Kawasaki GTR1400 (2010 Model) Review

Kawasaki has given the GTR a significant upgrade, added to the comfort of the original model with a larger screen and include heated grips as standard. But more interestingly they’ve improved the safety of their flagship tourer with new ABS and traction control. The traction control is really impressive and works off the ABS wheel sensors and is the most advanced system currently available on a road bike.

 

Engine

Thankfully Kawasaki has left the engine alone, which has been a strong point of the larger tourer. The powerplant is taken from the mighty ZZ-R1400 but detuned for more midrange. The GTR also now boasts variable valve timing, the first on any Kawasaki, which has the smoothest operation on the market, far better than Honda’s VFR. It also has nearly 140bhp and gallons of torque, both of which are class-leading.

Ride and Handling

Kawasaki hasn’t played around with the handling, either, which was not a fault of the old model. There’s a slightly stiffer spring at the rear, but that’s about it. For a large bike, the GTR can be hustled along with confidence, but you need a lot of confidence in the front Bridgestone tyre, which has been specifically designed for this model. The new linked ABS braking is excellent, and it’s changeable for riding fully loaded or with pillion and luggage.

Equipment

This is an area where the old GTR lacked, especially when compared to the competition from BMW. However, Kawasaki has addressed this and now the GTR comes with more options as standard like heated grips, larger screen, ABS and traction control as standard. There is also an additional mode button on the left bar to scroll through the informative clocks while the electric screen is pre-programmable.

Quality and Reliability

There is no reason to question the Kawasaki 1400′s reliability as the ZZ-R14 on which it’s based is proving bulletproof and Kawasaki are renown for producing reliable motors. MCN ran the older GTR problem free for 30,000 mile in a year, without a glitch. Shaft drive will add to its longevity.

Value

The GTR is expected to go up in price compared to the old model, however most bike prices have increased in 2009 and it’s still priced competitively against the competition from BMW and Yamaha. Second hand prices of the older model seem to be holding, too.

with thanks to : MCN

Suzuki’s All-New GSX1250FA

Suzuki GB confirm the final specification for its new bike, while also delighted to confirm its attendance at the forthcoming International Motorcycle & Scooter Show at the NEC in Birmingham from the 26th November to 6th December.

After the launch of the hugely popular GSX650F in 2007, that went on to win the Motorcycle News ‘Sports Tourer of the Year’ award, the new 1250 offers all the advantages of its smaller sibling, with the impressive mile-munching attributes that the 1255cc engine brings.

Built around a traditional classic tube frame, the GSX1250FA features rake and trail figures (25.3 degrees and 104mm) that maintain a great balance between sporty handling and reassured stability. With 43mm front forks and the single rear shock absorber featuring spring pre-load adjustability, the GSX1250FA performs whether riding solo or pillion.

Featuring Suzuki’s proven 1255cc power-plant, the new model packs a mighty punch, with a flexible engine that’s as happy pulling from low down the rev range as it is higher up. Equipped with Suzuki’s sophisticated digital fuel injection system, the GSX1250FA offers superb throttle response and feel with improved range and reduced emissions. This, combined with highlights such as large intake (31mm) and exhaust (27mm) valves, Suzuki’s own nickel-phosphorous-silicon-carbide cylinder coating, to reduce piston friction and a 6-speed gearbox, make the new 1250 set to be one of the best performing and versatile machines on the market.

And it’s not just performance and agility on offer, as the GSX1250FA offers digital ABS as standard for added peace of mind and an adjustable seat. With handy additions such as a gear position indicator and shift light as part of the functional and easy to read instrument cluster, the rider is kept fully-informed.

with thanks to : MTB-NEWS

KTM 690 Duke R (2010 model) Review

Even though the bike tested was a pre-production unit — virtually finished bar the paintwork and decals — this bigger capacity 690 Duke is altogether a different machine than non-R model 690 Duke (654cc). The extra 36cc (KTM won’t confirm this figure until after official model launch, mid Nov ’09) of the new R-model with carbonfibre front mudguard and revised suspension makes the new Duke-R a sharp-looking back road scratcher.

Engine

The extra 36mm (tbc) capacity comes via a longer piston stroke. This also increases midrange torque and ups horsepower by 7bhp to a claimed 71.4bhp. The result is a punchy little number with the ability to cruise at 80mph without fuss, fuss in the sense the vibes are minimal. A three-way power (soft, standard, sport) switch is fitted, where ‘soft’ eases power delivery in the lower gears, which is particularly useful in the wet, and ‘sport’ to give a greater direct feel between throttle and injection of the ride-by-wire system.

Ride and Handling

An agile package that really loves to be ridden hard on twist-laden roads. Grab the wide and high bars and make use of new suspension — softer front springs and friction-reducing coating on the tubes, with revised damping front and rear — to get it on. A blast is guaranteed. It also makes for a traffic buster around town especially with the views ahead from the tall seat height (865mm) and a front brake that stops 148kg (no fuel) of bike instantly.

Equipment

Superb Brembo front brake set up, all-singing WP suspension, natty QD fasteners for bar clamps, carbonfibre front fender, Marchesini wheels, slipper clutch.

Quality and Reliability

Main complaint about the previous 654cc Duke was the instrument cluster letting in water to knacker the LCD readout (warranty item). The new model has a revised waterproof (hopefully) assembly.

Value

A projected price figure of £7695 is a bit hard to swallow for a single-cylinder machine regardless of its quality and fun to be had from it. Especially so when you consider Aprilia’s V-twin Dorsoduro is as funky and functional for £1000 less at £6599.

with thanks to : MCN

Honda Wins Awards With CBF125 And CBR600RR Machines

Two of Honda’s two-wheeled machines have won accolades in this year’s prestigious Motor Cycle News (MCN) Awards for the ‘Best Machine for New Riders’ and ‘Best Sportsbike Under 600cc’.

The MCN Awards – now in their 14th year – recognise and reward the best machines and manufacturers in the industry today. Honda has won two awards, with the new-for-2009 CBF125 scooping ‘Best Machine For New Riders’ while the evergreen favourite CBR600RR – now equipped with Honda’s revolutionary C-ABS system – clinched top honours in the ‘Best Sportsbike Under 600cc’ category.

The CBF125 is this year best selling bike in the UK, with its stylish looks, coupled with reliability, practicality, great fuel economy and all-round riding ease appealing to the panel of judges as the best choice for newcomers to two wheels.

Honda’s CBR600 has a long established history dating from 1987 and it is estimated that in the UK alone, around 50,000 new and used CBR600s are in use. The latest model – the CBR600RR – marries the performance, poise and all round superb handling of the RR sports middleweight, with the technological break-through of Honda’s Combined ABS system, the world’s first ABS braking system designed specifically for sports bikes.

Steve Martindale, General Manager of Honda (UK) Motorcycles commented, “It’s always fantastic to receive recognition and awards for our products from people within the industry, just as it’s great to get positive feedback from our customers on our range. Both the CBF125 and the CBR600RR display Honda’s renowned virtues of quality, technology and style which we enjoy delivering for our customers, and some of our new products for 2010 will take this even further.”

Looking forward to next year, over the weekend of 13-14 February, Honda dealerships will be debuting Honda’s 2010 motorcycle range. The Valentine’s ‘Start Something Special’ weekend event will be the first opportunity for customers and motorcycle enthusiasts across the UK to see and test ride Honda’s new motorcycle models for the first time, including the all-new VFR1200F, impressive VT1300CX Fury and head-turning ‘bobber’ styled Shadow Black Spirit. The new and stylish 2010 colours for other current and updated models in the range will also be on display.

with thanks to : MTB-NEWS

Buell Xb9SX Lightning Review

The Buell XB9SX is an oddity. What you get is an old-school v-twin in a high-tech chassis, all wrapped up in a mad-max style urban scrambler. On paper it makes very little sense — a modern naked middleweight out-performs it in every practical way. But it looks great, sounds mean and the handling is sublime. It would be a hard purchase to justify, but everybody should try one.

 

Engine

Unfortunately this is the Buell’s weak point. It’s charming 984cc V-twin motor has character, makes a reasonable 84bhp and pulls hard from very low revs (handy in town). But the XB9SX has very little in the way of top end. It also vibrates heavily  and the gearbox occasionally rewards undetermined changes with false neutrals. It’s great for squirting out of hairpins on B-roads, not so good on lengthy straights.

Ride and Handling

This is what the Buell XB9SX Lightning is all about. Make no mistake, it’s razor sharp and will fall on its ear like its name suggests. Erik Buell is obsessed with mass centralisation — to keep everything tight and low the exhaust is under the engine, fuel is in the frame and oil is in the swingarm. The rim mounted disc brake has a lot of initial bite and the wide motocross bars make weaving through traffic easy. Oddly though the XB9SX comes fitted with dual-purpose Pirelli Scorpion Sync tyres — probably mostly to fit the urban scrambler styling. They grip well enough and will come in handy if you happen to find yourself on a dirt road, but for most riders some standard sports or sports touring rubber would make more sense.

Equipment

The Buell XB9SX is as simple and uncluttered as its styling and the pillion seat is for ornamental use only. On the plus side the clocks are clear and easy to read and the mirrors are better than you would think. This is the City-X (pronounced ‘city cross’) version of the XB9 so you do get hand-guards, a grill over the dual-headlights and pucks on the frame to protect it in a spill. The overall effect is a stylish-looking urban scrambler. Available in 3 colours: ‘Villain black’, ‘Kick Ash Translucent’ or ‘Cherry Bomb Red Translucent’, but the translucent options are £370 more.

Quality and Reliability

Buell have come a long way since their tubular frame models and reliability has improved, but some owners do still have occasional problems. Buell may have closed down now, but Harley are promising a further 10 years of dealer and parts back-up.

Value

The hard truth is, many bikes do more for less. Now that Buell has closed down though, there are some great deals on new bikes as dealers try to shift their remaining stock. Harley have promised dealer support for a further 10 years, so if you always wanted a Buell now is the time to grab a bargain — just don’t expect it to hold its value well.

with thanks to : MCN

2009 SPEED Performance Award Nominees

Ben Spies, James Stewart and Valentino Rossi are among the finalists for the 2009 SPEED Performer of the Year award ; The three Yamaha motorcycle racing champions are up against a field of 12 automobile racers for the award and the Mario Andretti Trophy. The award is the top prize for SPEED’s fourth annual awards program, with the winner selected by a panel of racing experts. Nine additional awards are open to fan voting.

Spies captured the 2009 World Superbike Championship, the first for Yamaha. Spies set a record with 11 poles in a single season and won 14 races in 28 starts for an impressive 50% winning percentage. These achievements are even more impressive considering they come in Spies’ first WSBK season, making him a nominee for the SPEED’s Rookie of the Year award as well.

Spies is also up for the Best Rivalry award with Ducati rider Noriyuki Haga. The two riders were a class above the rest of the WSBK field in 2009. Their rivalry presented a number of storylines: Ducati vs. Yamaha, Japan vs. America, veteran vs. rookie. The season-long battle came down to the final weekend with Spies overcoming a 15-point deficit to win the championship.

Also up for the Best Rivalry award is the AMA Superbike battle between Stewart and Suzuki’s Chad Reed. Stewart led the series with 11 wins in 17 races, but Reed was able to keep it close by finishing on the podium in all but one round. The two riders finished one-two in 13 main events, with Stewart taking the advantage 11 times.

The rivalry grew heated during the season and included some controversy as Stewart’s San Manuel Yamaha teammate Kyle Chisholm was black flagged in the second-last round of the season after blocking Reed. The incident may have been the difference-maker, helping Stewart take the title by a 377-373 margin.

Rossi’s ninth Grand Prix World Championship makes him a candidate for the Mario Andretti Trophy. The Fiat Yamaha rider won six races and fought off his teammate Jorge Lorenzo to win his seventh premier-class title and second in a row.

Rossi’s last-lap pass of Lorenzo at the Catalunya Grand Prix earned a nomination for the Best Finish award.

Lorenzo is a nominee for the Best Comeback award for the U.S. Grand Prix at Laguna Seca. Lorenzo crashed during qualifying at the Monterey, Calif., circuit’s famous Corkscrew. Lorenzo injured his right shoulder in the crash but overcame the pain to finish third on race day.

Other finalists for the SPEED Performer of the Year award include Formula One Champion Jenson Button, F1 runner-up Sebastian Vettel,  IndyCar Champion Dario Franchitti, his teammate and 2009 IndyCar runner-up Scott Dixon, NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Jimmie Johnson, Sprint Cup runner-up Mark Martin, Nationwide Champion Kyle Busch, American Le Mans Series Champion David Brabham, World of Outlaws Champion Donny Schatz, WoO 20 race-winner Joey Saldana, NHRA Top Fuel  Champion Tony Schumacher and Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Champions Alex Gurney and Jon Fogarty.

The Speed Performance Awards will be presented in a televised special in February. Voting for the fan-chosen awards are open until Dec. 20 at http://www.speedperformanceawards.com/.

with thanks to : MTC

Royal Enfield Trials EFI Review

The Royal Enfield Trials EFI is rubbish and brilliant at the same time. Rubbish because it’s slow, under-braked and ill-handling – but brilliant because it offers a unique, charming, easy-going ride you won’t get with any other bike less than 30 years old.

 

Engine

Rating the Royal Enfield Trials’ engine is a subjective issue – base the score on performance, and it comes out low. It’s slow revving and is uncomfortable much past 65. But it has chunky single-cylinder torque right from tickover, and although it’s vibey they’re part of the character. As long as you don’t ride for hours flat-out, it’s part of the appeal.

Ride and Handling

Modern bikes chase chassis rigidity – the Enfield’s steel tube design merely holds the components together and might as well be made of rope. Even riding slowly you can feel the chassis flex as the engine loads and unloads the rear wheel. Saying that, taking smooth lines, make your inputs progressive and accelerating through bends helps maintain momentum. The knobbly tyres are soft, so leaning over gently doesn’t stress them too much – it’s possible to scrape the centrestand and rear brake pedal. The ride is a little bouncy – exacerbated by the sprung saddle. It will go off-road – but only gentle green lanes and fields unless you want to bash it in to pieces. It’s a style thing.

Equipment

Centrestand, a rear luggage rack, a fuel light and an electric start are the only real luxuries. But they do mean it’s surprisingly utilitarian – it’ll happily commute across town every day, where the tight turning circle and narrow width is useful. But remember: real men learn to use the kickstart, even if the fuel injection makes it slightly easier.

Quality and Reliability

It’s A 50 year-old design produced in India (converted to trial spec in the UK), so it’s fairly crude up close. It’s solid though – the motor is a piece of cake to home-service, everything is simple and accessible and it’s a tough old beast. It remains to be seen how the fuel injection will holdup under long-term ownership – it’s the only thing you might ever need to trouble a dealer to sort out.

Value

Just under ?4500 buys you a Suzuki Gladius  or a Kawsaki ER-6n – both more practical and better performing. But Enfield buyers are unique – it’s an ownership experience rather than a purchase you rationalise too much. It’s also the sort of bike you could keep for life – you won’t get the same feeling with the Jap bikes. As long as you truly know what you’re getting, it’s a great authentic experience of classic motorcycling – except with better backup, reliability and a lower price than you might pay for a ‘real’ classic bike.

with thanks to : MCN

Nicky Hayden Opens The Second Ducati Showroom In India

Nicky Hayden, Ducati’s factory rider in the MotoGP Championship, was invited to inaugurate the Ducati Store in Gurgaon, one of the most dynamic and modern districts of the Indian capital. There to welcome Nicky was Ashish Chordia, CEO of Precision Motor India Private Limited, a big Ducati fan who was therefore very happy to have the 2006 MotoGP World Champion present for the event.

Mr Chordia, alongside Mirko Bordiga, CEO of Ducati Asia Pacific, presented Hayden to a large crowd of national journalists and the American rider spoke to them about the experience of being a Ducati rider, his first season with the factory MotoGP team, and his goals for 2010, when he will line up alongside Casey Stoner once again in the fight for the title.

“This event has made me understand the great strategic importance of a market such as India, its great potential and above all how well Ducati and MotoGP is known, appreciated and how the company is capable of attracting passionate fans, both from a commercial and sporting point of view,” Nicky Hayden commented. “I am happy that there is such great interest in us and such anticipation ahead of next season. Last year, after a difficult start, we made continuous improvement towards the end and after the Valencia tests I am very excited for next year and can’t wait to get back on my Ducati.”

Mr. Ashish Cordia said: “The Ducati brand symbolises racing success and passion, and we couldn’t have a better testimonial than Nicky’s to reinforce this perception. With the opening of Gurgaon showroom Ducati is now able to reach its customers in both the key markets — Delhi and Mumbai — where we will provide the best level of Sales and After Sales Service available in the market.”

with thanks to : MOTO GP

BMW F650GS Review

BMW’s successor to long-lived and popular entry-level F650 single is, confusingly, being based on the F800GS, neither a single (it’s a parallel twin) or a 650 (it’s 798cc) — so perhaps not surprisingly it’s miles better than the old one. Just as importantly, though, with a lowered seat, softened delivery and more, it’s every bit as novice or shortie-friendly and still good value, too.

 

Engine

BMW F650GS’s F800 series-derived twin is a sweetie. Softer cams trade off peak power for a more gentle and progressive power delivery (and a learner-friendly 34bhp version is also available at no extra cost). The result is peak power is down from 85bhp to a still more-than-useful 71bhp and with a healthy wodge of more low-down grunt. It’s both flexible and novice-friendly, yet with top end to be truly versatile.

Ride and Handling

With more basic, shorter-travel suspension than its F800GS brother and a smaller front wheel the F650GS has both a low, novice-friendly seat height (and an even lower 765mm low seat kit is available as an extra) plus more predictable and secure road-orientated handling. From the saddle, the biggest surprise was how reminiscent of the old F650 the new F650GS is. The view, posture, ergonomics and sheer simplicity it is to ride all remind very much of the old single, as does the idiot-proof flatness of the power delivery.

Equipment

To keep the F650GS’s price (and weight) down it has a more basic spec than its F800GS big brother. So there are alloys in place of wires, steel not alloy handlebars, no bash plate and less bodywork including a lower screen, not to mention the less sophisticated suspension. That said, it’s go everything it needs, its typical BMW quality, bang up to date and a vast range of extras is available.

Quality and Reliability

Although BMW quality in recent years has occasionally come under fire, it’s generally still far better than most and there have so far been no specific problems reported with the F650GS either.

Value

Although undeniably less flashy than the F800GS, the F650GS is also £1200 cheaper, is arguably the better road bike and, as such, represents excellent value for money.

with thanks to : MCN

BMW HP2 Sport Review

The BMW HP2 Sport is expensive and quite rightly so considering this is the finest sporting package BMW have rocked up with. Forget the fact that the HP2 Sport is an old air-cooled Boxer engine that supplies the goods, think more in the way this motorcycle will keep up with Japanese superbikes on the open road because of its handling, suspension and demon brakes. ?14,500 is a lot of money indeed — but it is a lot of bike with a serious amount of performance goodies to give big fun at the same time.

 

Engine

Based on the R1200S engine, the BMW HP2 Sport gives up a claimed 128bhp at the crankshaft to make this the most powerful Boxer engine ever. The power figure comes from a higher rev ceiling thanks to a new four-valve, double-over-head-cam design and lightweight pistons and superb electronics. Put this all together and you get a punch-laden lump that will hit high 120mph all day every day — and sound good from the underslung exhaust system. Gear ratios are revised enough to ensure the front wheel will loft in first gear and keep the engine on the boil at the top end of the revs.

Ride and Handling

You won’t believe how ridiculously easy it is to cajole the BMW HP2 Sport though hairpins and fast sweepers. While the handling can be described as fast and light (agile), it remains as stable as the R1200S it is based on. Seriously, you can brake late and hard and the Telelever front end combined with an Ohlins shock absorber keeps everything shipe shape. An Ohlins shock at the rear does exactly the same perfect job of keeping the rear end in place at any speed or angle. Not only does it make a brilliant road-going bike, the BMW HP2 will cut up rough at track days.

Equipment

Although the HP2 Sport is a BMW there are no panniers to talk of — there is, however, an accessory tank bag. Instead what you get with the BMW HP2 Sport is the best of everything: Ohlins suspension, perfectly formed carbon fibre rear subframe, front fairing stay, upper fairing, front fender and more. Brembo race-spec Monobloc front calipers and  lightweight forged aluminium wheels laced with Metzeler race compound tyres are just some of the other choice parts. The HP2 Sport is also the first production motorcycle to carry a quick shifter as standard — fitted in-line of the gear lever to cut the spark and fuel injection for clutch-less shifts.

Quality and Reliability

Five out of five rating for this section might seem strange but you have to remember BMW ran the same model in the later stages of the World Endurance Championship without a problem — 24 hours of Bol d’ Or hell at the Magny Cours circuit is a tough test for a bike. The race bike ran with the same engine, ECU and airfilter as you get with the HP2 Sport.

Value

When you consider the BMW HP2 Sport comes with every desirable component we’d all like to have on our own motorcycles eg Brembo brakes, Ohlins suspension, then the £14,500 price is not so hard to swallow. To BMW purists this is the best, sportiest BMW ever and may be considered priceless. MCN is not alone on this line of thought because most of the 95 bikes UK bound for 2008 are pre-sold.

with thanks to : MCN

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