The Renard GT Motorcycle from Estland

If you are  looking for a change in design of Motorcycles, you don’t want to miss the Renard GT Motor from Estland.

Renard GT Motorcylce

Renard GT Motorcylce

Technical Specs

Engine type: V2 90° Moto Guzzi Quattrovalvole
Displacement: 1151 cm3 Wheelbase: 1450 mm Trail: 97 mm Caster angle: 23° Dry weight: 190 kg Peak horsepower: 125 hp (90kW) at 8000 RPM Peak torque: 120 Nm at 6000 RPM Top speed: 230 km/h

Renard GT Motor

Renard GT Motor

History of Renard Motorcycles

In 1938, Estonian entrepreneur J. Laan founded a motorized bicycle manufacturer in the capital city of Tallinn and called it Renard Cycles. Renard is French for “fox”, and a fox’s head formed the original Renard logo. The first Renards were simple pipe-frame motorized bicycles, equipped with a 98cc Sachs engine. Renards were visually similar to their contemporary, a motorcycle called the Wanderer, although some of the components had a different look; the frame, mudguards and petrol tank were painted black and decorated with gold stripes.

In the devastating bombing campaign of March 1944, the factory received a direct hit and was completely destroyed. The emerging Estonian motorcycle industry became nothing more than a memory.

In 2008, a group of Estonian entrepreneurs, designers and racing engineers joined forces to revive the Renard brand. In April of 2010, the first “modern” prototype was successfully unveiled at the Hanover Technology Fair – the Renard Grand Tourer — and will go into production next year.

The Renard Motorcycles development team includes: Andres Uibomäe, Kaarel Kivikangur, Kaido Karjus, Mait Mahlapuu, Karl-Eerik Unt and Siim West.

The Renard Grand Tourer 2010 prototype

The Renard Grand Tourer 2010 prototype is a sporty power cruiser, a symbol of individuality and power, with best-in-class handling and built in quality. The DNA of the Renard Grand Tourer is engineering intelligence – an ultra-light composite unibody, longitudinally mounted V2 engine and components that represent the cutting edge of the motorcycle industry.

The Renard GT’s carbon-fiber monocoque weighs only 11 kilograms, and is reinforced with Kevlar, to make it resistant to impact and vibration. Thanks to an increased cross-section, the composite body is stiffer than a regular pipe frame, and thus ensures very precise steering. The unibody integrates the motorcycle’s frame, gondolas, petrol tank and air box into a single load-bearing structure. The sleek, no-nonsense exterior gives the Renard its distinctive appearance. The GT’s suspension is adjustable in three dimensions, and tuned to perfection.

The Grand Tourer’s lightweight, hardened-aluminum (aircraft aluminum) components are designed and modeled in 3D, then milled from a solid block by CNC machines. These components provide quality, reliability and a sophisticated appearance.

Powerful Engine for the Renard GT

Powerful Engine for the Renard GT

Powerful V2 Engine

The Renard’s longitudinally mounted 90° V2 engine is strong and powerful, and produces sufficient torque at low revs. The Grand Tourer provides silky smooth acceleration from crowded city streets all the way through to the end of the lonesome straight away. The modern air-cooled engine produces approximately 130 hp at 8000 RPM, and the GT takes has a top speed of 250 km/h. The stiff body shell, reduced rotational masses and low center of gravity mean that the Renard GT rider will enjoy total control in every maneuver. This is a surgeon’s blade on two wheels, providing you with a complete and powerful riding experience.

Want to see more of this special motorcycle? Visit the Renard Motocycle website here

Shoei MultiTec Helmet, A Two-in-One System Helmet

As you may have noticed I also like to write about products I use myself and this Shoei  MultiTec is great for my needs.

And yes, I wear eyeglasses and with a full -face helmet I always had to take the glasses off first, remove the helmet, put the glasses back on… no longer!

With a flip of a switch button the lower part of the helmet flips up and peopel can look in my face and I can look at them. Close the lid back an off you drive again, super solution!
The helmet is really quiet during the drive and has some extra ventilation options build in.

Shoei Multitec Helmet Black

Her is what Shoei itself say about the helmet.

Looking for convenience, versatility, and security all in one? Welcome to the functional world of the SHOEI Multitec. Recognized for the convenience and versatility provided by its ability to convert instantly to an open-face configuration, the Multitec’s modular design allows riders to perform tasks that would normally require the removal of a full-face helmet. Its streamlined and aerodynamic shape, impressively quiet riding traits, excellent ventilation, and luxurious fit provide riders with unparalleled performance and comfort, all with the versatility of a true two-in-one helmet.

The helmet comes in different colours, even in high profile colours like yellow and Bleu. I don’t like the red one…

Shoei multitec axisyellow

Shoei Multitec Royalblue Metallic

And if you are looking for a full review, check out this video.

Dianese Tex Motor Gear

I ride my bike all year long and I don’t like to change my motor wardrobe with every session change, so I wanted an All Season Suite.

After looking around in different Motorcycle stores I choose Dianese CoreTex Jacket and Trouser.

Dianese Tex Jacket

The jacket has several smart options like zippers on the sleeves to reduce wind flutter and it has thermal inlays that can be unzipped and removed for summer drives.

Thermal Inlays the can be zipped and unzipped

Goos visibility is also a must, especially as winter time approches and you are riding in the dark and twilight zone. Dainese has some good refelectors on the back of the jacket.

Dianese Jacket with reflecting panels

So I am really happy with my choice, it fits great, keeps me warm in the winter and definitly makes me look good as well :-).

How about you, what brand and type do you wear?

BMW Concept 6 Presentation

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Ducati Multistrada S 2010 MotorCycle

Ducati has a new Motorcycle that is really great for more then just one way of using it. The Mulitstrada S is a Sportsboke, but also a great tourer. Ducatie has done it agian, a great design and a great bike.

Suzuki Motorcycles – The Ultimate Hayabusa Sportbike

The Suzuki Hayabusa is one to the hottest Sport bikes since its first appearance and has not lost its appeal yet. If you want a great looking motorcycle that also has an outstanding performance this one is for you!

A word of warning though, it is NOT as starters bike! If you just started riding a bike, be very careful as this beast is not easily tamed.

Suzuki Hayabusa 2009 Motorcycle

Suzuki Motorcycles Hayabusa Black 2009

You can read more about this bike on Suzuki Cycles