Buell Motorcycles Introduces Liquid-Cooled 1125CR For 2009

The Buell Motorcycles homepage features images and details about the new 2009 Buell 1125CR. The Buell Homepage describes the 2009 1125CR as "A fearsome blend of superbike performance, sinister styling and wicked attitude, it pushes the boundaries of the naked category."

According to Buell Motorcycles, Buell brings superbike performance to the streetfighter category in 2009 with the introduction of the 1125CR, a new model featuring a modern interpretation of “café racer” styling and the power of the Buell Helicon 1125 liquid-cooled V-Twin engine. The 1125CR is one of nine 2009 Buell Sportbike, Streetfighter, Adventure Sportbike and Blast models.

“Part superbike and part streetfighter, the 1125CR is my vision of a 21st century café racer,” said Erik Buell, chairman and chief technical officer at Buell Motorcycle Company. “It’s got Clubman-style bars and a flyscreen instead of a fairing. Then we geared it down to optimize acceleration. With a class-leading weight-to-horsepower ratio, the 1125CR takes streetfighter performance to a new level.”

A café racer for the 21st century, the new 1125CR nods respectfully to the past with clubman bars, flyscreen and a tail cowl, while a 146-hp, liquid-cooled Buell Helicon 1125 V-Twin engine and Buell Intuitive Response Chassis (IRC) deliver the performance and handling of a modern superbike. Final-drive gearing is lowered about eight percent from the 1125R to optimize acceleration. Its sinister styling will make this bike unmistakable on the street.

Source: Buell Motorcycles

Yamaha 2009 YZF-R6S Features Light Weight And Big Horsepower

The Yamaha Motors homepage features details on the Yamaha 2009 YZF-R6S.

The key features of the Yamaha 2009 YZF-R6S are light weight, big horsepower, razor-sharp handling and a comfortable cockpit.

The suction-piston-type fuel injection with 38mm throttle bodies features short intake ports and a special vacuum-controlled intake system, ensuring instant throttle response all the way up to the 15,500-rpm redline.

Other features include a Deltabox III frame and Controlled-Fill swingarm, super-light five-spoke 17-inch wheels, and multifunction digital and analog instrumentation.

Source: Yamaha

Ducati 848 Superbike Breaks Sales Record

Ducati North America recently announced that the 848 Superbike has become Ducati's fastest-selling model ever.

According to Ducati, the 848 Superbike was unveiled in Milan last November as a lighter, more affordable alternative to Ducati’s 1098 Superbike. The 848 has surpassed every sales record set by its sibling in the Superbike range.

Since its release six months ago, over 1,200 848 Superbikes have been sold in North America; accounting for more than 20% of Ducati’s overall sales. The previous record holder was the 1098 Superbike, which revved its way into 1,000 new homes during the same period one year prior.

“The 848 has successfully bridged the gap for those aspiring to own a Ducati Superbike as well as addressing the desires of our loyal customer base,” said Jason Chinnock, National Sales Manager for Ducati North America. “In addition, Larry Pegram’s success on the track in AMA Formula Extreme is driving showroom traffic as the 848 proves it’s a serious contender for the title.”

Source: Ducati

Ducati Wins Big In Motociclismo's 2008 Bike of the Year Awards

Ducati has announced that more than 35,000 readers of the major Italian bike magazine Motociclismo voted for their “Moto dell’anno 2008” (Bike of the Year 2008) and scored Ducati a best ever result in Sport Bike, best in Supermotard and a major result in the Naked Bike categories.

According to Ducati...

Choosing from 280 models split into 12 categories, including 125cc, Cruiser, Naked, Dual, Enduro, Supermotard, Touring, Sport Bike, Sport Touring, and three scooter categories, the public’s favourite and most eagerly awaited award was for best Sport Bike. For the first time ever in the history of such awards presented by motorcycle magazines, a single manufacturer – Ducati – had recorded an unprecedented clean sweep of votes and claimed the first three places.

The Ducati 1098 took the coveted first place with the Desmosedici RR in second and the stunning new 848 filled the ‘podium’ with third place to achieve the previously unmatched haul of trophies. Ducati’s domination of the Sport Bike category is a clear indication of the credibility and respect that the Italian manufacturer enjoys in this specific sector, traditionally a bench-mark and inspiration in the motorcycling world.

Ducati’s success that evening, however, did not end there. Once more, the highly original Hypermotard took first place honours in the Supermotard category and the beautiful new Monster 696, despite being launched just a few weeks ago, took an incredible second place in the Naked Bike category. To complete the impressive haul of awards, the Multistrada scooped third place overall in the Dual category.

Source: Ducati

Ducati's Monster 696 makes its North America premiere on May 16-17

Ducati has announced that the Monster 696 will make its North American premiere at Ducati dealers on May 16 and 17.

The Ducati site lists the dealers celebrating the premiere and details about the new features in the Monster 696.

According to the Ducati site, the engine of the new 696 is an evolution of the previous 695 version, easuring 696cc and featuring a series of updates and refinements.

Source: Ducati

2008 Honda CBR1000RR offers riding breakthroughs

The Los Angeles Times features a review of the 2008 Honda CBR1000RR and the new technology that makes this bike faster and easier to ride.

Honda describes the CBR1000RR...

In 2008 Honda reinforces a long-standing legacy of creating breathtaking breakthroughs in the literbike class. The all-new CBR1000RR establishes a higher standard for weight reduction and compact, centralized mass to produce the pinnacle of sportbike performance and rideability.

New features included on the CBR1000RR:

• Idle-Air Control Valve (IACV) and Ignition Interrupt Control for idle stability and smoother on/off throttle response.
• All-new 999cc inline four-cylinder engine.
• Unique slipper clutch features cam mechanism to reduce clutch-lever pull.
• New-generation Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD).

Source: The Los Angeles Times and Honda Motorcycles

Ducati 1098 R - The lightest, most powerful twin-cylinder bike ever

After much anticipation, here are images of the 1098R superbike from Ducati.

According to Ducati...

The 1098 R is the ultimate Superbike. The most advanced, most powerful twin-cylinder motorcycle ever built, with the highest torque-to-weight ratio in the sport bike category. 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.

World Superbike rule changes mean that the road-going ‘R’ version is closer than ever to the factory race bike. The 1098 R is not a replica - it’s the real deal. An incredible 180 hp L-Twin Testastretta Evoluzione engine in a race-winning Trellis chassis set-up tips the scales at an unbelievably lightweight 165 kg (364 lbs) 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.

1098 Technology: Trademark Ducati features like the high tail section, compact front end, twin under-seat silencers and single-sided swingarm are just some of the features that turned the 1098 models into an instant award-winning success. When launched in November 2006, the 1098 and 1098 S introduced a number of ‘firsts’ for Ducati and production sport bike design. It was the first production motorcycle to have the amazing stopping power of Brembo Monobloc brakes, the first to have a data acquisition system integrated as standard equipment and the first to use an ingenious construction method for its weight-saving single-sided swingarm. More ‘firsts’ for a road-going Ducati included the direct application of MotoGP technology, like the power producing GP6-derived elliptical throttle bodies and the use of the information-rich instrumentation originally developed for the World Championship-winning Desmosedici GP7.

The ‘R’ version of the 1098 is not only the flagship of the Superbike family, but also the platform on which the very latest Ducati Corse technologies are expressed in street bike form. The 1098 R takes all the original 1098 features, reduces weight even further and adds an extra 20 horsepower, traction control, sand-cast crankcases, titanium valves and con-rods, TTXR rear suspension and much more to produce the most awesome performance ever seen in this category.

The 1098 R comes with a race kit, which is intended for track use only, boosting power output from 180 to approximately 186 hp. The kit consists of a 102dB carbon fibre slip-on muffler kit by Termignoni and a dedicated ECU. The ECU not only has reconfigured mapping to suit the racing mufflers, but also initiates the system dialogue that controls the DTC (Ducati Traction Control) system. The 1098 R is the first ever production bike to be fitted with a true competition-level traction control.

Source: Ducati

2008 Buell Ulysses XB12XT

Here pictures and information on the new 2008 Buell Ulysses XB12XT.

According to Buell...

Imagine a motorcycle that is just as comfortable carving canyons as it is eating up miles of highway and back roads on a long distance tour. That kind of adventurous versatility is distinctly delivered by the 2008 Buell Ulysses XB12XT.

The new Buell Ulysses XB12XT model was introduced today as the second model in the Buell Ulysses family of adventure sportbike motorcycles, which possess the handling and soul to own every corner.

Boasting the intuitive handling and tremendous torque that Buell has come to symbolize, the XB12XT creates a stirring sport riding experience on a capable long-distance motorcycle. Based on the Buell Ulysses adventure sport bike, the XB12XT features a specially-tuned shorter travel suspension and lower standard seat height, standard tall windscreen, Pirelli Strada sport touring tires and standard lockable top box and side luggage cases.

"The XB12XT will dish out considerable comfort and potent performance at every turn," said Erik Buell, Chairman and Chief Technical Officer at Buell Motorcycle Company. "The new suspension and many other features will let riders and passengers enjoy this motorcycle on all kinds of roads. It's the perfect bike for zipping through the city, getting out to the country and back again, or the other way around."

By focusing on paved road performance, the XB12XT suspension springs and damping were optimized to soak up road imperfections, which allowed a reduced suspension travel, resulting in a lower ride height and thus a lower center of gravity.

With a commanding riding position behind wide athletic handlebars, the XB12XT has a tall front screen to buffer the wind. Standard heated hand-grips warm the rider's hands in colder climates. The grips are rated at 18 watts per side on the high setting and 11 watts per side on the low setting. The XB12XT has two 10 amp/12-volt accessory power outlets (on the dash and under the seat) and an integrated helmet lock for additional convenience.

Source: Buell Motorcycles

Suzuki debuts custom L-R-G Hayabusa sportbike

Most of the country is freezing in the grip of winter weather. Now is the time to think of days when it will be warm enough to ride without worrying about frostbite.

These images of a fully customized 2008 Hayabusa sportbike bike next to a pool and surrounded by palm trees might take the chill away a little.

This bike was built by American Suzuki Motor Corporation in partnership with Lifted Research Group, better known as L-R-G, and 2Wheel Tuner magazine.

Yacht not included.

According to Suzuki...

Designed by L-R-G and built by Nick Anglada of Custom Sportbike Concepts (CSC) of Winter Garden, Fla., the L-R-G Hayabusa blends the panache of one of the hottest urban brands in fashion with the iconic personality of Suzuki’s fastest production motorcycle. The L-R-G Hayabusa will be featured on the January 2008 cover of 2Wheel Tuner.

“Beyond its well-deserved reputation for best-in-class performance, the popularity of the Suzuki Hayabusa can be attributed to the way it has long been embraced by the many facets of popular culture, including fashion, style, music and entertainment,” said Glenn Hansen, communications manager, ASMC, Motorcycle/ATV Division. “Suzuki’s relationship with L-R-G provides us with a not-to-be-missed opportunity to vividly illustrate our iconic sportbike’s storied connection to urban culture.”

The exterior look of the Hayabusa has been modified to catch the attention of both motorcycle enthusiasts and fashion aficionados. The L-R-G Hayabusa offers a unique Pearl White Powder paint scheme accented by Gator Customs-crafted lighted and see-through panels to help expose the custom engine and chassis work of the sportbike. Appropriately tattooed, the lifestyle-inspired
motorcycle features a number of striking L-R-G-branded accents, including a custom windscreen with L-R-G pattern by Sportech, stator cover with CNC engraved L-R-G logo and engraved Voodoo exhaust, all contributing to the sportbike’s eye-catching appearance. The custom Hayabusa also sports a laser engraved L-R-G patterned seat, combining style and overall riding comfort.

Source: Suzuki

Suzuki brings ABS to mid-sized motorcycles

Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) can be handy while riding on slick roads. While more expensive motorcycles are equipped with ABS, KABC in Los Angeles reports that Suzuki now offers the ABS on mid-priced bikes.

One example is the Suzuki SV650 ABS. According to Suzuki...

You know what you're looking for in a standard V-twin machine: light and agile handling, along with willing-and-able engine performance. And that's what the Suzuki SV650 delivers ? in spades. The Suzuki SV650 offers its own unique styling and performance. Compared to the SV650S, it has a leaner profile, featuring a single round headlight, tubular handlebars and a more upright riding position.

One ride on the SV650 and you'll be hooked. It combines crisp, lightweight handling with all-day riding comfort. And the thrills really begin when you tap into its exceptional engine performance. Its fuel-injected V-twin powerplant offers crisp throttle response, strong torque and a stunningly wide powerband.

Source: Suzuki and KABC


RESOURCES:

2008 Suzuki bikes with ABS on CycleTrader.com

Suzuki New Motorcycle Showcase on CycleTrader.com

Moto Guzzi’s new Breva 1200 Sport

One of the many bikes making a big debut at the 27th annual International Motorcycle Show (IMS) is Moto Guzzi’s new Breva 1200 Sport.

According to Moto Guzzi...

An exhilarating combination of reliable performance, practical technology and Italian heritage, Moto Guzzi’s new Breva 1200 Sport will be shown to Tri-state morotcycle enthusiasts for the first time when the 27th annual International Motorcycle Show (IMS) revs into high gear at the Jacob K. Javits Center.

The new-for-2008 Moto Guzzi Breva 1200 Sport showcases the storied Italian brand’s distinctive technical and design approaches and embodies the 87-year old company’s passion for building bikes that not only stand out on Main Street but relish the twists and turns of backroads.

Blending the power and style of the signature Moto Guzzi transverse V-twin with advanced Italian styling, sporty suspension and confident handling, the Breva 1200 Sport comes standard with the soul of a racer. While the tech specs point to the Breva Sport’s penchant for setting a pulse-quickening pace, this V-Twin Naked also sends a serious message while standing still, thanks to classic racing graphics, a racing exhaust and standard equipment like a tubular, low-rise handlebar, titanium-treated forks, a café-racer style fairing, aluminum foot pegs, sports seat, sport tires and powerful wave style front disc brakes.

With Moto Guzzi staff on hand to provide insights into the legendary story of the Italian brand that Carlo Guzzi built as well as the latest motorcycles, the Moto Guzzi exhibit is a must-do stop for anyone interested in motorcycles that prefer to log miles instead of just pose.

Visitors to the Moto Guzzi exhibit will see the brand’s complete 2008 model line of modern Italian cruisers and sport tourers.

Source: Moto Guzzi

Aprilia's Shiver debuts at the IMS New York show

If you did not get the bike of your dreams during the holidays, you can always take a trip to New York and check out the 27th annual International Motorcycle Show (IMS).

Taking place from December 28-30 at the Jacob K. Javits Center, the IMS New York show is the seventh stop in a 13-city tour, each a one-of-a-kind showcase of the country’s newest bikes, technologies and trends.

Italian motorcycle manufacturer Aprilia will take the wraps off the newest addition to its award-winning line of sports bikes and sporting scooters when the unique SL750 Shiver debuts.

According to Aprilia...

This is the first chance for U.S. motorcyclists to see what it feels like to straddle the most innovative and technically advanced V-Twin 750cc “naked” bike available today.

Aprilia’s new SL750 Shiver combines all those attributes into one sophisticated new machine, thanks to a category-leading combination of technologies and components.

With Aprilia staff on hand to provide product insights and technical details on the new Shiver, visitors to the Aprilia exhibit can expect to learn as well as look. From the Shiver’s “ride-by-wire” technology to its high performance brakes and suspension, Aprilia’s product professionals will provide a personalized tour of the SL750 Shiver’s many innovations. And while the Shiver is the most modern looking naked bike visitors will encounter at the show, the bike has been designed as a thoroughly enjoyable everyday rider. The 2008 Aprilia SL750 Shiver offers exceptional performance and handling capabilities in canyons, on the freeway or at the racetrack.

Visitors to the Aprilia exhibit will see the brand’s complete 2008 model line of motorcycles and scooters.

Source: Aprilia

Aprilia SL 750 Shiver

The 2008 Aprilia SL 750 Shiver features an extremely compact new generation engine: the brand new 90° V2, produced entirely in-house by Aprilia. Thanks to the advanced electronic management, it can deliver a level of power comparable to four cylinder engines in the same class, but with much more favorable torque at low revs for an efficient ride even on everyday routes. The innovative mixed trellis/aluminum frame provides standard setting rigidity. All this makes the bike extremely compact, perfect even for the beginner and gives the 750 Shiver a dry weight of just 189 kg

The Aprilia V90's maximum power of 95 HP at 9000 revs and maximum torque of 81 Nm at 7000 revs are excellent for a twin of this capacity.

A latest generation engine management unit controls all engine parameters. All data passes through a CAN (Controlled Area Network) line to the instrument panel, which also acts as a diagnostic terminal. The CAN line uses just two cables to transmit all data. This simplifies the electrical system enormously as well as reducing the total weight of the bike

The exhaust is made entirely from stainless steel. The manifolds come together under the seat in a single silencer with twin tail pipes.

The reduced longitudinal dimensions of the engine made it possible to obtain a short, agile bike, which created valuable space for the exhaust manifolds.

The combined digital and analog instrument panel receives all the data over a CAN line and acts as an integral part of the self-diagnostics system as it also has a memory. All functions can be switched by means of the handlebar control.

Source: Aprilia

2008 Yamaha YZF-R1

Yamaha's homepage features details on the 2008 YZF-R1, described as "the most advanced Open-class production motorcycle ever built". Riders love the YZF-R1. Why? Because it's fast...bug-smearing fast. And the 2008 version has some advances that Yamaha thinks will make it even better..

Other details about the YZF-R1 from the Yamaha site...

• The YZF-R1 uses the YCC-T fly-by-wire throttle system for flawless response under all conditions.

• Inline four-cylinder engine is the most powerful, tractable R1 powerplant ever, thanks partially to the world’s first electronic variable-length intake funnel system.
  
  
  
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• A Deltabox frame tuned for optimal flex carries the lay-down four-cylinder stressed-member style for great handling an efficient aerodynamic penetration. A truss-type swingarm is extremely strong and tuned for optimal traction and feedback.

Source: Yamaha

The Yamaha 2008 YZF-R6

Yamaha's web site now features pictures and details about the 2008 YZF-R6 on their website.

According to Yamaha's site, new features include a magnesium subframe that removes weight from the rear of the motorcycle, allowing more precise turn-in, greater corner speed, and tighter exits.

Yamaha moved the rider and bars forward and slightly lower to enhance braking and turn-in performance.

2008 Suzuki Hayabusa set to be fastest production motorcycle

HT Lounge features details and photos of the 2008 Suzuki Hayabusa, described as the fastest production motorcycle.

The 2008 Hayabusa is expected to offer 180hp of power, a 12% increase from the previous motor.

Cycle World also has a story about 2008 Hayabusa.

Here is the Hayabusa on Suzuki's official homepage.