Knowing about the existence of the Aprilia RSV4 Factory and actually hearing about an “R version” that the Italian company has prepared for next year, you tend to ask yourself how did they possibly transform the supersport motorcycle into an even faster two-wheeler destined for the track, one well worth of the extra “R” in its name. The fact is that the new Aprilia RSV4-R, which will be unveiled this weekend during the twelfth round of the FIM Superbike World Championship scheduled to take place on the Imola Circuit in Italy, is actually a budget version of the original RSV4 and the only thing confusing is simply the name.
Starting from the initial model, Aprilia has taken the all-new RSV4 through a process of removing all the expensive parts and replacing them with much cheaper ones. As a result, the fully-adjustable Ohlins front and rear suspension is gone and it is expected that so will be the carbon fibre fairing and lightweight wheels.
Overall, the 2010 Aprilia RSV4-R will weigh more and not be able to go as fast around bends as its much more expensive brother, but cost $19,600. Considering that this is a bike that buyers will most likely purchase for road use, we don’t think they’ll miss the ultra-expensive parts much and yet definitely appreciate the price.
Honda has taken the 2010 Honda VFR1200 to the alps for some nice action pics ahead of next month’s official unveiling and this is where it was spotted by a very dedicated MotoBlog reader, who got the chance to take a few pictures with the bike before it blasted down the tight mountain roads.
Although it was initially thought that the new VFR will have generous dimensions, it hasn’t, so that the innovative technologies such as the dual clutch transmission and variable cylinder management can make a strong point in this industry. Also, we reckon it doesn’t weigh much either.
Click here for the VFR1200 engine sound.
Ducati recently confirmed that a mid-sized Hypermotard is on the way and – according to MCN – it will be unveiled next week. The entirely new bike is supposed to be powered by the 696cc air-cooled V-twin currently found on the middleweight Monster, but nothing is sure until Ducati takes the wraps off the new model next weekend.
Drawing inspiration from the current 1100/1100S Hypermotards, the new model should be a much lighter and very nimble motorcycle capable of performing well both during urban adventures and track riding sessions alike. The engine should be tuned for more low-to-mid rpm power and that always gives riders a rush. Still, we should wait until Ducati finally releases some official info about this model. To be continued…
Global specialist in energy management Schneider Electric has contracted Orange County Choppers to build their first hybrid motorcycle about which Paul Teutul , Sr. says it will be "capable of traveling farther, without refueling or recharging, than any other OCC bike in history." The parallel hybrid powertrain will be supplied by Schneider Electric while the guys at OCC bring in their design ideas as well as top quality build.
Obviously, you’re gonna see the whole story and the actual bike during a future American Chopper episode scheduled for next year, unless you’re a selected Schneider Electric contractor partner, meaning that you’ll see the hybrid chopper later this year and even get the change to win one of the eight such bikes that OCC and Schneider Electric give away.
After the jump, we’ve attached the video and the press release that resulted from this partnership. We’re eagerly waiting for the actual bike.
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If concept bikes are supposed to be windows of the future, this thing here is a veritable glass wall. Created by British designer Matt Williams, the “KTM Motorbike” not only offers a great view over design brilliancy, but also has the innovation factor to back it up. Featuring a hub-center steering system which eliminates dive under braking, this KTM concept should handle like a superbike, while the steering angle is much more generous than on classic motorcycles.
Although it is supposed to be built around a small frame and powered by a KTM V-Twin engine, we simply cannot get over the aggressive looks of this concept and the cruiser-like riding position that it offers. If we’re right, if made, this motorcycle will offer the best of both worlds: superbike performance and cruiser comfort. Ouch, that will surely change some things in the motorcycle industry.
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The 4MC is the creation of engineer and company director Nick Shotter, who got busy working on a traffic safe and efficient motorcycle after suffering a crash during his London currier days. Being practically an average-sized motorcycle rolling on four wheels instead of two, this four-wheeled vehicle retains the thrill and benefits of riding a machine that is fast, agile and very comfortable without presenting the same level of accident risk as on a classic motorcycle.
What you can see in the videos attached after the jump is a prototype performing both on a dry track and on a skid pan. Also, they show how this innovative motorcycle is much more stable when ridden through traffic and they do a quick Car vs 4MC test in tricky situations.
See the demo videos after the break.
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Honda designers and engineers are busy working on the all-new VFR1200 sport-touring motorcycle, as the bike will be unveiled next month, and they’re no cheapskates when it comes to revealing technical information along the way. Last week, we found about the development of a dual clutch transmission that they’re preparing for this all-new model and now the Japanese company has released a video in which Honda senior engine manager Tsutomu Ishii takes us through the details of the 1200cc V4 engine.
The mastermind behind this motorcycle engine explains how they managed to achieve the width of a v-twin and the length of an inline-four, while the freshly created unit has a unicam head design, phase-pin crankshaft, 28° firing order and no balancer. Watch Honda’s official video after the jump.
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Suzuki’s 2010 sportbike lineup gets a new member – the GSX1250FA. The new addition will sell in Europe and compared to the Bandit 1250, it only has an extra full fairing to brag about. Everything else, the engine and tranny as well as the chassis are all shared with the Bandit 1250S, while the fairing didn’t required much work or imagination either as it was simply inspired from now this bike’s smaller brother, the GSX650F.
The fact is that Suzuki plans to sell the all-new GSX1250FA as a cheap (price is yet to be announced though) and versatile sport-touring motorcycle. For that reason, they offer genuine accessories such as windshield, top case and side cases among others.
Colors available for the 2010 model year are Candy Indy Blue, Metallic Oort Gray and Pearl Nebular Black. We hope this bike makes it to the United States in a couple of years from now because we truly like it. Read the provisory specs and features after the break.
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The fact that Honda is planning to launch an all-new VFR model powered by a 1200cc V4 engine in 2010 is no news for any of our readers, but the fact that the all-new bike will feature a dual-clutch semi-automatic transmission does sound fairly interesting even for those who aren’t that much into motorcycles.
Derived from a similar system used in the car industry for several years, Honda’s much more compact three-mode system is supposed to offer faster and yet smoother shifts. Riders of next year’s VFR will be able to select one of three different modes: two fully automatic ones and a manual (although not classic) shifting mode.
Having two clutches, it means that each one will be responsible for an equal number of gears among the six available.
We’ve attached Honda’s dual-clutch demonstration video as well as the press release after the break.
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After crashing out at Indianapolis, Valentino Rossi won his second consecutive victory on the Misano track in San Marino. This win positions the World MotoGP Champion 30 points ahead of Jorge Lorenzo, who had to satisfy with second place at the end of the Misano race. Third place was occupied by Dani Pedrosa.
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