Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/128341
neers obviously gave the Wing a much more sporting profile and feel. But they also covered up a lot of the basic motorcycle elements to give it a very finished look. We wanted to show off this gorgeous engine and let more mechanical pieces shine through , which would renew the mechanical element, the motorcycle nature, if you will. We wanted to put this industrial look on display, not keep it hidden away. "We began by givingthe bike a lighter, simpler look by reducing the front and rear fenders, and drastically changing the shape of the front fender to give it a distinctly sporty look. Also, we highlighted the now -more-visible stock wheels by polishing them , and we painted the inside of the spokes and brake-caliper carr iers to give them a stainless-steel look. We further reinforced the sport theme by showing off more of the front dual-disc brakes and the six individual head pipes, which are normally covered up. A flat-black finish on the side-mounted radiators allow them to fade into the background rather than draw attention, and we also black-tinted a number of shiny elements around the headlight, taillightand tum signals to give the GL more of a stealth look. "To give the new Princess a slimmer profile, we trimmed down the windshield dramaticallyand gave it a rounded shape . Granted, this change does compromise some rider comfort due to the increased wind blast, but the windshield can be swapped back to stock relatively easily as need dictates . "To extend this low -profile concept to the back end, we removed the support in the lid of the top trunk and lowered the passenger seat's back pad as well. And by installing an amplified antenna inside the tru nk, we could eliminate the tall whip antenna, another change to clean up the bike's lines. "Of course, the one-offslip-on mufflers give the new Princess a distinctive look, but we retained the stock head pipes and the forward section with the factory-issue catalytic converters for performance/emissions considerations. We blacked out the main frame and the swingarm-pivot area, and custom floorboards front and rear add to riding com fort while adding to the overall look." The end result of Cobra Engineering's thoughtful ministrations create a Gold Wing that will certainly stand out in a crowd - but not because of its flash and hey-look-at-me personality. As befitting use by a seasoned citizen of the world such as EmilioScotto, Cobra's rendition of the Black Princess II still exudes a serious traveler's attitude in a stealthy, businesslike way. But also befitting of the man and Cobra Engineering, this one-off custom features details and aesthetic touches to delight the heart. Online poll results from last week Which support classes would you like to see on the bill along with MotoGP at Laguna Seca next summer? To cast your vote, log on to www.cyc lenews .com. The 12 5 and 250cc Gran d P r ix su ppo r t cl asse s Cyclenews.com reader poll q uestion of the week Of the s ix ri ders representing this year's U.S. Trophy team at the ISDE in Poland (which gets under way Septem ber 13 ) , who do you think w ill b e the top American finisher? ( 39 .00%) AMA S u p e r b ike WEb INSiTE 11 34 6 46 ( 22. 2 1%) AMA Superbike wi th the Supe rsport, S u p erst o c k a nd Fo r m u la Xtreme support classes 937 (32.22%) Just MotoGP 191 (6.57%) Total Replies: A. Kurt Caselli B. Fred Hoess E. Nick Pearson C. Jim Jarrett 2908 D. Nathan Kanney F. Tim Taber www.cyc lenews.com CY CLE NEWS . SEPTEMBER 15,2004 11 7