Thursday, April 14, 2011

LeoVince Continues to Lead World Scooter Market with Release of the New H.M. ZX-R 2-stroke Exhaust and Redesigned 4 Road Exhaust

With gas prices on the rise, scooters offer an affordable and fun transportation alternative. Scooter mania is on the rise in the United States, and LeoVince's Scoot line provides scooter exhaust solutions with the redesigned 4 Road exhaust and all-new H.M. ZX-R 2-stroke exhaust.

Handmade ZX-R (H.M. ZX-R)

The latest release from LeoVince’s Scoot brand, the H. M. ZX-R has earned its new 'R' designation with improved performance, a redesign of the carbon fiber silencer, and a high-temperature clear coat for protection. These elements all combine to create a modern super sport exhaust for a variety of 2-stroke scooters. Each exhaust is individually developed to maximize the performance and acceleration of the engine for which it has been developed.
  • Great performance increase for 50cc 2-stroke scooters
  • Individually engineered for broad power
  • Handmade expansion chambers for maximum return in performance
  • Carbon fiber exhaust canister
  • Performance clutch weights and springs included when needed
  • CAD/CAM designed for precise fit

    4 Road

    The LeoVince Scoot 4 Road has been specifically developed for the 4-stroke engines found in today’s maxi-scooters. The 4 Road is constructed of stainless steel for durability, and there is a carbon fiber heat shield inlay for improved looks and added rider protection. The silencer itself is internally coated with a proprietary material to prevent “cold” spots and internal rusting of the silencer.

    The LeoVince Scoot 4 Road header pipes and silencer are designed to ensure enhanced performance while not dramatically increasing the noise level output of your maxi-scooter. The result is an increase in torque, improved throttle response and better overall peak power. Reduced weight over stock exhausts further enhances scooter performance.
    • Broad power increase for 4-stroke scooters
    • Produces deeper tuned tone at a reasonable sound level
    • Pipes made of TIG-welded 304 stainless steel
    • CAD/CAM designed for precise fit
    • Machine-specific tuning to work with stock fuel settings
    Visit the LeoVince main site

    Sunday, April 10, 2011

    Dan Jackson's XDL Stunt Report


    "Crazy" Dan Jackson is a LeoVince-sponsored stunt rider currently competing in the XDL stunt riding series. Visit his web site at www.teamxmx.com or follow Dan on Facebook.


    The AZ heat was in full force this past weekend in Arizona for Round 2 of the XDL stop in Scottsdale.  The 100 degree temps had us cooking in the sun!  Typically I'm able to cool off in the TeamXMX rig and stay out of the heat, but this trip somewhere mid forest in the mountains of Arizona the transmission decided to go out. With 144 miles left in the trip we thought we were stranded with the bears.  This wasn't a place for me so after letting the transmission cool off, we were able to baby it in to the local RV dealership.  They were able to get us in first thing the next day.  Big ups to Sanderson Ford for the awesome service!  The RV in the shop really threw a curve ball into our trip.  All of the equipment gear bikes were now locked up in a dealership 40 miles away.  I was able to throw the needed items into my buddy Teach's rig so I could practice Wednesday and Thursday before the comp.  The RV wasn't going to be completed until Thursday afternoon.  Sometimes you don't realize how nice you have it until times like this!  I'm really grateful to have such great sponsors on board to help with my program.  The event was on Friday and Saturday in downtown Scottsdale during AZ bike week.  I was glad to have the RV back and able to relax knowing everything I needed was a few feet away.

    During the comp the heat still got the best of me.  I wasn't used to the heat on Friday and made the mistake of not drinking enough fluids.  This caused me to become dehydrated and sick.  Had the biggest migraine ever!  After qualifying rounds I grabbed a big dinner and started drinking as much water as possible.  I wasn't going to make the same mistake and chase the heat exhaustion on Saturday.

    In the final events on Saturday I was able to make 2 podium finishes in the Racing 905 Speed & Style and Wheelie Teach Wheelie race!  The racing 905 speed and style came down to the wire.  A photo finish between Redbull rider Aaron Colton and myself which had to be reviewed by the XDL video personal filming for Inside XDL TV show.  Aaron had 1/2 wheel lead on the freeze frame, but I still declared a rematch for the win.  It was hard to judge who was carrying more speed and crossed the finish line first.  The next frame we both were across the finish line and out of view.  I didn't realize he was going to give me a run for my money let alone win!  I'm def charging for the victory in Nashville!!!!  The Wheelie race had a similar finish and I was edged out by winner Nick Apex and had to settle for 3rd.  In FMF cup I decided to change up my tire choice and run a Michelin Pilot Road 2.  Breaking this tire in during the finals wasn't a smart move.  It cost me a few bobbles due to body english and I also flipped a stoppie trying to park up on the tall wall so I had to settle for a spot just outside the top 10.  There is plenty of time now between round 2 and round 3 to work on some new tricks.  The winter rust will be knocked off and I plan on being a top 3 contender for sure!!!    

    Were off to St. Louis this weekend for the Monster Energy Supercross.  Look for us at Mile 277 Bar & Grill on Sunday as we will be peforming for their grand opening!!!  

    Thanks for all the support!

    Dan

    XDL Results & Recap

    Here is a quick list of results from our scottsdale event this past weekend! Congratulations to all of the winners and a huge “Thank You!” goes out to the city of Scottsdale and all of the fans there, we had a great time with you guys!

    FMF Cup
    1-Nick Brocha
    2-Luke Emmons
    3-Shinsuke Kinoshita
    4-Bill Dixon
    5-Alex Flores

    Wheelie Teach Wheelie Race
    1-Nick Brocha
    2-Ernie Vigil
    3-Dan Jackson

    K&N Circle Challenge
    1-Aaron Twite
    2-Nick Brocha
    3-Ernie Vigil

    Racing 905 Speed and Style Showdown
    1-Aaron Colton
    2-Dan Jackson
    3-Kris Higdon

    Stuntride.com Sickest Trick
    1-Lin Eshalom
    2-Shinsuke Kinoshita
    3-Bill Dixon

    LeoVince Silvertail Cruiser Exhausts Return with a Roar with New 2-into-1 BlackJack Metric Cruiser Exhaust Line


    Cruisers have always represented passion, freedom and style. With that in mind, LeoVince is launching the Blackjack product line, a new 2-into-1 exhaust system for metric cruisers in the U.S. market.

    As part of LeoVince’s Silvertail cruiser exhaust line, the popular 2-into-1 Blackjack exhaust adds a custom look, a more aggressive tone, and dramatically improved performance. Known for having the highest-quality chroming process on the market and for building systems that have both performance and exhaust tone to match, LeoVince Silvertail has led this sector in Europe for many years, building both metric cruiser and Harley-Davidson exhaust systems.

    The new LeoVince Blackjack line has been created specifically for the American metric cruiser market and will retail for $599.00. This exhaust features the highest-quality chrome finish, a hand-made precision fit, and substantial horsepower gains. The 2-into-1 design, stainless steel header, and chrome-plated heat shields create incredible durability, unmistakable presence and horsepower.

    Additional features of the LeoVince Blackjack exhaust include:

    • CAD/CAM designed for precise fit
    • LeoVince No-Blue Design Technology
    • Substantial weight savings over stock
    • Increased horsepower across the entire RPM range (linear power)
    • Tig welded AISI 304 stainless steel construction
    • Slash-cut exhaust tip
    • A removable dB killer insert for shortened sound wave
    • Packed silencer for deeper tone and higher performance

    Friday, April 8, 2011

    Valeria's Blog - My Passion for Motorcycles

    Valeria Mollo is spending a year in the United States learning about her family’s business and getting a first hand understanding of American racing and riding culture. She’s also polishing up her English skills, although as you will see, from time to time her native Italian can’t help but take over!
    Valeria Mollo
    This week I want to write about my obsession for bikes….

    My family business is more than 56 years old and since I was young I was surrounded by motorbikes. My first bike was a Yamaha 50cc three wheeler. I was just 9 years old and I can't forget how much I crashed!!!

    My dad bought me a Honda CRE 50cc dirt bike when I was 15. Every afternoon we were a group of friends who would go out riding our bikes! It was so fun!

    At 19 years old I bought a Honda hornet 600cc for street riding. That was really my first contact with street bikes! I was undecided between this one and the Kawasaki Ninja 600. I tried both, and at the end I decided for naked, the most comfortable drive for street and city! Even if my heart was for the “real” street bike, from the beginning a naked bike was perfect!

    I started driving around my place, on the beautiful Piedmontese Hills (north Italy), to the sea side, to the mountain of Corsica (France), and many other places.

    Then I decided to do something different, something that you could express all of yourself, something which combines passion, power and concentration. I started to go on the race track! I had fun and I love it!

    I went to the Franciacorta Circuit (Brescia, Italy), and to some tracks in France: Ales Circuit, where I touched for the first time the knee down, as well as Paoul Ricard and Le Castellet Circuit.

    Then I decide I need a bike just for track day!

    I bought a Honda CBR 600, and Bargy (a famous European graphic designer) customized my motorcycle! And my helmet too! I was ready for the next race track. I went in Ledenon circuit, France with all my new stuff! And it was amazing!!!

    Now I am in America I have to experience the US race track! I went on a track day at Infineon Circuit, Ca and now I am planning to go to Laguna Seca Circuit and I am really excited!!!!

    Obviously my passion for bikes makes me a lover of exhaust system; a good exhaust system gives you everything you need - more power, sound and feelings. (When I listen to a bike with an aggressive LeoVince pipe I feel like “...wow...”)


    What I ride:

    Honda CRE 50cc with Leovince V6 pipe.

    Honda Hornet 600 – first I used the Leovince GP Style full system but then I changed to a GP Pro. Using the LeoVince laser technology I wrote my name on the pipe! What could be more custom?

    CBR 600 with Corsa Full System Racing (Supersport pipe)

    Cal Crutchlow Begins Recovery After Successful Arm Surgery

    Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team rider Cal Crutchlow has undergone successful surgery in Modena, Italy, to cure a right arm problem that has troubled the talented British rider in the first two races of the 2011 MotoGP World Championship.

    The 2009 World Supersport champion underwent a routine operation at the Policlinico di Modena yesterday, a hospital that specialises in hand and arm surgery, under the supervision of Dr Antonio Landi. He is under observation of the Clinica Mobile staff and Dr. Costa who will be following him all way through his recovery.

    Crutchlow has been suffering with arm pump in the opening two rac es in Qatar and Jerez, which is a common condition in MotoGP given the physical demands of competing in the elite class. In Crutchlow's case, muscles in his right arm were trapping nerves and causing numbness in his right hand and arm while riding his YZR-M1 machine.

    After finishing 11th in a fantastic MotoGP debut in Qatar last month and then eighth in an incident-packed Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez, Crutchlow took advantage of the long break prior to the next race in Estoril on May 1 to complete the surgery.

    Crutchlow will have stitches removed in 12 days time and he is confident he will be fully fit when practice for the Estoril round in Portugal commences on April 29.

    Cal Crutchlow:

    "Since the start of the year I've had a problem with my arm muscles and nerves and my hand went numb when I was riding. It started in Sepang in testing and it occurs each time I ride the bike. Therefore we decided to do this operation to solve the issue, so I can be in 100 per cent physical condition for the rest of the season. With this break we have now, it was the perfect time to have the surgery and be assured that I can be back in peak condition for the next race in Portugal. At the moment I can't feel two of my fingers, but the doctor said that is completely normal and that the feeling will come back very soon. They had to move the muscles from the nerves as the muscle was trapping the nerves and that's why I was losing feeling in my hand and arm. The doctors said that in 12 days the stitches will come off and I will be able to ride in Portugal, so I'm really looking forward to riding the bike without the problem with my arm."

    HervĂ© Poncharal – Team Manager:

    "To have surgery once the season has started is always a worry, but I think Cal made the right decision as we have this long break now before the next race in Portugal. If he didn't have the operation the problem could get bigger and bigger, and you need to be at 100 per cent to ride in MotoGP and be competitive. I remember Marco Melandri had the same problem in 2004 and he had the same surgery between Catalunya and Assen, which were back-to-back races. He had the surgery on the Monday after the race in Spain and only five days later he was on the podium in Assen and it was no problem. Cal has much more time to recover, so we hope to see him without this problem and continuing his amazing start for the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team in Estoril. We are very happy with his progress so far and hopefully now he will be free from the arm problem we will only see him getting stronger."

    Monday, April 4, 2011

    Edwards and Crutchlow fight for podium in Jerez thriller

    Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team riders Colin Edwards and Cal Crutchlow both mounted a brilliant challenge for the podium in an incident-packed and dramatic Spanish MotoGP race at the Jerez circuit in Spain today.

    The 27-lap race got underway under grey and gloomy skies and conditions proved to be some of the most challenging imaginable as light rain fell throughout a pulsating encounter, the conditions though contributing to a memorable afternoon for a crowd of close to 125,000 fans.

    Despite only having 20-minutes of wet track time on his Monster Yamaha Tech 3 YZR-M1 before the start of the race, Crutchlow thr ived in the tricky conditions and on lap 12 he moved into fifth position in a crash-strewn opening half to the race.. Sensing he could fight for a sensational maiden podium, Crutchlow launched a terrific pursuit of Nicky Hayden and was less than two seconds behind the American when he crashed at Turn 9 on lap 20.

    Crutchlow was able to remount and still finish ahead of Toni Elias, John Hopkins, Andrea Dovizioso and Loris Capirossi to claim his first MotoGP top ten with a superb eighth position.

    Crutchlow's fall moved team-mate Edwards into fifth position and the American produced a stunning series of fast laps to hunt down compatriot Hayden. With Ben Spies tumbling out of second on lap 25, Edwards seized third place just moments later and looked certain to claim his first podium since the 2009 British Grand Prix at Donington Park when he suffered late heartache.

    Ha ving caught and passed Hayden, Edwards had quickly opened up a 2.5s advantage at the start of the last lap when he was forced off the track at the first corner by a minor technical issue and had to retire.

    Cal Crutchlow
    Cal Crutchlow 8th – 13 points

    “I never thought I'd crash in MotoGP and still get a top ten 10! That was an unbelievable race and not one of the easiest I've had in my career. The conditions were so unpredictable that it was hard to get any grip and I was having lots of moments with the front and rear tyre, but so was everybody else. I could see people were making mistakes but I just tried to keep my head. When I got into fifth I felt pretty comfortable though I wanted it to rain again because the tyres were wearing pretty fast. I was gaining on Nicky really quick and he was in fourth, so there's no doubt the way I was catching him that I was thinking about a podium. I've nothing to lose so I was pushing and I went down at Turn 9. I actually lost the rear but then pushed the front and I was down. I'm not going to be too hard on myself crashing when I was battling for a podium in MotoGP. I'm happy because before this morning I'd never tried the bike in the rain, so to be where I was is a good sign. I was in the top ten in the wet and dry on a track I'd never seen before Thursday, so I'm making good progress.”

    Colin Edwards
    Colin Edwards DNF

    “That's pretty tough to take because getting a podium in MotoGP is not something you get chance to get every week. The race was unbelievable because it was all about who could keep it on two wheels the longest. I was quite a way back at one stage but just didn't want to do anything stupid and crash and I just felt more and more confident to push. Nicky came back to me really quickly and I knew I'd have no problem passing him because he was in trouble with his tyres. I didn't have a lot more grip but I pulled away from him and the podium was right in front of me. The bike didn't feel great coming out of the last corner to start the last lap and by the time I got to the first corner it just stopped. Obviously I'm disappointed but I can't change what happened. I wanted that podium for my guys at Monster Yamaha Tech 3 because they are awesome. But we move on and try to bounce back at Estoril.”

    Herve Poncharal – Team Manager

    “That was an incredible race today. We knew in those conditions it would be very hectic, but I never thought so much would go on during the race. Cal and Colin started well and pushed hard and halfway through they were both inside the top six. With more crashes we were getting near er and nearer to the front and we started to dream of a podium but then Cal unfortunately crashed. It was a mistake and it was a pity as he could have had a really strong result in just his second race as a rookie in the World Championship. But the good point was that he picked up the bike and continued to push hard to finish eighth. I am really upset and sorry for what happened to Colin. He was one of the fastest guys out there and once Ben crashed he got third and he was easily quicker than Nicky. Unfortunately a technical problem didn't allow him to finish the race. This is really a pity as I think it would have been a very strong result for the team. Colin did not deserve that as he rode a really strong race, but that's racing. But I feel a bit bitter about how he was denied through no fault of his own.”

    Tuesday, March 29, 2011

    LeoVince Sponsored Racers Excel in Daytona

    DAYTONA, FL - March 29, 2011 - (Motor Sports Newswire) - LeoVince USA's talented group of sponsored racers excelled in the AMA Pro Flat Track and AMA Pro Roadracing rounds during the legendary Daytona Bike Week. They accounted for five top-five finishes in three different classes. In addition, freestyle rider Nick "Apex" Brocha took top honors at XDL's Daytona round.


    "Jersey" Jake Johnson rode to two top finishes in the AMA Pro Flat Track double-header aboard the LeoVince-equipped Zanotti Racing Honda CRF450R. He was on the podium with a hard fought third place finish in round one and just missed the box finishing fourth in round two.


    LeoVince riders also tasted success on the high banks of Daytona International Speedway. AMA Pro Racing's SuperSport class was also a double-header, and hot handed young gun James "Rocket" Rispoli earned third in race two on his Ant Racing/National Guard/Monster Energy Suzuki GSX-R600 and left Daytona second in points overall. The bike, which is fitted with a LeoVince SBK Factory R Corsa system, also carried him to a seventh-place finish in race one. About race two Rispoli states: "I put my head down and brought it home to a cheering crew, team and sponsors.  It was awesome!"


    JD "Jiggy-Dog" Beach brought home a strong fourth-place finish after an exceptional performance in the Daytona 200. Even in a race marred by a shortened distance, tire issues, a nearly two and a half hour red flag delay and an incredibly convoluted finish he showed he had the speed to win in the Pro Daytona SportBike class. Beach competes on the Cycle World/Attack Performance Kawasaki ZX-6R, which benefited from the World Supersport developed LeoVince SBK Factory R Corsa system. "It was a great way to start the season, especially since it was my first time in the Daytona SportBike class," says Beach. "It was nice to be able to ride up front with the other top competitors in the series, and to learn from them."


    That same LeoVince system helped propel Beach's teammate Eric Bostrom, riding a Kawasaki ZX-10, to a finish of eighth in the SuperBike race after also suffering front tire issues throughout the high banks of Daytona's famed racetrack. With a new surface and limited engineering time to develop new tires for this greatly changed race surface many riders struggled throughout the weekend to find front tire grip.


    In addition to racing, Daytona Bike Week also featured the first XDL freestyle competition of the 2011 season. LeoVince rider Nick "Apex" Brocha picked up where he left off last season and took first in the competitive Individual Freestyle category powered by his LeoVince Unlimited exhaust. "I won the last round of 2010, so it's nice to continue things with another win," says Brocha. "I hope I can continue getting top results this season so I can win the championship for LeoVince."