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November 2009

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BMW R-Series Gets Revised Motor with DOHC

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The rumors appear to be true, and the BMW R series is getting an update to its motor for 2010. Maintaining its existing 1,170cc displacement, the most notable change to BMW’s flat boxer motor is a dual-overhead camshaft (DOHC) cylinder head setup, which was previously only seen on the HP2 Sport.

With the bore and stroke staying the same for 2010, the R lineup will continue to use the same 101 x 73mm cylinders, making a total of 1,170cc’s. The real changes and improvements come from the new cylinder head design. The DOHC design features two chain-driven camshafts, with each camshaft controlling both an intake and exhaust valve in the radial four-valve head.

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Racing

MotoGP to Return to 990cc Formula?

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When MotoGP switched from the 990cc displacement format to the 800cc formula, it was done so on the idea that it would make the premiere racing class safer for the riders. This proved to not be the case, as the 800cc bikes clearly carried more corner speed through turns, and were still able to approach 990cc top speeds on the straight-aways.

The result, a racing class that was more dangerous and more expensive for manufacturers.With this in mind, Dorna Boss, Carmeloa Ezpeleta, wants to return the series back its previous 990cc format, by as early as 2011.

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Racing

2010 AMA Pro Road Racing Schedule Released – No Seca, No Miller, No Topeka

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The 2010 AMA Pro Road Racing schedule is out, and currently the series has only 9 races scheduled, with a 10 race hopefully to be added to the schedule. Noticiably missing from the schedule are stops at both Laguna Seca and Miller Motorsports Park. The schedule also is missing a stop at Topeka, which was boycotted, due to safety concerns, by Mat Mladin and Jamie Hacking.

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Racing

MotoGP: Livio Suppo Leaves Ducati Corse for HRC

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Want further proof that HRC is trying to buy their success in 2010? Just confirmed is the news that Livio Suppo will be leaving Ducati Corse for HRC. After 11 years with Ducati, Suppo for many reasons has been the driving force and ethos of the Corse team. His departure signals not only an active acquisition strategy at HRC, but also a shake-up at Ducati Corse. While Suppo cites HRC’s offer as an opportunity difficult to resist, there seems to be some speculation about his departure being related to Ducati Corse courting Valentino Rossi for the 2011 season. Helping fuel this rumor is the fact that former Ducati test rider, Vito Guareschi, will take over as the new team manager.

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News

Honda Motors Profits Down 56%, Motorcycles Only Down 17% – Expects Profit in First Half of 2009

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Honda has released its second quarter financials, with the highlight (if you can call it that) being a 56.2% drop in their net income. Honda attributes this loss primarily to decreased car sales, and the currency exchange. For its part though, Honda’s motorcycle sales were down only 16.8%, with 2.4 million units sold during Q2.

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Rumors

Aprilia RSV550 Prototype In the Works

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While out testing the 2010 Aprilia RSV4 R in Tuscony, the guys at Hell for Leather got a word with Aprilia’s Motorcycle Product Manager, Francesco Polimeni, regarding rumors of a RSV550 prototype. Allegedly, the bike would use an RS chassis, and the SXV/RXV’s 550cc v-twin motor, and according to Polimeni everything about that rumor is true…except the fact the bike would be coming to market any time soon.

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Rumors

Mavizen TTX03 Supermoto Quietly Being Developed?

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With the announcement of Mavizen’s TTX02 KTM RC8 look-alike taking up all of the spot light, Mavizen’s other project the TTX03 has quietly been hinted at by the company, and is expected to be an electric supermoto racer. Continuing what is shaping up to be the worst naming structure in the industry, the TTX03 also shows the links between Mavizen and the TTXGP organizers.

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