Sunday, March 29, 2015

Not Astrophysics: Motorcycles

Over spring break I acquired my first motorcycle, a 2015 BMW F800R.
(Photo from BMW)

This beauty is powered by a 800cc parallel twin engine that outputs 90 hp (66 kW) at 8,000 RPM's and 63 lb-ft (86 Nm) of torque at 5,800 RPM's.  Surprisingly, the engine still gets a reported 60 mpg.  I have not had the chance to ride her yet, as I will not have my license until May, but we left her in the care of the dealership for a May pick up date.  

This bike falls into the category of "naked bikes" or "streetfighters." Originally this category consisted of sport/racing bikes that owners had modified by removing the plastic fairings and windshield to create an aggressive-looking, lightweight, and high performance motorcycle designed to rule the urban jungle.  After gaining popularity, manufacturers began to design these bikes intentionally eventually evolving them into the category that we know today. These bikes are not designed for long trips due to their lack of windscreen and semi-egressive (weight forward) riding position.  They hit their prime in the urban jungle or on twisty backroads where their lightweight and superb handling shines.  

The F800R goes 0-60mph in about 3.5 seconds (equivalent to a Ferrari California T) and a top speed of about 130mph.  Of course, despite these performance specs, safe riding always comes first.

This is going to be a really fun summer.
(Photo from BMW)

No comments:

Post a Comment