Aprilia has just released the official video of the 2010 RSV4-R model, which they will launch tomorrow at the Imola World Superbike in the presence of rider Max Biaggi. While the sound of that V4 engine at full throttle would have been much more pleasurable than the background music, I suppose we’ll just have to go ahead and like this video just as it is.
When you plan on selling an electric superbike for $68,995, you do have to prove your bike’s claimed capabilities before actually releasing it for sale so Mission Motors have taken the Mission One at the Bonneville Salt Flats on 1 September and set a 150.059mph AMA national record for electric motorcycles.
Ever since Erik Buell started getting his hands dirty and borrowing Harley-Davidson engines to power his sports and later on superbike two-wheeled creations, we’ve been eagerly expecting the next big clue that there’s some competition around. The answer came with the 2010 Roehr 1250sc, an American-built superbike powered by a Harley-Davidson V-Rod engine and we really must say that the bike is no disappointment whatsoever. We support this affirmation with statements made by top motorcycle journalists writing for Motorcycle-USA and Motorcycle. These guys got the chance to ride the only prototype available and we tend to believe that what they’re saying about the bike is true. > More
Yamaha Motor USA has released a video revealing the Ben Spies method of winning Superbike races on his Yamaha R1 motorcycle and the famous racer is the actual one explaining all about his well kept secrets. Ok, so not even I believe what I just wrote, but at least it’s an attempt not to blow Yamaha’s cover and allow you the joy of watching such a funny video, which features all Yamaha racing riders.
Superbike Magazine got their hands on the leaked official shots of the future Suzuki GSX-R125 model that is supposed to compete with the Honda CBR125 and Yamaha YZF-R125. The 125cc four-stroke motorcycle is far from the official unveiling and that’s what makes these photos so precious. They show how Suzuki manages to perfectly mimic the styling of larger GSX-R models and make this the dream of every teenager with a soft spot for motorcycling.
Given the fact that the frame is most likely pressed steel and not cast or extruded aluminum, the bike will have a dry weight of around 125kg and will be powered by a 15bhp motor. Ok, so it won’t beat any power-to-weight ratio, but the multi-layered plastics and banana swingarm go straight to the rider’s heart. Also, expect for non-adjustable suspension.
The Suzuki GSX-R125 is a very late addition to a very attractive segment, but this also makes it interesting and tempting for those who always want to stay ahead of the competition. We will have to wait and see if this means that Suzuki will finally get their piece of the 125cc superbike pie.
We know that Buell builds their models utilizing the so called Trilogy of Technology - chassis rigidity, centralized mass, and low unsprung weight – in order to achieve great chassis response and while this characterizes the 1125R too, the liter-class superbike category also requires a unique combination of engine performance, precise-and-agile handling, raw sound and performance in order to consider the innovative package complete. These are simple words to describe such a complex motorcycle characterized by unique styling, aggressive ergonomics and premium components combined to deliver the ultimate, intuitive sport riding experience. > More
This attracting sight represents KTM’s RC8 R McWilliams replica, a machine produced in a limited number (100 units) both to honor Jeremy McWilliams, KTM’s racer in the IDM German Superbike Championship, and to offer club racers the possibility to get their hands on a machine that looks like nothing ordinary (not that the stock RC8 does, but this is yet another step forward).
Apart from the cool new livery, the KTM Club Racer kit includes an Akrapovic EVO4 full system, hi-lift cams and datalogging. The total number of break horsepower reaches 180, which is 10 bhp more than on the standard model.
Street legality is always the sacrifice in the quest for more power and that is why the KTM RC8 R McWilliams addresses to club racers. Sure, you can always convert it to road spec, but what’s the point in buying it if that’s the plan?
While we have no new information about the 2010 BMW S1000RR as the bike was covered in a post based on the official press release, we’re now happy to see that BMW decided to refresh the picture gallery with new track and road shots of the red, white and blue version, as well as some with the bike stripped down or with the engine off of it.
BMW has also released a new video with their superbike in action both on the track and on public roads, showing the endless fun possibilities offered by their still new machine.
The friends at MCN got their hands on the spy shots of the new Aprilia Tuono V4 and RSV4 R models and it looks like the bikes are very close to being launched. Both have been spotted during tests undergone on the Mugello track in Italy.
Although none of the two bikes is revolutionary, both being based on the Aprilia RSV 4 Factory, these photos reveal a few essential details.
The RSV 4 R model will follow his RSV 1000 R sibling, meaning that it will have cheaper parts than on the Factory. Affordability was a priority and, given the fact that the RSV 4 Factory now costs around $18,000, we can expect the R model to compete with the 2010 BMW S1000RR.
In order to reduce costs, Aprilia goes for Showa suspension instead of Ohlins, less exotic rims and gives up to different carbon fiber bits and pieces, but do manage to retain the Brembo monoblock calipers.
The Aprilia Tuono V4 carries on the tradition of the naked models built at the Noale factory, meaning that it features stripped bodywork, straight handlebar and a strange looking headlight.
Given the fact that this year’s Paris Moto Show was canceled and the next Intermot edition in Germany is scheduled to take place in 2010, the Italians are left with an only option to launch the new models: EICMA 2009.
Yoshimura uses the experience gained in AMA Superbike racing to create a limited edition Suzuki GSX-R1000. Features such as the high-lift cams, a quick shifter, numerous suspension upgrades and a full titanium-carbon exhaust are surely enough to help make an impression on the bike that comes as a clearly superior alternative to the recently unveiled Buell 1125RR racing motorcycle, which will compete in the AMA Superbike series.
The fact that the Buell motorcycle is not for sale to the general public determined Mat Mladin, former AMA Superbike Champion, to contest the AMA’s decision to let Buell’s turnkey racer compete in the series. As a contradiction to this fact, the Suzuki GSX-R1000RR is street-legal and also available to the public, which shows how racing experience always stands out when it all reduces to the facts/benefits.
Price and availability are yet to be announced, but those who miss their exemplar can very well built their own by simply buying the Yoshimura aftermarket parts and having them mounted on a standard Suzuki GSX-R1000.
Hit the jump to read the bike’s impressive features.