By now you’ve surely read about MotoCzysz’s new eDD and it’s “suitcase” chassis design. Recently Asphalt & Rubber got a chance to take a peak into the Portland, Oregon based company’s service bay and take a closer look at the 2009 E1pc D1g1tal Superbike, with a specific interest in its quick-release swappable batteries and unique chassis design. We’ll be covering these innovations in a two-part series, starting today with a never before seen look at the MotoCzysz battery packs. More and photos from Peter Lombardi Kustom Photography after the jump.
Ever wonder what great action footage of the 2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200 would be like if you set it to the music commonly found in a piano bar? Well never fear, Ducati has the answer for you. Watch the Multistrada 1200 take on four different riding situations without missing a beat. Beat! Get it! Uggh…we don’t get paid enough for this. Video after the jump.
Today MotoCzysz is announcing its Electric D1g1tal Dr1ve (eDD), better known to us as “the suitcase”, which is essentially the housing for the E1pc’s proprietary controller, motor, and batteries. MotoCzysz will be using the eDD on their 2010 E1pc D1g1tal Superbike, and intends on letting other teams use the suitcase as well, helping fill the grid at electric motorcycle races.
This announcement is important on a variety of levels, and most electric motorcycling enthusiasts will be interested to get their first glimpse at technology beind Michael Czysz’s 2010 E1pc D1g1tal Superbike, which will for sure be at the TT Zero race at the Isle of Man this year. The suitcase contains MotoCzysz proprietary battery, motor, and controller designs, which are setting the bar higher in electric motorcycle racing.
Erik Buell Racing has just updated its website, and releasd the first real clear shot of what the EBR 1190RR will look like it in its racing form. With 185hp being made at the rear-wheel (according to the optimistic DynoJet dynamometer), the EBR 1190RR sits at the top of the Buell totem poll.
Based off the 1125R chassis, the 1190RR is virtually anorexic, dropping 30lbs off the AMA Daytona Superbike racing machine, while still bumping up displacement by 65cc’s. With 93lb•ft of torque on hand at 9,500 RPM, the EBR 1190RR is sure to sling your eye balls into the back of your head…if you can find a racing series to race it in.
“Greed, for lack of a better word…is good. Greed is right. Greed works. Greed clarifies, cuts through, and captures the essence of the evolutionary spirit. Greed, in all of its forms: greed for life, for money, for love, knowledge, has marked the upward surge of mankind. And greed, you mark my words, will not only save motorcycling, but that other malfunctioning corporation called the USA.”
The Suzuki TL1000R is a special bike. It garnered little love from the media during its release; but despite being discontinued seven years ago, the TLR continues to foster a cult following, especially in Europe. So it doesn’t surprise us a great deal that when 25 year old fabrication apprentice, Mathijn Nelis, set out to create is first custom work under the careful gaze of master builder Nico Bakker, that the young Dutchman chose to work with the stout TL v-twin powerplant that dwarfed its Italain competitors during its initial release.
With its latest bike the Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré, Yamaha is stepping up its game and getting serious about the adventure-tourer motorcycling segment. The Dakar inspired Super Ténéré is a ground-up production for Yamaha, making it the first Japanese manufacturer to get serious about this emerging (and very profitable) market segment.
With 1,199cc under the hoood, the XT1200Z Super Ténéré is aiming its sights on the class-leading BMW R1200GS and new-comer Ducati Multistrada 1200. The powerplant features a parallel twin motor with four valves per cylinder, and makes 108hp @ 7,250 RPM and 84lbs•ft @ 6,000 RPM.
Moto2 testing was underway in Catalunya this week, but rain sidelined a substantial portion of that testing event. For the Moto2 teams, this meant a rare opporunity to get familiar with thier machinery was lost, but for the roving eye of Italian site GPone.com, it was an opportunity to take a gander at some very beautiful race motorcycles.
Despite all the teams having the same Honda-sourced, 600cc, four-cylinder, four-stroke motor, there is a large variety in body styling and chassis approach. Check the RSV, Moriwaki, BQR, Kalex, Tech3 Mistal, and Suter MMX bikes out after the jump.
MotoCzysz has confirmed today that they will be racing at the Isle of Man’s TT Zero event. The Portland based team has been hard at work on a new bike design that they feel not only has a chance of breaking the 100mph barrier, but possibly winning the event as well. MotoCzysz was a favorite in last year’s event, but failed to finish after suffering a failure to its Agni electric motor drive system. Learning from that hard taught lesson, Czysz & Co. are expected to return to the Isle of Man with their new 2010 E1pc, and tackle the Mountain Course once again.
BMW Motorrad USA has posted a video to YouTube that shows an engine cutaway view of the 2010 BMW S1000RR’s cylinder head. Looking into the chamber one can see the titanium valves work their magic as the bike is rev’d all the way to its redline of 14,200 RPM. Spinning valve springs, squirting oil, titillating sounds…they’re all there. Check it out after the jump.
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