The competitors for the 91st Pikes Peak International Hill Climb have just concluded a two-day tire test at the Colorado road course, and it should perhaps come as no surprise that our boy Carlin Dunne has posted the outright fastest lap for a motorcycle during the tire test (the Santa Barbara native set the outright two-wheeled course record last year on his Ducati Multistrada 1200 S). What is surprising about Carlin’s result at the tire test is that he was on the Lightning Motorcycles electric superbike. That’s right, the fastest bike so far for 2013′s Race to the Clouds is a 200+ hp electric superbike that is refueled with solar energy. Petrol heads, eat your heart out.
Talking to the Indy Star, Mark Miles (CEO of Hulman & Co, the parent company to Indianapolis Motor Speedway) has put some doubt into the historic venue’s commitment to host the MotoGP Championship. Having a contract to run the race through the 2014 season, Miles said that IMS might opt-out of the final year in its agreement with Dorna (IMS apparently has this option for a brief window after the 2013 Indianapolis GP). However while the news has focused so far on IMS’s ability to opt-out, both Dorna and Indianapolis Motor Speedway have options in their contract to go through with the 2014 round, and with a bevy of variables in the air, we may or may not see three American GP rounds next year.
Surprise! America will be getting a 847cc three-cylinder naked bike for the 2014 model year, the 2014 Yamaha FZ-09. Replacing the Yamaha FZ8 in the Japanese company’s line-up, the FZ-09 is the first motorcycle from the tuning fork brand to sport the Yamaha’s new line of three-cylinder engines. The Yamaha FZ-09 comes about as the MIC is reporting its second-consecutive year of growth in the 751+cc sport bike segment, as well as increase in commuter riding over short-distance sport riding. With those trends in mind, Yamaha has punched out the displacement on its middleweight naked bike, and focused on giving riders a comfortable, yet stout, motorcycle. Priced at $7,990 MSRP, we think Yamaha hit the nail pretty much on the head with this one.
In the past few years I’ve come to believe that, while superior physical differences (their reflexes and fine motor skills) are significant, it’s the mental differences that are the most interesting. I suppose anyone who has ridden a motorcycle even a bit beyond one’s comfort zone can appreciate some part of the physical aspect of riding a racing bike. For most of us, even the speed of racers in local events is impressive compared to our street riding. While the skills with throttle, brakes, and balance are on a level similar to the best athletes in other sports, I think that what really sets motorcycle racers apart is their ability to overcome fear.
The progress in the last five years on electric motorcycles has been astounding. Taking their first laps around the Isle of Man TT Mountain Course, a 87.434 mph pace was the best an electric motorcycle could do at the prestigious road race in 2009 — a pace that was on par with the 50cc record set in 1971. In just five years after the first laps were taken by electric motorcycles at Snaefell, these machines have grown their average lap speeds by over 20 mph at the TT Zero race, setting a new record of 109.675 mph in 2013, and boasting a rate of improvement of roughly 5 mph each year since 2009. If hitting 142.2 mph down the Sulby Straight speed trap wasn’t further proof of the speeds these bikes are achieving, maybe some visual evidence will help support the notion.
Darius Glover is a dirt bike racer. Like you and me, he lives to ride, and when he is on two-wheels he feels the freedom that only other motorcyclists can truly understand. The thing is though, Darius is paralyzed from the waist down. Where others would give up their dreams and this sport, Darius at the age of 15 instead pushed onward. No pity parties, no excuses, just simply a daily example of where there is a will, there is a way, and a reminder that you can achieve anything that you put your mind to. It’s hard not to get a bit choked up listening to Darius tell his story, but you walk away feeling uplifted after feeling his attitude come across the screen.
Any race where 1,500 riders start, 500 qualify, and only 14 finish, has got to be an epic competition, and considering the fact that the Erzberg Rodeo starts in the excavation pit of an Austrian mine…well, it takes a special rider to be enticed by such an event. One such special rider is Graham Jarvis, who was the first of the fourteen men to reach the 20th and final checkpoint. Taking 2 hours and 52 seconds to complete the course, Jarvis made the 2013 Erzberg Rodeo look downright easy. However, with one look at the race-day conditions from this past weekend, we know it was anything but.
While normally, MotoGP fans never get enough of seeing Valentino Rossi on TV, there is one shot they would (for the most part) gladly be spared. As he leaves the pits, Rossi stands on the footpegs, and pulls his leathers from between his buttocks, before sitting back down again and leaving. These rituals – part useful limbering up, part invocation of Lady Luck – are something many riders perform, in their attempt to exert control over themselves, and over their environment. In a fascinating press release – by far the most interesting we have received in many months – the Aspar team today provided a discussion and explanation of what riders are trying to achieve through the use of these rituals.
Hoping to make it four wins in a row, it goes without saying that the MotoCzysz crew is working hard to close the gap to the John McGuinness and the Mugen team. However, having Team Principal Michael Czysz stuck back in the US, undergoing cancer treatments, must certainly add another level of motivation for the on-island MotoCzysz crew. Making time in their busy schedule, Asphalt & Rubber got to take some up-close photos of the 2013 MotoCzysz E1pc. The most obvious changes made to the MotoCzysz E1pc for the 2013 TT Zero race are the use conventional suspension pieces. Of course, it’s not a completely standard suspension setup, as MotoCzysz has developed its own adjustable triple clamp that incorporates tunable lateral flex parameters.
Max Biaggi is to make a surprise return to riding a MotoGP machine. The former 250 and World Superbike champion will take a seat on Ben Spies’ Ignite Pramac Ducati as part of a one-day test at Mugello, as part of Ducati’s testing program, according to Italian site GPOne. Spies was scheduled to stay on at Mugello to take part in a two-day test, but after the first day of practice at last weekend’s Italian Grand Prix, it was clear to both Spies and Ducati that his shoulder was still too weak to ride a MotoGP machine. With work continuing on the Desmosedici, it was important for Ducati to get as much data as possible on their bike, and so Biaggi was offered the chance to ride the machine.
New Honda VFR Confirmed for Spring 2010 Delivery, Fall 2009 Unveiling – http://tinyurl.com/n6kjly #motorcycle
New Honda VFR1200 Confirmed for Spring 2010 Delivery, Fall 2009 Unveiling – http://tinyurl.com/n6kjly
Details on Honda new VFR – http://tr.im/pfIh – I want one already
Details on Honda new VFR – http://tr.im/pfIh (RT @EatSleepRide)
Normally you guys are on the ball, but assuming it’s going to be a VFR when Honda has said it be “a new breed” isn’t really conducive to producing a VFR1200. Not saying that I know what it’s going to be either, but if anything I think it be closer to a super Blackbird than a VFR. Then again if it has a SSA you’d have 6 eggs in one hand and half a dozen in the other…
I have the perfect first VFR 800 V-Tec 2002 and I’ve been waiting until today for the new model to change it.
The bike really does not need this 1200 upgrade, but more important let’s hope it to be very different from all the ugly kitch images I’ve seen online until today….
Legions of hopeful VFR owners past and present have been waiting anxiously for years for this bike to arrive. The 90 degree V4 is a hypnotic engine configuration. While this bike should be a success, I’m just not sure these legions were waiting for a Busa fighter. It somehow misses the essence of VFR as a stealth sport tourer and lands a bit more ham fisted and blunt force trauma like. It’s unfolding will be interesting to follow here over the next few days..for sure!
VFR Replacement http://bit.ly/ibzLp lets hope they do not over think this one, akak NO VTEC
Vaporware!
I saw in a show that Mr. Honda thought that a V4 was the ultimate MC engine.
I hope it doesn’t have stupid valves
Details on Honda new VFR – http://tr.im/pfIh (via @EatSleepRide)
In todays’ MCN:
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/New-bikes/2009/June/jun2409-All-new-Honda-V4-sports-tourer-revealed-/
MCN say this is the bike, official pictures, not saying how they got them.
Jimmy on the spot hjworton, nicely done.
Although, I feel like I’ve seen that photo somewhere before…hmm….
It certainly looks a lot more conventional than I would’ve guessed it’d be. The full details will no-doubt be more interesting than this first look. The shaft-drive is a surprise, the sports crowd will laugh at that one. Whatever it turns out to be like, if a 1200cc V4 does not excite you then…
Also: It has more resemblance to the mock-ups than I would’ve thought likely.
That’s what makes me go “hmm…” The photo in this article is from MotoReveue, and looks pretty damn similar…right down to the headlight that MCN was hollering about a few days ago.
The only real changes seem to be a tail section more in line with the concept, a large (much larger) exhaust pipe, and wheels from the old VFR.
thank you honda for ensuring everyone who buys your bikes will spend even more to replace your exhaust can. you are getting very good at ugly.
Leuke machine,
maar eest zien en dan pas geloven!
@ridermagazine http://bit.ly/TJAU6
To each his own. Retro lovers and sportbike haters do not know what beauty is. The bike is gorgeous. Poetry in motion.
1 bike replaces 3, or at least 2: VFR12 supersedes VFR8, CBR11 b-bird, & maybe ST13?
Probably uses existing pistons & rods for reduced development/parts costs.
I have been looking at the BMW K1300S because it has a drive shaft which is a must for my next bike. I ride a XX now and love it.If new vfr has the shaft and the power I will buy it. Lets hope options are ,heated grips,adjustible bars, cruise control,alt,with some power I can add the rest,digital gear ind. temp , gps,radar,rear lug rack
I hope Honda have not been stingy and put the gear drive valves back in the bike like the 98-01 models. I would buy one if they have.
I agree a VFR based on a 2001 VFR with a liter bike capacity would be just fine. Keep it light.
They also said they were bringing out a 1000cc V5 version! where did that go? I will only believe it when I see it in dealrships. However, if they do release it, I will definitely get one.
Love it.
why not make it a VFive R? I have 1100XX and have loved the thing from the salt flats to 1000 km days to just warm evening cruises but really do like the thoughts of a shaft drive and 200HP. Please don’t dumb it down with the computer. A bike like that really needs some major attitude. On the edge power right out of the crate plus cylinder deactivation economy! sounds really close to the best of both worlds. Please don’t restrain the thing like a vmax though, one 1/4 mile burst before big brother takes over is not what the Honda faithful are asking for. Give me all or nothing, Hair on fire speed with the ability to rumble along comfortably with my Harley buddies. They are going to be really jealous…..
Guys,
Anyone ever hear the story of the young boy who cries wolf……V-5 was last year, year before there was an outcry, This year even with mules sited in parts of the world the pictures that have been posted came from mock ups from Intermot…..
Honda’s has presented the world with innovations seen on the “maxiscooter”, These bikes go against the grain of what a mid sized sport tourer is or is that the overpriced Deauville?
Being an owner of a VFR, 5th generation and a second gen ST1300 I’ll be keeping what I have, even with the short comings few they are….in favor of trading proven technology
for what will surely a bike that was well thought out but held back because of oversight.
The fellow who responded above said he wanted the gear driven cams back, me too not buying other wise. While we sit and wait for the true bike to materialise all the conjecture is worth what has been written here and transmitted through electronic media…..The proff will be on the floor in the Spring….
Rodm850g
ааааа какой красавчик … боюсь, что отныне потерял покой и сон http://tinyurl.com/n6kjly
It had better be much more than my V65 or I’m going to pass on it. I really don’t need another CBR1000 with bigger payments than a Goldwing! That ugly x-face is going to be hard to get used to. The unveiling at the bike show will tell.
Ive ridden newer vfr”s 2002 and ill tell ya! Nothing like my 1999,I have 25000, on it and and runs like day i got it.Never had anything done to it. 2010 looks ok, but does it really feel like a vfr??
Gosh Rod
You’re a tough guy to please, huh? “…what will surely be a bike…held back by oversight” Talk about the boy who cries wolf!!!
Hey, what drives the cams on your ST ?? Shore aint gears my man but then, heck those only go for 200K plus MILES -commonly- in USA trim. So, now that you Michelangelos have pronounced her butt ugly, I guess old Honda better just pull it right off the market before anyone actually gets to RIDE THE DAMN THING for fear of your disappointment? Please advise, crikey, I kinda liked it.
look this bike is def a new era. honda has the ability to make the nasties bike out there right now. this 1200 v4 is diff. yea the rsv4 is out now, and true they make a big bore kit for it. but how wants to pay 25 grand for it. if honda throws down in the same manier. it will be much cheaper. it will mostlikely be faster and a all around better bike. i hope they turn this sport tourer 1200 into a 8 sec sport bike. hell even come out with the 250 horsepower v60 they have in mind. all in all great lookin bike needs to appeal tot he younger crowd look wise.
Love the advanced look. Makes the current FJR and C14, even the K1300S look stodgy and dated.
I’m sure Honda has plans to use this V4 motor in other forms including a naked, cruiser, adventure-tourer and maybe even an all out sport bike.
I’ve sold my ‘ol GS and am waiting to put my money down on the VFR just as soon as the dealer begins taking orders.
“Doesn’t need the 1200 upgrade” – Are you kidding me? The bike desperately needed the 1200 cc upgrade. If a company as conservative as Honda decided it needed a 1200 upgrade, you can believe it needed it. The present VFR is a nice bike, but underpowered by today’s standards (it weighs the same as a Hayabusa but only has a little over half the Busa’s power output). I would never have bought one unless they had upgraded it to at least 1000 cc – 1200 cc is even better. Hell, I wish they had made it a 1400! The major disappointment is that they felt compelled to make a heavy bike forty pounds heavier. What were they thinking about? And that butt-ugly muffler? They actually paid someone to design that? Amazing. I’ll bet that 3/4 of those mufflers end up in the trash can.
Yep, aint we all just some hell stompin engineers! Exhaust is not pretty as it would be if tinier, ageed. But if the output is to be 200bhp and it must go 200mph which it would be fair to say MUST have been the case, THEN it needs to be both large AND aero happy. A bunch of guys could easily draw up something more aesthetically pleasant but would it pass both DOT/EURO sound requirements and enough hot gasses to make 200 bhp?
Every single engineering excercise involves compromises, the silencer may well have been one of those.
As for me, cant wait to ride one… but it had better handle better than the Blackbird with its awful front end vagueness and more like the sweet turning ‘Busa.
Ok, this new VFR will not make 200BHP nor will it do 200MPH. Some of the expectation for this comes from the hype on the internet when MCN told all of us that the new VFR will be a V5 based on the MotoGp 990. model. Well they got that wrong. I have a 1996 VFR 750 which I love, but agree that the New VFR really needed to be a 1000cc or more motorcycle as the VFR lacked a bit of grunt. I don’t mind the weight of it at all. For those who want light and 200mph, go and buy a Fireblade or GSXR. You can find some of the spec’s on the new VFR 1200 here; http://www.dancewithshadows.com/motor/honda-vfr-1200-f-launched-specifications-and-photo-gallery/
Good reply, Jeff, except that the CBR 1000 Fireblade (I owned an ’06) or the GSXR 1000 will not even approach 200 mph. Their top speeds are in the 170s. And the bigger, more powerful bikes like the Hayabusa and the ZX 14 governed to not exceed 186 mph through a manufacturer’s “gentleman’s agreement.”
Bill, true enough. That’s my point though, if the Blade and GSX won’t even do 200mph, how can someone expect a VFTR to do that even in 1200cc form? However, having said that my brother in law has a GSXK5 and he has had that over 190mph (on the clock thougth) I am just happy with the torque and rideability. Having another 70bhp over my VFR will make this bike a dream to ride. I am still not sure about the look of the nose though.
Honda Jeff, that’s who, and here’s why;
You know that the Busa and ZX BOTH were designed for and will make 200mph, right? Would H be willing to abdicate that rare ground to S and K? Not likely from where I sit, you know, brochure wars and all. Regardless of engineered “limitations (300KPH)”, you KNOW the comparison zoom-fest on the salt flats is already being planned… hey, we’re guys right? that’s what we do.
And given that the 1000cc superbike engines are making near 220bhp without all that much in mods, well I just dont see Honda making a new 2009 engine of that capacity for a supersport bike without 200bhp, either already there and throttled down to “the rules” or very easily had by clipping a wire here, reprog a chip there, opening an airbox eslewhere. See where I’m coming from?
Therefore, the point that the machine was designed for those parameters is good and IMO valid, especially in the context it was made which was exhaust aesthetics.
Still, my real concern is that the machine AT LEAST match the handling of the very good Busa. Ever ride one in some real twisty bits? A revelation akin to riding the snarky looking Beemer GS… crikey how’s this thing turn this well? and-looking in the mirrors- uhh, where is everybody? It is much to ask no doubt but it must be exceedingly good to reach those levels.
Also; If it’s a Honda, I’m betting it is capable of some pretty darn good fuel mileage as well. THAT would be big H, 200mph, 40mpg (no, not at the same time;-)).
Many of us have very high hopes for this machine. Personally, I think the US is ready to pay $15K or more for a machine that exceeds in quality, engineering, speed, comfort, acceleration AND economy.
It is time IMO for this incredibly capable engineering company to take it’s place at the top, and to charge what it must to furnish us machinery at that level. Any other voices in that chorus?
You guys are incorrect in your assumption that this is a 200mph motorcycle. Don’t get me wrong I see where you are coming from. Honda themselves have said this will replace the current VFR800 and the Blackbird. But it will not be a direct replacement for the Blackbird. The new VFR whilst it is 1200cc it has a170 BHP not 200 and Honda have also said that this is meant to be a whole new class of motorcycle. In addition it is shaft driven not chain driven so methinks it is more sports tourer than hypercycle.
For the guys who disbelieve that this VFR will not be a Busa crunching motorcycle, please go to this link: http://www.newvfr.com/en_GB/pages/mainpage Click on the “Anticipation” link and then “watch Video” The Japanese engineer clearly states (with English subtitles “When developing this bike we didn’t go for top-end spec and top-end peak performance…..
Oh and another thought, this bike had better be able to get good mileage as it only has an 18 litre tank! My 1996 VFR has a 22 litre tank and on long tours I can get 200 miles on a tank.
Jeff is right, thanks for straightening us out, guys like me need guys like you, thank you!
A glance at the tach face shows a 10,000 redline which indicates tuning that will NOT produce 200bhp IN THIS FORM, not by any mere clip of wires or tweaking of sensors. Besides it has a Catalytic Converter (capitalized to indicate maximum disappointment). No, it’ll take surgery to produce sub 10sec 1/4 mi times.
Not to belabor the point but I still see this chassis as being 200mph capable but not with that sit-up riding position. One can SEE the air flowing past this baby even while sitting still.
Supersport-Tourer is what it is. Made for guys like, well, me!
A year ago I owned an ST1100 AND FJR1300. I’d kinda wanted to sell the ST but after toasting the rear shock on the FJR in about 7k mi and the various buzziness began I sold it instead. Still have Bertha (hey she’s chubby but girlfriend can dance too!) This could well represent the perfect replacement for her. Something to quickly get me (us) to the stellar riding available in the central and northern part of Ca.
thanks again Jeff
OBTW didja notice the placement of the Honda badge on the fairing? Exactly where the BMW logo would be!
Little doubt in my mind who they are targeting with this machine. To which I say Bravo, Bravissimo! Gosh she’s a sexy thing..
Now if my Brazil stocks hold up… Uh hunny, you know that scratch on Bertha’s fairing?… well, I have an idea! You know it’s been forever since we’ve seen Trace and Edie…
In September, I took a 5500 mile trip on my 2006 VFR 800 and averaged about 45 mpg. Once I rode 218 miles on a tank. The new VFR 1200 is heavier, has a much bigger engine, and a smaller gas tank. Unless they’ve found a way to increase fuel efficiency substantially, I would expect that it would not go nearly so far on a tank and therefore would not be so good as the VFR 800 for touring.
Instead of making the motorcycle heavier and more powerful (the VFR 800 already has plenty of power), I would have preferred that they reduce the weight. It would also help if they would add crash protection. It makes no sense that a simple drop while standing still should do so much damage. Dropping the new VFR 1200 would cost even more, if only because of the rear view mirrors with turn signal lights built in.
On my trip, my VFR 800 fell over after I demounted. I had to park on the shoulder and, because the sidestand was too long and the shoulder slanted slightly to the right, all it took was a puff of wind to blow the bike over. Surely such a simple drop should not scratch the luggage and the fairing.
I prefer the 2nd-gen VFR styling much better (98-01). The 3rd had that butt-ugly headlamp/cowl that I could never get past. If they would’ve beefed the engine to 950ish and kept other things similar that would’ve been ideal (imo).
The ‘Bird is a totally different bike. I owned one as well (’99) and loved it. IMO Honda should bring that bike back out, maybe make it a little more “sport touring” friendly (ie: MINOR tweaks), leave the styling alone, and let it rip. I loved my ‘Bird.. just wish there was something like it more updated. I’ve experienced the Concours 14 but it’s not the same.
The new VFR: meh.
seen the 1200VFR but images of 1000 VFR look better. Is the 1000 going to be released and when
Kev
If you loved your “Bird” for more than just its Honda badge, and long for it as you say then there is the purrfect bike for you now – today! Its called a Hayabusa Kev and there is not a single thing your beloved “Bird” ever did that the “Busa” does not do better, nothing, nada, zip! It is lighter, more powerful (a lot more) equally refined, handles BETTER, (much better), stops better, better seat more legible dash and instrumentation, silky controls, perfect fit and finish.
Please tho, dont take my word for it, by all means drive one, a new one, and if you are prepared to be honest with yourself, you will discover the ONLY replacement for your “Bird”.
rock steady bro
Honda is always the best…
Awwwk, Hondas best Hondas best awwwkk. Best in what way? It’s like choosing between children, there are so many wonderful motorcycles being made. I own a Honda, I raced Hondas (650 Hawk GT’s) I love their engineering but they are not the only game in town Hubert. I cannot think of any way that my Hawks were better than my SV650′s. Equally bulletproof motor but a lot more power in the Zook and FAR superior handling especially with the same kind of tweaks I did to the Hawks.
Go ahead and see for yourself. You ride Blackbird and a GenII ‘Busa and then we’ll talk.
That said, I saw a guy polishing his new silver VFR and it looked fabulous! But I’ll need to ride one soon before I say “who’s best”.
I have ridden the new VFR, and I definitely would not trade my gen II Hayabusa for it. The one I rode had a noisy transmission, and I was disappointed in its torque. I expected more torque from a V-4. My Busa (which, admittedly has an aftermarket exhaust system and a power commander) has noticeably more torque throughout the entire rpm range than the VFR 1200.
maybe the counterbalancer mass slows down the revving. Didnt expect it to have a motor equal to the Busa but how did it RIDE. The rider position looks a lot more forgiving for a guy like me so it would prolly beat the Busa in that regard (for me) but how did it turn and stop? can you brake deep into the corners if you need to (like you can on the Busa) and pull up short under surprise attack by a Buick? Could you make the back end squirm a bit to shorten the turn? Be good to hear your impressions. thanks