There is no other bike like a Ninja. This model has become an icon of sportiness and adrenaline from the instant it was launched for the first time on the market.
When it arrived on the big-bore sportbike stage in 2006, the big Ninja blew everyone’s minds with its power, sport-tourer comfort, agile handling and aerodynamic full-coverage bodywork. Since then, the motorcycle received a lot of upgrades and the 2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R raised the bar even higher.
The R-designated 2012 Ninja ZX-14R is stronger, better looking and smoother than ever, thanks to the numerous upgrades received from Kawasaki’s technicians.
Big power delivered smoothly has always been a big Ninja hallmark, so the changes for 2012 begin in the new ZX-14R’s engine bay. First off, there’s more displacement via a 4mm stroke increase; to 65mm (up from 61mm), with displacement now registering 1441cc (up from 1352cc). Combustion chamber shapes are newly optimized for 2012, and they’re surface-milled now, not cast. Moreover, intake ports are reshaped and polished for maximum flow while working in concert with longer and more durable intake valves.
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Searching for a versatile, yet sporty motorcycle which is able to cope great with race tracks, city streets and highway? Then you should take a closer look at the Ducati Diavel Carbon.
“The challenge of building a muscular silhouette over a pure-bred competition motor had to be met with determination and a delicate touch, and the result is a frontal area that looks like a power athlete on the starting blocks,” explains the team at Ducati Design responsible for the project. “With the front wheel kept close to the Diavel’s body and using the short tail of a sport bike, we were able to blend this muscular design with a chassis that matched.”
Apart from its attractive design the 2012 Ducati Diavel Carbon is equipped with a strong 1198.4cc heart. The engine is mated on a six speed transmission and puts out 162hp (119kW) @ 9500rpm and 94lb-ft (127.5Nm) @ 8000rpm.
Hit the jump for more information on the 2102 Ducati Diavel Carbon.
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The Aprilia RSV4 is now offered with the innovative APRC system. Apart from the APRC, the 2012 model has also received a raft of significant updates made to the engine.
The Aprilia RSV4 is powered by a sporty, narrow 65° V four-cylinder engine which is compact, liquid cooled and features double overhead camshafts (DOHC) and four valves per cylinder. The electronic management system is another example of the 65° V4 engine’s technological supremacy, while the full Ride-by-Wire technology eliminates any direct connection between the throttle grip and the throttle valves. The engine is mated on a smooth shifting six speed gearbox which is combined with a state of the art wet clutch.
The stopping power is assured by front dual 320-mm floating stainless steel discs with lightweight stainless steel rotors and aluminum flange with 6 pins and rear 220-mm discs grabbed by Brembo calipers.
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The 2012 version of the Aprilia RS 125 is powered by a single cylinder, two stroke, Rotax-Aprilia engine. Needless to say that the engine is fitted with all the modern technologies expected from a top manufacturer and is reliable to the core.
Among the technical features offered by the 124,8 cc unit, you’ll find a crankcase reed valve intake, liquid cooling, an anti-vibration balancer shaft and an automatic mixing system. The unit is also fitted with a catalytic converter and precision carburation which helps it meet the Euro 3 emission regulations.
The Aprilia’s RS 125 frame is made from cast aluminum alloy with cross ribbing reinforcement. Aprilia developed the RS 125’s frame using its experience in the GP 125 racing so you can expect to first class build quality. Despite its extremely light weight, this advanced structure achieves amazing tensional rigidity.
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Ducati has celebrated its partnership with AMG by producing the Diavel AMG Special Edition, inspired by the German maker’s unmistakeable styling. Combining exclusivity with high performance, the Diavel AMG Special Edition is the perfect synthesis of two unequalled brands with a shared passion for exceptional achievement, unique design and conscientious attention to detail.
The unmistakeable design of the Diavel Carbon is enhanced by refined AMG-inspired, branded sport features. The Diavel AMG Special Edition features: splendid forged 5-spoke wheels, carbon fibre air vents with aluminium trimming, an all-new sports exhaust and a seat with horizontally ribbed seat upholstered in Alcantara®. Frame, tank and passenger seat cover are in the AMG’s Diamond White, contrasting assertively with the opaque black of the carbon fibre. Further underlining the model’s exclusivity, each bike is numbered and will have a plate mounted on the engine carrying the signature of the worker who manually calibrated the Desmodromic system timing.
Hit the jump for more information on the 2012 Ducati Diavel AMG.
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Aprilia managed to win a lot of fans after has earned 45 world titles (36 in Moto GP, 2 in Superbike, 7 in off-road competition) and hundreds of championship races. Thus it managed to establish itself from the start as an absolute leader in the 50 and 125 super sport segment.
The company’s success had proved everyone that the Italian manufacturer has what it needs to compete against the best players in its segment and today its models are seen as reliable and modern motorcycles.
From 1993 until today, more than 100,000 Aprilia RS 125 two stroke bikes have been manufactured and sold in more than 30 countries around the world and now the model offers the newest technologies developed by the Noale manufacturer.
Power comes from a four stroke liquid cooled single cylinder engine with electronic injection and 4 valves. The engine has a total displacement of 124,8 cc and is paired with a six speed transmission.
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The 2012 Aprilia Tuono V4 R is one of the newest motorcycles developed by the Italian manufacturer. The motorcycle features a sharp design which underlines its sporty character. You’ll especially like the imposing headlights and the sporty exhaust pipes. Like the original Tuono, the new V4 R is immediately recognisable with its triple headlight fixed top fairing.
The Aprilia Tuono V4 is powered by Aprilia’s longitudinal 65° V-4 cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid cooling, double overhead camshafts (DOHC), four valves per cylinder engine which has a 999.9 cc displacement. The engine cranks out a maximum power of 167.3 CV (123 kW) at 11.500 rpm and 111.5 Nm of torque at 9.500 rpm.
The motorcycle is available in two different configurations namely Tuono V4 R and Tuono V4 R APRC and in a choice of three colours: competition black, sunlit yellow and wing grey.
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It is certainly no easy matter to take the lead in a class as fiercely competitive as the medium powered naked class. A class where the battle is not just about technology and performance, but also design, component rationality and riding ease and pleasure, elements which are not always compatible and are particularly demanding for designers and engineers.
Aprilia has picked up this challenge and interpreted it by applying its own successful philosophy to a completely new design, destined to set new standards for years to come. A bike both strongly aggressive and at the same time clean-cut and elegant, in perfect Aprilia style. A bike at the top of its class for its sporty personality, designed on the basis of the know-how of a company which has to date won 250 world championship victories.
The pride of all Aprilia bikes, refined mechanics and a top class chassis, are once again the key to the success of the Shiver 750.
The Aprilia Shiver 750 is the naked everyone was waiting for. A design able to satisfy the disparate needs of those buying this type of bike. From everyday use to a trip along mountain passes or use on the racetrack, the Aprilia Shiver 750 is completely at home in any situation, guaranteeing pure riding pleasure at all times.
Light, agile and powerful, it has a new generation engine and the most advanced technical features in its class. The brand new 90° V2 produced entirely in-house by Aprilia is extremely compact. Above all, 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 favourable torque at low revs for an efficient and pleasing ride even on everyday routes. True to the Aprilia tradition, the chassis simply has no rivals in its class. The innovative mixed trellis/aluminium frame provides standard setting rigidity. All this makes the bike extremely compact, perfect even for the beginner.
With a dry weight of just 189 kg, the lightness of the Aprilia Shiver 750 also satisfies the most canny motorcyclist. Its manoeuvrability and engine performance enable the bike to accompany its owner from his first few metres on two wheels up to his complete motorcycling maturity.
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The Ducati Monster 1100EVO is one of the most capable sport motorcycles in Ducati’s lineup. The bike offers a perfect mix of modern technologies, racy handling and sporty performances.
Power comes from a two-valve engine which features a crankcase that significantly reduces its overall weight. They are produced using the same innovative Vacural® technology that Ducati previously applied only to Supersport models. The engine rewards you with a maximum output of 100 hp @ 7500 rpm and 76 lb. ft of torque at 6000 rpm.
Apart from its strong engine, the bike is also very comfortable thanks to its total steering angle of 64 degrees, an extremely intuitive and ergonomic handle position and the tapered and deeply sculpted fuel tank.
The Monster 1100EVO features a set of sport tuned suspensions which consist of Marzocchi 43mm fully adjustable usd forks and rear Sachs adjustable monoshocks.
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The Ducati Diavel Cromo features a tasty gloss black paint job combined with a chromium-plated tank. This aggressive paint scheme is completed by horizontal seat stitching and classic Ducati logos.
Perhaps it goes without saying that the Diavel Cromo keeps all major traits of the Diavel family rewarding its rider with first class ergonomics and maximum performance.
Talking about performance, the motorcycle is powered by the Testastretta 11°, L-Twin cylinder, 4 valve per cylinder, Desmodromic, liquid cooled engine which puts out 162hp (119kW) @ 9500rpm and 94lb-ft (127.5Nm) of torque at 8000rpm. The engine is linked to a six speed gear box which offers smooth and precise shifts.
One of the most important modern technologies hosted by the Ducati Diavel Cromo is the racing-derived Ducati Traction Control (DTC) which is a highly intelligent system which acts as a filter between the rider’s right hand and the rear tyre. Within milliseconds, DTC is able to detect and control rear wheel-spin, considerably increasing the bike’s active safety and performance.
Hit the jump for more information on the 2012 Ducati Diavel Cromo.
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