Motorbike Reviews Online

Aprilia RSV 1000

2008-06-18T23:16:00.000-07:00

Competition may come and go, but the Aprilia RSV 1000 R remains the unquestioned top dog among supersport motorcycles for its amazing handling on road and racetrack. The Aprilia RSV 1000 R has shown its competitive edge in world endurance racing, where it is the only production twin able to compete on even terms with the best four cylinder machines in the world, as demonstrated by the excellent results achieved. Legendary races like the Le Mans 24 hours and the massacring Bol d’Or 24 hours have shown exactly how effective the twin cylinder Aprilia RSV 1000 R is on the racetrack , and how totally reliable it is too.
Endurance racing has provided more than just an unforgettable experience. It has served as a valuable test bench for the latest technical solutions now appearing on Aprilia production bikes.
V60 MAGNESIUM ENGINE
The 1000 cc V60 Magnesium engine has long been the standard setter for production twins, but constant evolution and development at Aprilia’s R&D department have now made it even better.
33 mm exhaust valves and new, larger diameter exhaust headers have been fitted to improve engine breathing. In this form the V60 Magnesium now puts out even more power, topping 143 HP at 10,000 rpm without losing any of its legendary usability and proverbial Aprilia reliability.

www.aprilia.com

Aprilia RS 125

2008-06-18T23:06:00.000-07:00

The RS 125 is the undisputed leader among 125 cc supersports. Aprilia has always led the field in lightweight sports bikes, pioneering new concepts and advanced solutions, and developing technology that others have had to struggle to follow. Like all Aprilia sports motorcycles, the RS 125 has benefited from the sophisticated technology that has been developed over years of success in GP racing, and quickly transferred into production. Over the years, the RS 125 has forged a reputation as the standard setter for sports 125’s. Sales success has come naturally too, with the RS 125 topping the sales tables on all European markets. The RS 125 is the inevitable choice of riders entering Sport Production racing. And rightly so, because when the competition gets tough, there is simply no other bike like the Aprilia RS 125.
The Aprilia RS 125 is designed and built for technical supremacy and has the looks to match. Its graphics are totally new and based entirely on those of the bike that dominated the 2006 250 GP world championship.
ENGINE
The powerful but reliable, single cylinder, two stroke, Rotax-Aprilia engine needs no introduction. Over the years it has won a reputation for being unbeatable on the track and dependable on the road. Still today, this engine boasts technical solutions that are state-of-the-art for two strokes, including a crankcase reed valve intake, liquid cooling, an anti-vibration balancer shaft, and an automatic mixing system. The RS 125’s engine has been constantly updated over the years to keep in line with the latest emission control legislation without penalising performance. A catalytic converter and precision carburation has won Aprilia’s single cylinder two stroke homologation to Euro 3 standards. And the amazing thing is that this has been achieved without losing out on performance: the Aprilia RS 125 engine remains the reference point for all 125 cc powerplants.

www.aprilia.com

Triumph Speed Triple

2008-06-18T22:55:00.000-07:00

The Speed Triple, with its mix of a monstrously powerful three-cylinder engine, top quality chassis and an aggressive, stripped down stance, enters its fourteenth year as part of Triumph’s Urban Sports range. This year it brings with it a host of styling refinements including, a redesigned radiator, brand new rear sub-frame, new LED rear light, Brembo radial front calipers, black anodised front forks and new tapered anodised aluminium handlebars. Harder than ever, the Speed Triple retains its status as the definitive factory streetfighter.
The Speed Triple’s 1050cc, three cylinder engine, with its unmistakable character and sound, pumps out a great surge of bottom-end torque, massive mid-range punch and an impressive level of overall power. Peak power is 132PS (131bhp) at 9250rpm while peak torque of 105Nm (77ft.lbf) arrives at 7550rpm. Triumph’s Keihin ECU offers sophisticated mapping for quicker starting, cleaner running and fuel economic engine.

www.triumph.co.uk

Triumph Street Triple

2008-06-18T22:40:00.000-07:00

Through a potent combination of performance DNA extracted from the Daytona 675 and aggressive streetfighter styling drawn from the Speed Triple, comes the most desirable naked middleweight motorcycle in the market – the Street Triple. As the Speed Triple’s younger brother, the Street Triple is a rebel with plenty of cause – lean, light and agile. The Street Triple has masses of attitude and makes the most sensible rider grin like an idiot.
Derived from the class leading Daytona 675, the Street Triple’s 675cc water-cooled three-cylinder 12-valve engine delivers strong low and midrange performance, from tick over to redline and produces more than 60Nm (44ft.lbf) of torque from 3500rpm right through to 12300rpm. The close-ratio six-speed gearbox maximises the effectiveness of the engine’s impressive power and torque, always giving you the perfect gear.

www.triumph.co.uk

Triumph Daytona 675

2008-06-18T22:24:00.000-07:00

As the first three-cylinder super sports middleweight, the Daytona 675 is a force to be reckoned with in the most hotly contested arena in motorcycling. The Daytona 675 has won countless comparison tests and for the past two years has taken both the MasterBike and Supertest ‘King of the Supersport’ crowns. With its exciting, powerful engine and intuitive, razor sharp chassis the Daytona 675 has reinvented the supersports middleweight map. The Daytona IS incomparable.
Engine
The 675cc, water-cooled, three cylinder, 12-valve power unit is extremely compact, featuring a Keihin fuel injection system and a stacked six-speed close ratio gearbox. Peak power of 125PS (123bhp) is delivered at 12500rpm, with 72Nm (53ft.lbf) torque at 11750rpm. While the Daytona 675’s engine is refined, the triple’s innate character remains with typical Triumph toughness engineered all the way through.

www.triumph.co.uk

Ducati Monster S2R 1000

2008-06-18T21:58:00.000-07:00

The Monster S2R 1000 is a blend of sport and character - the power of the 1000 Dual Spark engine combines with the Ducati Trellis frame and advanced suspension to pack punch and confidence into every corner. The S2R 1000 is the ideal choice for anyone who wants the 'mean' look of the SR series with Desmo2 power and the simple beauty of an air-cooled engine.
Fire-up our most powerful air-cooled Monster and feel the potent 95hp, high torque, Desmo2 1000 engine at your command. The 1000 DS engine was developed with the specific objectives of increased broad, linear power and increased efficiency, and the result is ideal for the S2R 1000. The Dual Spark solution gives a more efficient combustion and boosts power, especially at low and medium rpm, and when combined with advanced fuel injection and computer engine control, the 1000 DS never fails to thrill.
The upside-down Showa forks and ZF Sachs rear shock ensure confident road holding and are adjustable, allowing you to set up the bike to suit your personal riding style or for when you add a passenger. The high performance Brembo brake system provides the finishing touch to the biggest air-cooled Monster.

www.ducati.com

Ducati Monster 695

2008-06-18T19:48:00.000-07:00

The 695 takes full advantage of the confidence-inspiring, road-holding stability of the Ducati Trellis frame design. The Trellis frame is light, rigid and beautiful, and distinctively Ducati. Quality Marzocchi 43 mm upside-down forks and a ZF Sachs rear shock, both crafted in Italy, smooth out the bumps and add their share of poise to the 695's road manners. And for world-class stopping power and safety, high performance Brembo calipers grip twin 300 mm discs up front and a single 245 mm disc at the rear.

www.ducati.com

Ducati 848

2008-06-18T19:35:00.000-07:00

The new 848 enjoys all the performance advancements of the entire Superbike family, while adding its own innovations to redefine the middleweight sport bike class.
The words 'agile' and 'refined' aptly describe the 848. At 168 kg (369 lbs) the 848 is an amazing 20 kg (44 lbs) lighter than its predecessor, and a significant 5 kg (11 lbs) lighter than its larger capacity brother, the 1098.
The highly advanced 848 engine uses an improved method of engine case production in which cases are vacuum die-cast formed. While providing significant weight savings of more than 3 kg (6.5 lbs), this method also ensures consistent wall thickness and increased strength. Further refinements include a sophisticated wet clutch that offers 1 kg (2.2 lbs) less weight, a much higher service life, improved clutch feel and quiet operation.
With the first twist of the wrist, the powerful rush of the Testastretta Evoluzione engine confirms that the rules have changed. The 848's 134 hp is not only 30% more powerful than its predecessor, but it provides a power-to-weight ratio even better than the potent 999.

www.ducati.com

Suzuki GSX-R600

2008-06-18T17:50:00.000-07:00

Race-proven GSX-R600 powerplant, now tuned for a broader powerband and more low-and mid-range torque. Instrument panel includes an analog tach and LCD digital speedometer, along with LCD digital gear position indicator, odometer, duel trip meters, fuel gauge and clock. Immobilizer fitted as standard Suzuki Super Cast (SSC) pistons are manafactured using a high-pressure casting technique that reduces porosity and increases strength. Cylinders are coated with SCEM (Suzuki Composite Electromechanical Material). SCEM cylinders allow better heat transfer and tighter piston-to-cylinder clearance, improving efficiency. Revolutionary SDVT (Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve) fuel injection uses two double-barrel 38mm throttle bodies. Suzuki's advanced Auto Fast Idle System (AFIS) automatically adjusts the throttle opening for easier cold starts. The GRS600 meets EURO3 emissions regulations.

KAWASAKI NINJA® 650R

2008-05-20T19:05:00.000-07:00

A middleweight that’s capable, practical, strong and fun to ride

With its cutting edge design and astonishing versatility, it is no surprise the 2008 Kawasaki Ninja® 650R excels in real world riding. Mating sportbike performance levels and a comfortable seating position –something rare in the same sentence as sportbike –the Ninja 650R is well-suited for slicing through commuter traffic, running errands and hitting the back roads or a track on weekend days.

This versatility is good, because the more time a rider spends with the Ninja 650R, the stronger their desire to just ride –for any reason –will become. Part of the charm of this sportbike is its design clarity. It blends an innovative engine and chassis into a package that doesn’t truly project its intended engineering outcome until the motorcycle a rider is melded into it. Kawasaki’s development team began with a unique posture –focusing on the rider, not the motorcycle –and thus developed the 650R to have broad rider appeal. Narrowing the distance between the footpegs and striving for a low seat height and minimal effort controls all played into the design effort.

A major component in the achieving the size-efficient nature of the Ninja 650R is its compact liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, DOHC, 8-valve 649cc parallel twin engine. Featuring a confidence inspiring power delivery for new motorcyclists, the engine possesses a smooth responsiveness that is tuned for rider-friendly low and medium rpm ranges. The excellent mid-range characteristics make the 650R a natural in commuting environments, and slipping in and out of traffic will be a cinch thanks to its lightweight trellis frame and responsive steering.

The 650R’s engine may be tuned for manageable delivery, but it also has excellent roll-on response for highway passing and more than enough power to be an entertaining trackday companion.

Kawasaki engineers applied their vast experience building Ninja supersport machines to develop a motorcycle with the performance abilities that will be a match for anything currently available in the middleweight arena, including those with larger displacement. Exceptionally well-proportioned, the Ninja 650R is a motorcycle both novice and experienced riders can be at home with and one that is equally comfortable in daily commuting situations as well as back-road-blasting on the weekends.

MSRP $6,499

BMW F800S

2008-03-27T03:45:00.000-07:00

If you've been looking for a BMW sport bike in the middleweight category, the all-new. F 800 S is your ride. This feisty new parallel twin engine cranks out 85 hp and is built for speed and nimble performance. With a low maintenance belt drive and a high performance cylinder head with cam follower valve gear based on the K 1200 S and
K 1200 R, as well as relaxed ergonomics and instantaneous braking power, it'd be hard to find a mid-sized sport bike this solid or reliable. Maybe that's why World Stuntwars champion Christian Pfieffer chose it for his incredible trick riding. So get ready to launch operation tarmac attack, because the new F 800 is ready to rip.

MSRP $9,4750

www.bmwmotorcycle.com

DUCATI 1098R

2008-03-27T03:38:00.000-07:00

BUILT TO WIN

The 1098 R is the ultimate Superbike. The most advanced, most powerful twin-cylinder motorcycle ever built. It is the product of a team of designers and engineers focussed on one objective only - to win.
The 'R' is a race bike, pure and simple. Its competition specification and superior components together with advanced electronics and race-proven chassis technology deliver a level of performance that empowers you with confidence and capability. On the road, it distinguishes you as a connoisseur of high-performance motorcycles. On the track it promotes you to a higher level of riding and closer to realising your dreams.
World Superbike rule changes mean that the road-going 'R' version is closer than ever to our factory race bike. The 1098 R is not a replica - it's the real deal. An incredible 180hp L-Twin Testastretta Evoluzione engine in a race-winning Trellis chassis set-up tips the scales at an unbelievably lightweight 165kg (364lbs) and comes with a race kit that introduces Ducati Corse's world championship winning traction control system.
Once again, Ducati raises the bar and sets the world standard for sport bikes while turning the heads and racing the hearts of enthusiasts throughout the world.

www.ducati.com

Ducati Monster 696

2008-03-27T03:12:00.000-07:00

THE NEXT GENERATION NAKED

Available from April 2008 onwards, the new Ducati Monster 696 is the next generation naked and the final word in urban excitement. Ride the Monster 696 around your favourite downtown routes in relaxed style or, when the spirit moves you, unleash its dark side to deliver more naked performance than ever before.

A comfortable and confidence-inspiring chassis combines with the famously smooth and powerful Ducati L-Twin engine to provide the most enjoyable riding experience. The balance of new technologies expressed in stylishly finished materials is shaped around the original cool Monster heritage.

www.ducati.com

YAMAHA YZFR6

2008-03-24T18:44:00.000-07:00

MSRP $9,699

Engine:

YCCT—Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle—uses a powerful ECU and multiple sensors to provide perfect, smooth engine response and optimal power whenever the throttle is twisted under all conditions.
Twin-injector fuel injection: shower-type injectors above each intake funnel help achieve optimum fuel atomization at high rpm.
Back torque-limiting slipper clutch greatly facilitates braking and downshifting from high speed. Close-ratio six-speed transmission delivers seamless power and maximum acceleration.
GP-style titanium muffler contributes to mass centralization and contains EXUP for a broad powerband, spot-on injection and emissions compliance.
Linerless, direct-plated ceramic-composite cylinder bores mean greater heat dissipation for consistent power delivery and reduced friction.
Cool magnesium valve and engine covers are light and stylish.
Direct-ignition coils, dual-electrode spark plugs and high-output magneto deliver extremely accurate, reliable firing.

www.yamaha.com

HONDA CBR600RR

2008-03-24T18:30:00.000-07:00

MSRP $9,599

If 2007 gave any clue, the CBR®600RR has only just begun to write its legacy in the annals of 600-class performance. Crowned the Best Middleweight of 2007 by both Cycle World and Rider magazines, the CBR600RR oozes MotoGP-bred tech. Dual Stage Fuel Injection, Pro-Link® rear suspension, HESD electronic steering damper, wicked new colors for 2008 there's no other 600 like it. And there never will be.

www.honda.com

BMW K1200R

2008-03-02T19:18:00.000-08:00

MSRP $14,450

The new K 1200 R Sport is the latest addition to BMW's collection of 4 cylinder bikes. This performance sports tourer is a dynamic, more civilized version of the revolutionary K 1200 R, which won Motorcyclist's Bike of the Year in 2005. It features a semi-faired design that provides protection from wind and rain while allowing the rider to assume a more upright position than other sport bikes. But don't let its refinements fool you. The K 1200 R Sport features the same 163 hp growl of its unfaired sibling and is capable of rocketing you to motorcycle euphoria in a matter of moments. Ready to hit the throttle? It hits the streets in 2007.

Type :Transverse mounted, liquid-cooled inline 4-cylinder, Displacement :1157 cc, Bore X Stroke :79 mm x 59 mm, Horsepower :163 bhp @ 10250 rpm, Torque :94 lb/ft @ 8250 rpm, Valve Gear :DOHC, chain-driven with bucket tappets, No of cylinders :4, Compression Ratio :13.0 :1, Engine BMW Engine Controller - BMS K, Valves per Cylinder :Four, Valves :2 x 32 mm mm intake / 2 x 27,5 mm mm exhaust, Fuel Tank :HDPE, internal pump and internal filter, Alternator W :580 Watts @ 14 Volts, Battery V/AH :12 Volts 14 Amps/hour low maintenance.

www.bmwmotorcycle.com

KAWASAKI Z1000

2008-03-02T18:49:00.000-08:00

MSRP $8,899

Kawasaki upped the ante in the naked bike arena with the entrance of the Z1000. Beyond its muscular torque delivery and radical styling, the Z1000 dishes out a visceral riding experience. This purpose-built Kawasaki is equally at home in the garages of both practical motorcyclists — simply seeking a smile-producing weekend ride and owners desiring a bike that doesn’t fit the norm.

This Kawasaki version of nakedness has been tuned to satisfy the most demanding musclebike riders. The Z1000 features serious low-rpm grunt courtesy of focused engine tuning and gear ratios ideally match to serious street riding. Not only does the Z1000’s 953cc four-cylinder torque curve provide low-end get-up-and-go, but the pull continues through the mid-range, giving the rider extra thrust for conquering road challenges and providing the great exhilaration expected from a liter bike.

Matching the delivery of power from the spirited engine is a highly communicative chassis that permits the Z1000 to offer formidable maneuverability. Kawasaki achieved this remarkable feat by making a sub-frame for the engine –now a stressed member of the frame –and further tailoring the chassis flex with a combination of rigid and rubber engine mounts. The overall result is a confidence-inspiring ride and high levels of feedback with a superb level of control, since the rider is better able to understand what the bike is doing.

A 41 mm inverted front fork compliments the Z1000’s potent chassis and delivers exceptional steering performance. Its smooth action in the top half of the stroke is harmonized by firmer damping in the bottom half. This gives the plush initial feeling of a long-stroke suspension, and allows a firm, planted feel in corners –a combination which makes the bike both easier to ride as well as adept at carving through the rider’s favorite canyon. The bottom-link Uni-Trak rear suspension has a nitrogen gas charged shock with piggyback reservoir with settings that balance the front fork and help to offer exceptional road holding. Together the front and rear settings make the bike’s pitching motions more predictable and easier to interpret. The superior ride quality is particularly noticeable when commuting or riding around town.

As the Z1000 is essentially a supersport with a view of its brawny engine, its Ninja-like brake components are no surprise. Radial-mount brake calipers and a radial-pump front brake master cylinder offer precise brake control and superb feel at the lever. The enhanced brake performance allows riders to concentrate more on their riding, secure in the knowledge that the Z1000’s excellent brakes are up to the task.

First-rate mass centralization and ergonomics are major factors in the enhanced rider and machine synergy. The close handlebars of the Z1000 and slim saddle combine to create a compact riding position. This lets the rider take full advantage of the motorcycle’s great stability and sharp, nimble, handling characteristics, while making short work of their favorite ribbon of asphalt.

While providing maneuverable, functional transportation in a daily environment, the Z1000 provides the ability to unleash the fun-seeker in every rider - an unavoidable side-effect when a responsive engine and maneuverable chassis are coupled together. When it comes right down to it, isn’t that what motorcycling is all about?

www.kawasaki.com

SUZUKI GSX R1000

2008-02-28T20:32:00.000-08:00

Engine Features

999cc 4-stroke, 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine for increased power, torque and acceleration with forged aluminum alloy pistons, chrome-moly shotpeened connecting rods, hollow camshafts, and a secondary balancer shaft for reduced vibration. Compact fuel injection system features the Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve System (SDTV) - with twelve smaller holes for maximum fuel delivery and steeper angle for secondary injectors. Idle Speed Control (ISC) system for improved cold starting, consistent idle quality and reduced emissions. High volume Suzuki Advanced Exhaust System (SAES) with equal length head pipes feeding a unique under engine chamber leading to two compact aluminum/titanium mufflers on each side. The mid-pipe includes a Suzuki Exhaust Tuning (SET) system for maximum torque throughout the rpm range and an oxygen sensor used by the engine management system and combined with the under-engine catalyzer for reduced emissions. 48mm ventilation holes between cylinders reduce pumping losses. Self adjusting hydraulic clutch uses and minimzes changes in clutch feel over a long race. Back-torque limiting clutch allows smooth downshifts, plus a rack and pinion operating system provides a positive clutch feel. S-DMS (Suzuki-Drive Mode Selector) system allows the rider to choose from three engine settings to match track conditions with a handlebar mounted switch. Radiator utilizes a trapezoidal shape seen on works race bikes. The oil pump is larger for increased capacity and performance.

MSRP $11,499

www.suzuki.com

YAMAHA YZFR1

2008-02-28T19:09:00.000-08:00

Engine:

Short-stroke 998cc DOHC, 16-valve, liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder engine produces more tractable power than ever. Yamaha Chip Control Throttle controls a 32-bit ECU fuel injection system for super-responsive, smooth, instantaneous power delivery. Yamaha Chip Control Intake electronically adjusts intake funnel length between either 65 or 140mm for an amazingly broad, smooth powerband. Two-piece ergonomically designed fuel tank carries fuel in the rear section, for good centralization of mass, while the front half contains a Ram-Air-fed airbox for increased power.

Lay-down-design cylinder head optimizes weight distribution, straightens intake tracts for improved cylinder filling and allows frame to pass over instead of around the engine for great strength and a narrow chassis. Closed-deck cylinder block increases strength and allows a narrow engine in spite of big, 77mm bores. Narrow-angle four-valve combustion chambers produce a highly efficient 12.7:1 compression ratio; 31mm titanium intake valves and 25mm exhausts controlled by new, high-lift cams flow plenty of air. Light and strong nutless connecting rods with fractured big ends produce a quick-revving engine with excellent high-rpm durability. High silicon-content ceramic-composite cylinder sleeves ensure great heat dissipation for consistent power delivery and reduced friction. Close-ratio six-speed gearbox with triangulated shaft layout for great strength, compactness, and quicker acceleration. Ramp-type slipper clutch makes braking from speed into tight corners while downshifting smoother and therefore faster. Titanium underseat exhaust system (with stainless steel midpipe and catalyst) provides excellent cornering clearance and a broad, seamless powerband. 13-percent greater radiator capacity and an aluminum liquid-cooled oil cooler maintain stable operating temperature. Direct ignition coils, dual-electrode spark plugs and high-output magneto deliver extremely accurate, reliable firing. AC generator behind cylinder block produces a narrow engine with excellent cornering clearance.

MSRP $11,699

www.yamaha-motor.com

HONDA CBR1000RR

2008-02-28T17:57:00.000-08:00

There's nothing like a literbike when it comes to awesome performance. But for 2008, Honda's taking that level of performance—and handling—to a whole new level. New engine. New chassis. MotoGP-style exhaust. The all-new CBR1000RR is a Superbike that handles like a 600, but is built to dominate the Superbike class.

ENGINE

Engine Type 999cc liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder, Bore and Stroke 76mm x 55.1mm, Dual Stage Fuel Injection (DSFI), Ignition Computer-controlled digital transistorized with three-dimensional mapping, Compression Ratio 12.3:1, Valve Train DOHC; four valves per cylinder

DRIVE TRAIN

Transmission Close-ratio six-speed, Final Drive #530 O-ring chain

CHASSIS / SUSPENSION / BRAKES

Front Suspension 43mm inverted HMAS cartridge fork with spring preload, rebound and compression damping adjustability; 4.7 inches travel, Rear Suspension Unit Pro-Link HMAS single shock with spring preload, rebound and compression damping adjustability; 5.4 inches travel, Front Brakes Dual radial-mounted four-piston calipers with full-floating 320mm discs, Rear Brake Single 220mm disc, Front Tires 120/70ZR-17 radial, Rear Tires 190/50ZR-17 radial

MSRP $11,599