When BMW set out to make the S1000RR superbike, they put the Japanese 4 squarely in their sights. There can be little doubt that zie Germans succeed in making a bike that can compete with the liter bike incumbents. While we’re not sure if the S1000RR is completely up to the hype with its alleged 183hp dyno figures, one thing is for certain: The BMW S1000RR has plenty of power on tap. While we hear at A&R prefer to think of that power going towards canyon carving adventures or helping us become Sunday morning track day heroes, for some that power is better suited for lofting a front (or rear) wheel, and practicing cursive calligraphy on a tarmac surface.
Tamburini Corse has done their magic on the MV Agusta Brutale in what they call the Tamburini Corse T1, which sounds like something out of The Terminator, but looks more like pure carbon sex to us. Massimo Tamburini’s son Andrea has the reigns at Tamburini Corse, and he builds off his father’s designs, appealing to a new generation of MV riders with the Tamburini Corse T1. Photos and more after the jump.
Vyrus has finally gotten their 987 C3 4V off the beach, and into the studio for some standard mug shots. With proper lighting we can now see all the details lurking on the body of the Vyrus 987 C3 4V, and the bike looks stunning. Take a look after the jump for all the hub-center steering, 184hp, carbon goodness. Want to know how it all goes together, check this time-lapse build video out too.
After photos of the new Yamaha FZ8 were leaked out on the internet, Yamaha seems to think it’s best to release an official picture of the entire FZ8 in it’s full colorful form. As seen from the earlier black and white photos, the Yamaha FZ8 is based heavily off of the FZ1, which may suggest where its performance features will lie when the final release to the public is made this spring.
Rumors has it that the FZ8 will feature the same stroke as the FZ1, which should provide for impressive torque figures, while power is expected to be closer to the FZ6. No word yet if the FZ8 is making it stateside.
For the Buell and MV loyal, Harley-Davidson’s latest earnings report should provide all the information as to why the Milwaukee manufacturer had to close and sell those brands respectively. Reporting a nearly 90% loss in annual income, Harley-Davidson earned only $70.6 million in 2009, compared to the $684.2 million Harley earned in 2008, which results in a staggering loss of income for the iconic motorcycle company.
All new for 2010, the Metzeler Sportec M5 Interact tire is set to redefine the motorcycle industry with its proprietary Chicken Strip Assessment Technology. Do your buddies brag about how far over they can lean their bike? How they’re the next Golden God of Canyon Carving? With Metzler’s Chicken Strip Assessment Technology system, there’s little doubt about how much you’re compensating for something else; and now you can rate your manhood on a scale from 1 to 5. Now go chase that crazy elephant! Chase him!
In addition to getting leaked photos of what the 2010 Yamaha FZ8R or Fazzer 8 will look like, Motociclismo.it has also gotten shots of what they believe to be the FZ8 in its final form, i.e. in the nude. The fairing-less motorcycle will be built of the same chassis as the 2010 Yamaha FZ8R, but will sport a different headlight to accentuate the exposed frame and motor more adequately. Photos after the jump.
Two months ago we revealed what the 2010 Yamaha FZ8 looked like from the headlight up. Yamaha is again teasing us with only a headshot, but this time it is the 2010 Yamaha FZ8R or “Fazer 8″ as Yamaha seems to want to call it, the fully-faired FZ8, that is getting unwrapped. While the photo above is an official photo from Yamaha, Motociclisimo.it has what they believe are leaked photos of both the naked an faired bikes in their final form. Check those photos after the jump.
With the Magpul Ronin, we’re not sure what gun/rifle magazine innovator Magpul is doing making a motorcycle, but we like the outcome of that awkward yet happy merger. Buell owners don’t have much to look forward to right now, but imagine a world where Buell Motorcycles was still in business, and the American sportbike industry is overrun by gun manufacturers making motorcycles. Now add in some wayward samurai warriors, and the end result could be what you see above.
It’s life Jim, but not as we know it…photos and more after the jum
The Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight (or is it 48?), has made its way out of Milwaukee in time for the 2010 model year. Based on the Sportster 1200 platform, the Forty-Eight is the latest addition to Harley’s “custom” offering. It differs from its Nightser et al counterparts with a bobber meets cafe racer appeal, but keeps the ubiquitous orange and black color schemes.
Fatties on the front and rear rims, the black on polish Forty-Eight gets its motivation from the 1200cc Evolution v-twin motor that’s wedged into the Sportster chassis. The bike is certainly an attractive piece from Harley-Davidson, but also fails to really distinguish itself from the rest of the Harley line-up. Mirrors are underslung, the license plate is side mounted (we doubt the DOT saw that), and a 2.1 gallon fuel tank keeps things a strictly “around the town” sort of affair.
wow… i hate to say it, but the current Ducati 848/1198 and Aprilia RSV4 are both better looking than the new MV in my opinion, and it feels really weird to say :(
it feels like they just tried to sharpen up and modernize a highly refined style… and in my opinion it didn’t work out for them. instead of lusting after the bike as a whole, i feel like i’m only interested in parts of it.
the carbon fiber on this bike though is stunning and fit and finish seem obviously impeccable.
-peter
Re: the Batman comment…
Christian Bale did in fact ride the F4 Sienna in the Dark Night. :P
You mean Bruce Wayne? ;)
Peter: I thought you were dead. Welcome back to the living.
haha, i’ve been snooping around, personal life took over for a bit, settling back into the regular routine again. thanks for the welcome back :)
-peter
Honestly I’m not completely crazy about the change to the front end and the pipes, but everything else I don’t have an issue with, because honestly MV be it HD influence or not finally looks to have started addressing the issues with the MV and not just releasing “new models” that were simply more CCs, BNG’s and calling them limited editions.
I love the return to the 5 star MV wheels instead the generic Marchesini 10 spoke. If you’ve ever owned or ridden an MV you know that all the extra venting the new bike has is much needed as the MV has always had a problem with running EXETREMELY hot. So to me that is a welcome update. I like that they did it without removing much of the fairings like the Japanese bikes have done the last few years. If I wanted a naked bike I’d buy one.
But most importantly, though many probably won’t agree, but I’m glad they went back to 1000cc and looked into other areas to make the motor better. Now as it is on equal ground with the other litre bikes they can focus on direct performence comparisions instead of just adding more CCs each year. If people would actually read the stated specs you’d see that while the over all weight might not have dropped as much as was needed (weight was always the other big issue of the MV), it seems they made the engine lighter, which in theory should be a big performance boost.
Honestly as I said I’m not crazy about the new front and the pipes, but all the other changes for the first time in years have me seriously thinking about going back to the MV camp and getting another MV. I really wished they still offered a 750 though