E za ovo stvarno nisam znao! Brazilci nisu normalni stvarno, svaka im cast1
An enterprising Daniel Rodriguez sets about to fill the gap left in the Brazilian marketplace, caused by a trade embargo, for a large, dependable motorcycle. The result, born of ingenuity and a readily available supply of Volkswagen drive trains, is the AMAZONAS.
1981 AME Amazonas, featured in Cycle Canada, September, 1981. This is the earliest year of Amazonas I have a photo of. As soon as I laid eyes on it, it was love at first sight. To my way of thinking, this was the nicest year and most likely would have found a following among the traditionalist crowd in North America
Front cover, 1984 product brochure:
Throughout 1983-84, a partner and I made a concerted effort to set up a Canadian distributorship for the AMAZONAS. As excited as we were with the project, we finally drew the conclusion that it was too impractical, given the red tape, communication difficulties and the low production numbers (600 units per year was the figure I had at the time; according to Greg Frasier, the total production was 450 bikes.) The factory ended up closing in 1990.
Would we have been left high and dry, or would our sales have helped to keep them afloat? I guess we'll never know. I think it was still a worthwhile exercise and I hope someday to meet somebody who did successfully import one into Canada.
As a souvenir, I still have my letters, pictures and brochures, the highlights of which form the basis for this site. I hope you find it entertaining and educational. Thanks for visiting and may you always keep the shiny side up and the rubber side down!
(1984 prices shown. All prices were fob: Sao Paulo, Brazil)
eSporte 1600 U.S. 4000.00 "A bike with a sporty look, surprisingly maneuverable, that eats up curves. The fishtail seat makes it easy to drive and keeps the biker's back in erect position. A special bike for special bikers."
superEsporte 1600 U.S. 4000.00 "A big bike with a great look. The high back makes the jump seat safer; the lower front part of the seat gives good position for driving and greater safety. You won't go unnoticed."
Turismo 1600 U.S. 4500.00 "A more companionable line of bike. Ideal for long trips, with such highly useful accessories as side bags, baggage racks and windshield. Its highly anatomical seat gives comfort, safety and good steering. A touring bike for those who tour."
Policial 1600 U.S. 5500.00 "Its size gives an imposing appearance. It's the toughest bike ever seen. It has easy steering and takes the curves with stability. The seat is anatomically perfect, and it has fishtail and large baggage rack for installation of radio transmitter, giroflex, etc. Better durability with greater performance."
ENGINE:
VW 1600cc, 4 cylinder opposed Bore and stroke: 85.5mm x 69mm Compression ratio: 7.2 to 1 Maximum power: 56 @ 4200rpm Maximum torque: 10.8kgmf @ 3000rpm Carburetion: dual Solex, 32mm Lubrication: gear pump
TRANSMISSION:
4 forward, one reverse. Transmission ratios: 1st………..………….….1 to 3.80 2nd…………..…….……1 to 2.06 3rd…………...……….…1 to 1.32 4th…………...…….……1 to 0.89 Reverse………………...1 to 3.88 Primary drive (VW)……1 to 3.875 Secondary drive (AME) 1 to 0.92 Clutch: single disk, dry (AME)
SUSPENSION:
Front:……..120mm telescopic fork Rear:………..…..80mm swing arm Caster:..……………………80 deg.
BRAKES:
Hydraulic disk; dual front, single rear.
TIRES:
AME-Maggion; 500x16
WEIGHTS & MEASURES:
Length:…………………..2240mm Overall width:………...…1050mm Overall height……………1360mm Wheelbase………………..1690mm Clearance:………………..150mm Net Weight: -Sport & Supersport………374kg -Touring…………………..384kg Oil capacity……………….2.5L Fuel capacity………………32L Fuel consumption: …………..18km per L (at 80kph)
Road Test:
The AMAZONAS on steroids:
Feature Cover and Spec Sheet:
Lasto VW zaluđenik
Broj poruka : 162 Godina : 47 Lokacija : Bačka Palanka Datum upisa : 08.06.2009