Spotted at the Japanese Motorcycle Expo, Yamaha has a “corporate” themed YZF-M1 on display next to their Rossi and Lorenzo race bikes. Presumably, the blue & white racer will be the bike that Ben Spies will ride at his wild card entrance at the Valencian GP.
Finally it has happened, photos of the Ducati Stradaperta have been leaked, and they show the bike’s true form. With the bevy of camofloged photos that we’ve seen already, there aren’t too many surprises here, but we do get to see a clear view of the “beak” of the new adventure-tourer, as well as the front fairings. Photos after the jump.
Kawasaki seems to be the only Japanese manufacturer making product enhancements this model year, and with their flagship sport-tourer, the Concours 14, the Brand in Green has finally brought traction control to their line-up (we’re not counting the ZX-10R’s quasi-traction-control system). The Concours 14 gets other updates as well, including a redesigned fairing system, larger windscreen, and a second-generation linked ABS. Sadly though, no word on night-vision for the 2010 model. Click past the jump for videos, photos, specs, and more.
BMW is recalling certain 2009 K1300GT and K1300S motorcycles for faulty switches on the handlebars for both the direction indicator and the emergency engine off/engine-start functions. Failure of these switches could cause BMW riders to have to manually hand signal their direction changes, which could expose the fact that dentists don’t know how to signal right-hand turns.
Ducati is recalling 753 Streetfighters, 1098R’s, and 1198S’s Superbikes because of a potential fuel hose clamp issue. The recall affects only 2010 Streetfighters and 2009 Superbikes, and if left unresolved could result in the bike stalling from the lack of fuel, and potentially starting a fire.
After 10 years of waiting, VFR owners can rejoice in the announcement of the new 2010 Honda VFR1200F. Actually comprising of two models, the VFR will come in a standard model, and a model equipped with the dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Available in the Spring of 2010, the VFR1200F will make 172hp, and 95lb•ft of torque from its 1,237cc V4 motor. The new VFR is a big girl though, tipping the scales in Europe at 588lbs, and here in the US at 591lbs. If you want the dual-clutch model, expect a bike that weighs a staggering 613lbs. Pictures, videos, and specs after the jump.
John Hopkins, in a recent video posted on his personal website (not for the weak-stomached), has declared that he is uncertain where he will land for the 2010 racing season. With things at Stiggy Honda beginning to look bleak, it seems clear that the team will be unable to afford both Leon Haslam and John Hopkins next year. Haslam is rumored to be headed fro Alstate Suzuki, while Hopper has been keen on getting back into MotoGP.
MV Agusta is set to debut its latest revision of the F4 tomorrow, and have teased us with a glimpse of the bike’s front section. Like the 2010 MV Agusta Brutale, the overall design seems to be in-line with the F4’s of yore, which is underwhelming to say the least. Yes, the F4 is one of the most iconic modern sportbikes, and the standard by which all motorcycle designs are measured, but we are disappointed that MV is once again running back to the well for its product inspirations.
When Ben Spies takes to MotoGP for the 2010 season, it won’t be with the #19 that he has taken to the front of the pack in World Superbike, but instead with the #11 that gave him his good fortune in the AMA. Spies’ number plate has held great personal significance for the Texan, both with the #11 and #19 on it.
We loved the Z1000 when it originally came out. A unique style, a superb power-plant, it was everything you wanted in a factory produced streetfighter. So, it warms our hearts to see that the Z1000 is back for 2010, and continues to push the envelope with its aggressive styling.
With an all-new 1,043cc inline-four motor that makes 136hp and 81lb•ft of torque , the 2010 Kawasaki Z1000 shouldn’t disappoint the butt dyno. Other than the now standard ugly exhaust pipe that seems to be plaguing sportbikes lately, we have a hard time not liking what Kawasaki has done here. Specs, photos, and videos after the jump.
It has been years since Al Gore discovered the internet, but apparently the fad of browsing “websites” has finally caught on in Italy. Rightly so, Valentino Rossi has finally created a web space of his own, valentinorossi.com. The site is well done, but can be difficult to navigate at times. Brace yourself as it will pop-up a full-screen window, and start blarring Italian rock music. Psshh…that’s so 2000 & 3.