Hero Honda Motor Cycles

Hero Honda motorcycles are reputed for low maintenance and high fuel efficiency. Hero Honda motorbikes,including around 13 current varieties with names like Hero Honda Splendor,Hero Honda Glamour, and Hero Honda CBZ Xtreme, and one scooter, the Hero Honda Pleasure, are quite popular with the Indian two wheeler consumers. Hero Honda markets two wheelers for the middle-class ranging from Hero Honda two wheelers at around Rs. 37,000 to Rs. 83,000. Hero Honda two wheeler varieties include Bikes from Herohonda
Hero Honda CD Dawn is a beginner's bike well tested on Indian roads and proven in city conditions. Hero Honda CD Dawn is a no-nonsense bike that's all about price and utility. New bikes have showroom prices of around Rs. 32,000 and on-road prices of around Rs. 37,000 at Ahmedabad. Currently, Delhi has the lowest, and Chennai the highest on-road prices for Hero Honda CD-dawn. Hero Honda CD-dawn bike prices vary upon the two-wheeler dealer's location.

Hero Honda CD Deluxe is a good beginner's bike and convenient for city conditions. Hero Honda CD Deluxe sales have grown by 23 per cent between January-September 2007, within which time the industry actually declined by 14 per cent in the entry segment. New bikes in this series have a showroom price ranging from around Rs. 36,000 to around Rs. 41,000 inclusive of all charges like insurance, octroi, RTO, etc. Hero Honda CD-Deluxe prices vary with the two-wheeler dealer's location. Currently, Delhi has the lowest, and Bangalore the highest on-road prices for Hero Honda CD-Deluxe. Hero Honda CD-Deluxe bike prices vary upon the two-wheeler dealer's location.

Three BMWs Win 2007 Motorcycle of the Year Awards from Motorcyclist

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – August 16, 2007… Once again, BMW motorcycles are among 2007’s best and the brightest, according to editors of Motorcyclist Magazine. In the publication’s September issue, the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure is named Best Adventure Bike for the third year in a row. The BMW R 1200 RT and the BMW G 650 Xchallenge earned runner-up spots for Best Touring and Best Dirtbike, respectively.
Since its introduction in early 2004, the versatile R 1200 GS has won consistent praise from motorcycle enthusiasts and the motorcycling press for its exceptional performance both on and off-road. In addition to winning Motorcyclist’s Adventure category in 2005 and 2006, it was named Motorcycle of the Year by Motorcyclist editors in 2004, International Bike of the Year, and one of Cycle World’s top ten motorcycles for 2004. That same year, the GS also earned an International Design Excellence “Gold” Award by the Industrial Design Society of America.
According to editors of Motorcyclist, “BMW’s R 1200 GS Adventure remains the once and future king of the transcontinental vacation. At 581 pounds with a full 8.7-gallon tank of super-unleaded, agility is not its strong suit. But a peerless ability to press on regardless of whether the road is paved or not pretty much makes up for that. Bolt on the right luggage and you have the baggage-handling proclivities of a Nepalese sherpa without the language barrier.”

Describing the R 1200 RT, this year’s runner-up and last year’s winner in the Best Touring category, Motorcyclist editors write, “the Germans invented mach schnell motorcycle travel and they’re still extraordinarily good at it. In RT trim, the 1170cc boxer delivers abundant broadband thrust whilst going easy on the super-unleaded.”

Triumph Daytona 675

July 1st 2005: Rumors and this photo are circulating around the internet about a new Triumph Daytona 675 or Daytona 680. (Most agree a 675). The Triumph Daytona 675 concept model has been spotted on the road. From eye witness reports:

- "looks closest to to small compact version of to Yamaha R1, with to bit of Ducati 916 mixed in"
- "very similar headlights to an R1"
- "underseat exhaust has three outlets like to Sprint ST but the middle outlet is larger with two small ones either side"
- "ZX6R style front air intake"
- "shiny black paint"

The bike is said to produce 119 bhp and more tourque throughout the rev range as a triple should. Other interesting bits include inverted forks, radial-mount brakes and an undertail exhaust.

Possibly the most intriguing thing to be churned out of the rumor mill is that Triumph likely intends to go racing in World Supersport. A 675cc Triple would seem to fit perfectly between the Asian I-4 600s and the Ducati 749 twin. Either way, if the rumors are true, the 675 might just be an ideal middleweight street/sportbike.

Truimph is introducing two new models in September and the odds-makers say that the replacement for the D6/650 will be one of them.

BMW, Herbert Diess Advertisers contact for details BMW K1000S or MotoGP prototype? Interview with Dr. Diess of BMW Motorrad

Dr. Diess on BMW HP models: Q: Will you in the future launch High Power versions in all your model series? For instance, could we see a K1200S HP, R1200S HP, F800S HP and so on in the future? If not, what is the plan? A: We can imagine another HP model in the future. But initially we will be concentrating on the 2-cylinder flat twin. R&R comment: This hints at a R1200S HP as our illustration shows.

Dr. Diess on the K-series: At the moment the K series is complete. The K 1200 S currently remains the top model in terms of engine performance. R&R comment: This means that a K1200S HP4 Sport model is not ready for any imminent launch, however that BMW supersport you have seen being tested on the racetrack in Spain is just as likely to be a test bike of a future HP model based on the in-line four engine, or a brand new K1000S to compete with the litre bikes and WSB in the future. If any manufacturer has shown to be capable of putting groundbreaking technology in its road bikes it is BMW. Many bikes has been rumoured to get traction control in 2007 and 2008. The BMW being tested at the moment could well be such a roadbike. But the official line is that the bike is merely a "technology bearer". The full interview with the answers on the Aprilia RXV co-operation, the future of the GS and BMW in the world markets will be published at a later date. More as the story develops. Interview b

Buell Street Fighter: A Chopper Profile

Buell Street Fighter: A Chopper Profile

Having seen his share of long-legged choppers, John Dawson decided to build a machine that was the polar opposite of the traditional custom. He wanted to put a torquey V-twin engine in a bike that handled as good as it looked. Thus, Buell Street Fighter was born.

Eric Buell founded the company that bears his name in the late 1980s on very much the same idea. He took Harley-Davidson Sportster engines and mounted them in exotic sport-style chassis, which resulted in bikes that were decidedly different than anything then being offered.

Since that time, the Sportster engines Buell uses have been treated to significant changes that result in greatly increased power, but the chassis designs remain that of a high-riding "crotch rocket" sportbike.

So what John Dawson did was take a Buell motorcycle and swap its tall, sportbike chassis for a low-slung hardtail frame by MC Worx. The original Buell forks and brakes were refitted, and John adapted a host of new hardware to create a low-slung bullet. Chief among them is a small bikini fairing incorporating twin headlights.

The result is a machine that bridges the rather wide gap between sportbikes and choppers. But in simplicity of design and unique treatment, John just did Eric Buell one better.

Gixxer 1000

I have to say guy the new Gixxer 1000 is looking pretty sweet, still don’t know about the exhaust pipes though. I still wanna see this bike in action the specs of the Gixxer look quite promising, i mean claimed 191bhp and a weight of 167kg sounds decent to me.

I think it going to give the new blade a run for its money the new Blade has ABS but that’s not going to make it the king of the litre sport bikes now is it…

Hoping to get my hands on a road test to see what the guys say about the gixxer is going to be good.

MTT Turbine Superbike

MTT Turbine Superbike (often styled SUPERBIKE, also known as Y2K Turbine SUPERBIKE, is the world's second wheel-driven motorcycle powered by a turbine engine, created by Ted McIntyre of Marine Turbine Technologies Inc.

Reports of the MTT Turbine SUPERBIKE appeared as early as 1999 in a May issue of Cafe Racer magazine, but the production model was introduced in 2000.

Powered by a Rolls-Royce-Allison Model 250 turboshaft engine, producing 238 kW (320 hp), the motorcycle has a recorded top speed of 227 mph (370 km/h), with a price tag of US$150,000 (US$185,000 in 2004).^{[citation needed]} It is recognized by Guinness World Records as the "Most powerful production motorcycle" and the "Most expensive production motorcycle." Unlike some earlier jet-powered motorcycles, where a massive jet engine provided thrust to push the motorcycle, the turboshaft engine on this model drives the rear wheel via a two-speed gearbox. Riding the motorcycle is said to be somewhat tricky due to the inherent throttle lag in the engine, acceleration when letting off the throttle, and extreme length.

The engines used in the motorcycles are second-hand, having reached the FAA running time limit, after which they have to be rebuilt, regardless of condition. MTT can buy these engines for a much lower price than new engines and use them on surface vehicles without requiring FAA approval. To get around the problem of procuring the kerosene usually used in turbine engines, the engine of the bike is also able to use Diesel fuel, or even Jet A fuel.

In addition to the engine, there are other innovations incorporated into this bike, such as radar detector with laser scrambler, rear mounted camera with LCD display, and an optional passenger seat.

Unlike other contemporary motorcycles (such as the Hayabusa), the 2001 and later models of the MTT Turbine SUPERBIKE do not have the 300 km/h speed limiting governors self-imposed by Japanese manufacturers.

In 2008, MTT released the "Streetfighter," another jet-bike with a more poewerful 420-horsepower (310 kW) engine.

Still riding that entry-level two-liter V-twin? You could have had a V-8 -- and an automatic transmission. From the June 1998 issue of Motorcycle Crui

Most people don't know what to make of a Boss Hoss motorcycle, and if they do, they're probably wrong. Unwieldy. Intimidating. Homebuilt. Bizarre. Absurd. Those are the adjectives that seem to come to mind when you see one of these V-8 powered behemoths thunder down the street.

We would have been counted among those with such sentiments. And at least one of our staffers, Friedman, had the experience to back up his opinions. In 1992, he rode one of the first bikes put together by the then-new Boss Hoss Cycles, Inc. It was crude, even more cumbersome than it looked and plagued by functional and finish flaws.

He was impressed by the bike, but not entirely favorably. That 355-cubic-inch engine got your attention, but the clutch arrangement was awkward, making just getting underway an exercise in adrenaline production. High, wide, bars of near-apehanger proportions further complicated control. Construction was definitely cobby, marred by compromises like the distributor located immediately in front of your crotch. Many of the components came from the Harley aftermarket and were overwhelmed by the size, weight and power of the Hoss.

However, when you got it pointed down a straight road and cranked on the throttle, all those flaws suddenly seemed tolerable. Even with the linkage to the secondary throats of the carburetors disconnected, the motorcycle flew. You did kind of wonder what would happen if you had to stop or turn suddenly, though.

"It was an interesting novelty," Friedman recalls, "but nothing I felt any need to repeat. It's the sort of bike you'd buy if you already had a couple of bikes you could ride every day, something you'd ride once a month or less when you wanted to make a splash."

Aprilia

Despite being a relatively small company by global motorcycling standards, Aprilia is very active in Motorcycle sport. It contests many Road Racing formulae, including the FIM 125 cc World Championship, the FIM 250 cc World Championship, and the now-defunct FIM 500 cc World Championship. From 2002 to 2004 they participated in the FIM MotoGP World Championship, and from 1999 to 2003 they participated in the FIM Superbike World Championship. Aprilia has now returned to World Superbike for the 2009 season with Max Biaggi and Shinya Nakano as their factory riders both piloting the RSV4.

Aprilia Racing has seen varying successes. They were extremely successful in the smaller displacement categories, winning numerous races & championships in the 125 cc Grand Prix and 250 cc Grand Prix classes. However, their 500 cc Grand Prix bike was less competitive, and their MotoGP effort, dubbed the RS3 Cube, was technically advanced but difficult to ride and performed poorly in the championship. The Cube did, however, feature many advanced technologies either not seen or only being seen now in other MotoGP bikes - technologies including fly by wire throttle and pneumatic valve actuation systems. They were third in manufacturers points and second in rider points in the Superbike World Championship 2001 with rider Troy Corser. This was their high water mark for that series. They used a homologation special version of their road bike the RSVR Mille. The motor for the racebike was specially built by Cosworth.

In 2006 and 2007, they dominated the 250 class of MotoGP, partly due to the ability of Jorge Lorenzo, partly to the excellent quality of the 250 motorcycle.

Aprilia also feature in the off-road racing world, with their 450 cc V-2 motocrosser producing respectable results (including race wins) in both off-road (Motocross) and on-road (Supermoto) categories.

The company is also notable for choosing somewhat atypical engine configurations. For example, they progressed with development of a V-2 500 cc Grand Prix bike when other teams were moving to V-4 configurations for what some believed was better and more usable power outputs. Aprilia continued this trend, taking advantage of lighter minimum weights with the introduction of their RS3 MotoGP bike – featuring three cylinders in an inline triple layout, the bike had the least number of cylinders on the Grand Prix paddock. Yamaha had gone ahead with an inline four layout, whilst Suzuki and Ducati went for (differently-designed)V-Four layouts. Honda took the idea even further, producing the championship-winning RC211V, powered by a V-5 engine.

Harley-Davidson VRSCF V-Rod Muscle Review

Like the new, robust chassis on Harley-Davidson’s touring machines, news about a brand new V-Rod is only weeks old, but like the touring bikes, our time at the recent ‘09 H-D model launch presented an opportunity to cop a ride on the new V-Rod Muscle.

The long, low and clean look of this latest VRSC family member strikes a familiar pose to that of the other two V-Rods, the intimidating blacked-out (and now Dark Custom member) Night Rod Special and the more simple but classic-looking V-Rod.

The Muscle is primarily a styling exercise. Rather than the more rounded shapes of the other ‘Rods, this new guy adopts slightly more angular shapes, especially in the faux fuel tank/air-box cover, wide side air-intake covers and squared-off low and cushy saddle with a rear support designed to hold the rider in place during powerful bursts of acceleration on tap from the same super-smooth 60-degree liquid-cooled DOHC, eight-valve, Revolution 1250cc V-Twin that powers all ’Rods. The Muscle comes in a 121 hp/85 ft-lbs flavor.

Also new is the radiator shroud and minimalist rear fender with incredibly tasteful and smartly-integrated stop/turn/taillight. The further one gets from the rear of this bike, the thinner the fender looks, yet safety isn’t impacted thanks to the powerfully-bright LED lighting. In another stroke of design genius, front LED turn indicators are blended to near invisibleness in the mirror stalks.

The front fender also deserves styling kudos with its rear half wearing a matte-black finish in order to disappear visually, leaving the first impression that only a simple, chopped fender covers the 5-spoke cast-aluminum 19-inch front wheel.

The mirrors themselves, along with the meaty angular bars, internally-wired cast bar riser and simple triple gauges with sportbike-gauge-inspired looks all add to the block o’ billet appearance of the bike.

Finally, the most distinct item setting the Muscle apart from its mates is the wide, long and low dual-exhaust. A muscle-car look was the goal with a single exhaust pipe per side instead of the dual over-under set up on both the Night Rod Special and V-Rod. The satiny finish of the exhaust works especially well on the Brilliant Silver color scheme.

LED turn signals integrated into the stalks of the stylish mirrors is a nice match to the LED light combo at the rear.

Honda Rolls Out World's First Motorcycle Airbag

Along with deadly features like satellite navigation, 80-watt per channel premium audio with six-element speaker system, a cold-weather comfort package which includes foot-warming system channelizing engine-heated air over the rider’s feet and is controlled by a fairing-mounted lever, the new Honda Gold Wing comes with first protection airbag system.



The safety airbag fixed between the handlebars will be able to absorb some of the forward thrust during an accident, but only when the driver is still on its seat after the crash, which I doubt will ever happen on that speed...better take a bicycle, if not tempted to roll your wrist full on these wings.



Don’t think twice while shelling out $22,800, it’s worth it.

2003 Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird

Honda's CBR1100 XX gobbles up pavement in big chunks thanks to its brawny 1,137 cc DOHC inline-four engine. And reliable? Just ask Peter Hoogeveen, who rode a CBR1100XX to third place the incredibly gruelling Ironbutt Rally.

But what really sets this Gentleman’s Express apart is its amazing smoothness and sophisticated feel. Kilometre after long kilometre, the CBR1100XX's twin gear-driven counterbalancers and comfortable ergonomics make sure that you spend your seat time admiring the scenery, not searching for the next rest stop.

There's lots to see in this big country. What are you waiting for?

Engine
· Lightweight 1137cc liquid-cooled four-cylinder engine with one-piece upper-crankcase/cylinder block.
· Side-mounted cam chain and ultra-narrow cylinder-sleeve spacing reduce engine size and weight.
· Unique gear-driven dual engine-balancer system nearly eliminates high-frequency engine vibration.
· Double overhead camshafts actuate valves using simple and direct cam-over-bucket design.
· Four valves per cylinder with a narrow, 30-degree valve angle for a compact combustion chamber and optimum power output at all rpm levels.
· High-pressure programmed fuel injection (PGM-FI) delivers fuel to four injectors, each mounted in a 40mm throttle body, at 50 psi. Fuel is delivered through four nozzle tips in each injector, producing a highly combustible air/fuel charge for maximum combustion efficiency and power.
· Ram-air system produces awesome power in mid- and upper-rpm operating ranges.
· Electronic control unit (ECU) provides two digital 3-D fuel injection maps for each cylinder and one digital 3-D ignition map for cylinder pairs, creating ideal fuel mixture and spark advance settings for superb response.
· Unique knock-control sensor monitors ignition advance and improves mid-range performance.
· Slim-tipped NGK VX spark plugs offer high performance and minimal build-up for consistent operation.
· 360-degree exhaust collector, combined with EFI and ignition settings, provides stunning mid-range power.
· High-performance exhaust system features two 6.4-litre canister-style stainless steel mufflers polished to a satin finish.
· Seven-plate clutch design features tough friction plate material and excellent durability.
· Large-capacity aluminum radiator combines with high-efficiency oil cooler mounted directly beneath the steering head to help maintain optimum performance and long engine life.
· Oil-cooled alternator is powerful and compact.
· Automatic cam-chain tensioner.
· Six-speed close-ratio transmission.

YZF-R6 - Catch the extreme

The Yamaha YZF-R6 is packed with advanced engine and chassis technology from our World Championship race programmes, allowing you to take your riding excitement to the next level. What makes the R6 so special is that it is designed to enhance the man-machine connection, enabling you to exploit your riding skills to the full.

As you would expect from one of the most advanced 600 supersport bikes, the R6 comes with the very latest track-developed electronics. Our YCC-T chip-controlled ‘fly-by-wire’ throttle delivers the ultimate acceleration, while Yamaha’s unique YCC-I electronically-controlled variable intake funnels make for higher levels of power and stronger torque. The race-developed Deltabox chassis ensures razor-sharp handling on the road and track – and the radical aerodynamic bodywork benefits from a low frontal area for awesome acceleration and top end speed.

THE MOST POWERFUL, LIGHTEST L-TWIN SUPERBIKE IN HISTORY

The new 1098 S has achieved the status of the highest performance Ducati street bike ever by reducing weight to the max and adding world-class components to an already record-breaking design. If owning the ultimate Superbike is your dream, the ‘S’ is ready to deliver.

Suspension is of the very highest performance standard. The fully adjustable 43mm Öhlins FG511 forks, which sport low friction Titanium Nitride fork sliders, respond effortlessly to every imperfection in the tarmac. Beyond their advanced engineering solutions, one of the most important characteristics of Öhlins forks is their ability to communicate the condition and quality of the tyre-to-road contact patch, a feature that puts every rider in superior control. The suspension system is completed and perfectly balanced by using a fully adjustable Öhlins 46PRC rear shock with a ride enhancing top-out spring, controlling the single-sided swingarm for outstanding drive, traction and steering precision. The Öhlins package is completed with a control-enhancing adjustable steering damper.

The ‘S’ also sets a new standard for lightweight performance. On any sport or race bike, the most effective area to reduce weight is its “unsprung weight”. These are components like tyres, brakes and wheels. Lighter wheels have a lower ‘moment of inertia’ that is beneficial with every direction change and application of the brakes. The 1098 addresses this important area by mounting Marchesini forged and machined wheels, reducing weight by 1.9Kg (4lbs). Both front and rear are super lightweight and their benefit is immediately apparent. The weight saving is further enhanced with the application of a carbon fibre front fender.

The 1098 S is also supplied with the Ducati Data Analyzer system as standard equipment. The DDA package supplied with the ‘S’ version enables the retrieval of data and analysis of data collected from your previous track session or road trip. The DDA package includes software for your personal computer on CD, a data retrieval USB key and instructions.

Ultimate Sport, In Timeless Styling

Unique, timeless styling sculpted for wind-cheating aerodynamics. Long-distance comfort with effortless acceleration and sporty handling. A full 1340cm³ of broad, muscular torque.




The Hayabusa 1300. A two-wheeled legend in a class of its own, defining balanced performance, defining Ultimate Sport.

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14

The ZZR1400 (Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14 in North America) is a hyper sport motorcycle manufactured by Kawasaki Heavy Industries and is currently their most powerful sport bike.^[1] It was introduced at the Tokyo 2005 show^[2] and released for the 2006 model year as a replacement for the ZX-12R. Its direct competitor in the hyper sport segment is the Suzuki Hayabusa.

The ZZR1400 is capable of accelerating from 0–60 mph in 2.5 seconds.^[3] The top speed is electronically limited to 186 mph (299 km/h). This limit has been in effect on both Kawasaki and Suzuki sport motorcycles since 2001 when both companies realized that the speed war between them would only serve to bring about government regulation.^{[citation needed]} However, the Ninja also has been reported at speeds of 210 mph with its limiter removed for all motorcycle needs.

The motorcycle was featured in season 10 of Fifth Gear on October 30, 2006.

Motorcycle USA road tested the bike in its October 10, 2006, issue and posted the following stock results:

• 60 ft.: 1.713 sec.
• 330 ft.: 4.349 sec.
• 1/8 mile: 6.447 sec., achieving 117.39 mph
• 1/4 mile: 9.783 sec., achieving 147.04 mph

The manufacturer’s MSRP for the 2008 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14 in the U. S. market is $11,699–11,999.

Colors

• 2006: Passion Red, Ebony, and Candy Thunder Blue. (European model: Pearl Meteor Gray and Candy Thunder Blue.)
• 2007: Diablo Black, Candy Plasma Blue, and Special Edition Pearl Crystal White.
• 2008: Metallic Midnight Sapphire Blue, Atomic Silver, and Special Edition Metallic Flat Spark Black/Metallic Persimmon Red.
• 2009: Candy Lime Green/Flat Super Black, Special Edition Candy Burnt Orange/Metallic Diablo Black

References

1. ^ 2007 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14 official US page
2. ^ (Japanese) Tokyo 2005 presentation
3. ^ Kawasaki ZZR1400, ZX14 Motorcycle preview at Seastar Superbikes UK

Vulcan® 500 LTD Picture & Specs

Vulcan® 500 LTD Specifications:

Engine Type Four-stroke, DOHC, eight-valve parallel twin
Displacement 498 cc
Bore & Stroke 74.0 x 58.0 mm
Cooling Liquid
Compression Ratio 10.2:1
Carburetor Keihin CVK32 x 2

2009 Kawasaki Ninja® 500R Picture & Specs

2009 Kawasaki Ninja® 500R Specifications:

Engine Four-stroke, DOHC, parallel twin
Displacement 498cc
Starting Electric
Bore x stroke 74.0 x 58.0mm
Compression ratio 10.8:1
Cooling Liquid

Yamaha YZF R1

Yamaha YZF-R1, incepted in 1998, is a sports bike produced by Yamaha Motor Company. The bike successfully puts together the awesome power of the true liter class (1,000cc) with the lightweight and responsiveness of a 600-class chassis. The bike enthralls the young guys, who go for style and speed. When Government of India to relax the norms for importing the bikes in 800cc + segment. The bike is available in India at approximate Rs 11 lakhs.

Engine
The bike is equipped with a short-stroke 998cc DOHC, 20-valve, liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder engine that delivers a peak power of 175 bhp.

Design
Redesigned headlights with LED taillight impart YZF R1 a distinctive look. Cool headlights give great illumination and ease drive in nights. Multi Function digital console looks cool. YZF-R1 has a strong body line that springs up in a single line from the rear axle to the pivot and then to the head pipe. This is an expression of the straight shape of the Deltabox frame. Viewed from the side, the shape created by the side panel and the upper surface of the tank makes an impression of the center of gravity shifting to the front tire. This represents how the front tire grips the road in its sporty running performance.

Technical Features
The throttle system is assisted by fly by wire Yamaha Chip Control Throttle (YCC-T) which ensures immediate response in all terrains. Slipper-type clutch system eases shifting gears and braking. The bike has advanced open-class handling and a powerful inline four-cylinder engine. Standard tool kit can be stored under passenger seat. Over the years, despite retaining its sharp look, the R1 has undergone technical upgradations to keep pace with the times. The refurbished Deltabox V frame, revised forks and a 20mm longer swingarm facilitate superb handling in the R1. Shapes of the air intake area and the rear outlet area where the air is scooped out are optimized to better radiator efficiency.

Sports Bikes

Super sport bikes (also known as middleweight sport bikes) are designed for optimal performance on a race track. They are generally built around a high revving, small displacement powerplant that is usually sized around 600 cc (36.6 cu in) to 800 cc (48.8 cu in). Most super sport bikes will carry a wet weight between 375 lb (170 kg) to 450 lb (204 kg) and produce around 110 bhp (82 kW). Because of how strongly focused super sport bikes are on race track performance, riders below 5 ft 3 in (1.6 m) in height will generally not be able to flatfoot (the placement of both feet completely flat on the ground while sitting on a motorcycle) these types of sport bikes. Taller and heavier riders may find the rider ergonomics in the default position to be cramped and uncomfortable.

Examples include the Honda CBR600RR, Suzuki GSX-R600 and Triumph Daytona 675.

History

Until the late 1960s motorcycles came in three basic formats:

• Working bikes: Generally below 250 cc (15.3 cu in) displacement and low-powered for commuting and utility travelling.
• General bikes: Generally below 500 cc (30.5 cu in) / 650 cc (39.7 cu in) for use as a working bike, but with a higher power output so it could also be used for fun on the weekends.
• Touring bikes: Anything above working/general bike sizes and built mainly for touring.

The first company to crack this mold was arguably Vincent Motorcycles. Designed as a gentleman's touring bike, their model's speed was astounding for days when motorways and freeways didn't exist. However, its handling was basic, and its shortcomings became clear when faced by a motorway - girder forks. By the 1960s bikes were developed which could be both daily commuter as well as weekend racer, including the BSA Rocket 3/Triumph Trident.

However it was the introduction in 1969 of the Honda CB750K that initiated the era of the modern sport bike ^[1]. The CB750 was the first bike to have an overhead-cam in-line 4 engine and a front disc brake; the bike was acclaimed as "the most sophisticated production bike ever" by Cycle Magazine ^[2].

The Honda CB750 was followed in by the 1971 Kawasaki Z1, with its 900 cc (54.9 cu in) DOHC engine, and this firmly established the modern sport bike (or superbike). These bikes sold so well that by the end of that decade the Japanese manufacturers were all building competing machines with DOHC inline-4 engine configuration. The resulting "bike war" among the Japanese manufacturers and required investment in modern engine manufacturing contributed to the demise of the flagging British motorcycle industry.