
NEW HARLEY DEALERSHIP:
A new Harley-Davidson dealership has opened in Dublin. Headed by former SIMI president Brian Murphy and his son Jeff, it will be Dublin's main dealer for Harley-Davidson and Buell motorcycles.
The new venture, on the Naas road close to the Red Cow Hotel, will house the full range of Harley-Davidson motorcycles from the Sportster, which retails at an affordable €9,599 to the flagship Ultra Classic Electric Glide, which retails at a pricey €28,155. But if you've got money burning a hole in your pocket for an exceptional motorcycle, the 'Screaming Eagle' custom version of the Ultra Classic Glide is available at €39,040.
For more information visit, www.harley-davidsondublin.com
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