The big Kawasaki Ninja horsepower bluff? - 2011 Kawasaki ZX-10R By Tor Sagen
So, the great engine company Kawasaki Heavy Industries wanted to beat the BMW S 1000 RR in the only place it seem it can, on the spec sheets.200 PS Kawasaki claimed as loud as it could from the Intermot launch!!! According to Canadian tuners Redline Motorsports, Kawasaki has already been caught lying and grossly exaggerating the horsepower figures of its new 2011 Ninja ZX-10R launched at the Intermot show recently. According to the Calgary based firm the pre-production 2011 Kawasaki ZX-10R they already tested on their Dyno only produced a meagre 159.8 horsepower on the rear wheel. That was a whopping 8 horsepower less than the BMW S 1000 RR they tested at the same time that claims 193 crank horsepower and 2 more than the 2010 ZX-10R. Don't get me wrong, 159.8 RWHP are impressive enough to me, but if it can be proven that Kawasaki claims 200PS on the 2011 ZX-10R and it actually produces 7 horsepower less than the year old BMW S 1000 RR that themselves again claim 7 horsepower less than the Ninjas from Japan then it's extremely misleading information. We all know that horsepower sell a lot more motorbikes, particularly Japanese motorbikes, than outright World Superbike wins. I mean, otherwise Ducati would be the largest manufacturer of 1000cc+ sportbikes in the world having won the World Superbike championship more times than anybody else. Yamaha changed their ways a little with the introduction of the cross plane crank shaft on the 09 R1 that didn't add horsepower, but driveability. Ben Spies then went on and won the World Superbike championship for Yamaha. Now it seems, Kawasaki have stepped in it with misleading information taking the manufacturer back in time rather than bringing it forward. Everybody will now forget about the more exciting improvements such as the BPF (Big Piston Fork), Kawasaki Traction Control and larger throttle bodies (changes to improve handling and tractability). No doubt, Kawasaki have actually still got time to change the specs (or improve/bring closer to the claims rather) for the production batches due to be produced this winter, but will they? And will a true 200PS actually make the 2011 Kawasaki ZX-10R a better bike than the Aprilia RSV4, BMW S 1000 RR and Ducati 1198? We don't think so and it's up to Kawasaki to prove us wrong in the 2011 World Superbike Championship. Having tested all the other protagonists and also the 2010 ZX-10R, we'll give you an honest opinion on the 2011 ZX-10R when we test it. But don't hold your breath for the test, Kawasaki care about as much about us as they do about their own spec sheets. Kawasaki seem to be a little bit like that lady you dated on Match.com that had shaved off a few kilos here and removed a few years there... We will give Kawasaki some space for a response as soon as we have it.
PS Kawasaki North America models have less horsepower than Euro models, but since a BMW S 1000 RR from Canada has been tested alongside it it deems that fact irrelevant.
2011 Suomy Apex Cool Red and Alpinestars Tech 1-R one-piece leather suit
Here at Raptors & Rockets we love our kit. For once we've managed to coordinate our 2011 new kit with the first 2011 world launch we'll attend. The Suomy Apex Cool Red Tor will be using in 2011 is an all new Aramid and Carbon composite top spec racing helmet. We're not sure whether it will replace the Spec1R Extreme as the top Suomy helmet yet, but just like our beloved Spec1R models the Apex come in three different shell sizes. M-L-XL. All the technical info you'll ever need about the Alpinestars suit can be viewed in the video below. More on Suomy and Alpinestars
Next: 2011 Ducati 848 EVO world launch at Imola, 2011 Ducati 1198 SP world launch at Imola, 2011 Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200 world launch in Spain, 2011 Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC SE world launch at Jerez, EICMA 2010, Birmingham NEC 2010, 2011 Kawasaki ZX-10R and much more!
Exclusive: 2011 Aprilia RSV Factory APRC Special Edition and 2011 Ducati 1198 SP
From the International motorcycle show in Cologne.
October 4th Cologne: First pictures of new Aprilia's and Ducati's directly from INTERMOT. We went undercover and made these "spy shots" from the floor one day before the press day at the 2010 INTERMOT show. We did the same on video for a couple of stands, but had to be cautious so security didn't chuck us out! Tomorrow we'll post proper photography, but for now enjoy the very first view of the 2011 Ducati 1198 SP and Multistrada S Sport and Aprilia RSV Factory APRC Special Edition, Dorsoduro 1200 and RS125 Max Biaggi special. Biaggi will be present on the October 5th press conference. We'll see if we can get a quote. Much more here!
INTERMOT 2010 direct coverage from Cologne all week
Raptors & Rockets will cover the INTERMOT 2010 like never before. Tor has scheduled in a full three days to cover all the new metal to be presented. We'll be in place from Monday October 4th until Thursday 7th. Tuesday October 5th is press day where all the press conferences and presentations will take place. We will provide an enormous amount of photography and plenty of video. Kawasaki looks set to steal the show with news such as the 2011 ZX-10R and Z1000SX, but Honda, BMW and Ducati will have plenty new to show as well. Next week is a day where your F5 button will run red hot just like my computer and camera kit. See you in Cologne. Tor Sagen
Exclusive: 2011 MV Agusta F3 is the basis for full range of affordable MV's
Today, September 30th, MV Agusta are revealing their latest news to their dealers.
The F3 triple sport bike is only the top of what for MV Agusta appears to be an iceberg. I say this because for MV Agusta to have a range of bikes have usually meant one sportbike and one naked. The F’s and the Brutale’s. With the new midrange triple cylinder engines, rumoured to be of 675cc capacity just like Triumph’s engines, MV Agusta will have more than two bikes making it at least three new models featuring the 675cc engine. Now it’s first of all a sportbike (the F3) and a naked (Brutale 675 anyone?). Now for the third or perhaps even fourth models I do not know whether this is a type R and S model with better suspension, brakes etc as usual. Or whether MV Agusta have gone for a third completely new type of model for the company such as a half faired standard or even a Hypermotard type bike. All I know is that they are meant to be affordable entry level bikes. It's unlikely that MV Agusta will launch more than two of the new bikes at the EICMA show later this year. MV Agusta will not be present at the INTERMOT, but we will.
The F3 will according to my sources have more than 125 horsepower making it more powerful than Triumph’s Daytona 675. My bet’s on a 130hp plus engine. It should scale the weights at around 160kg dry and feature top suspension and brake components. By Tor Sagen
2011 Alpinestars Tech 1-R one piece racing leathers
I'm now waiting for my Tech 1-R suit which should arrive just in time for me to use it at the 2011 Ducati 848 EVO international launch at Imola. Here's what Alpinestars say about the new suit's details (see video). Tor
Harley-Davidson XL1200X Forty-Eight - Action in the city
Exclusive first view: 2011 KTM 125 Duke video
It was launched as the KTM Stunt concept bike, relabelled the 125 Duke it'll soon have its official launch. Here's the very first video of the bike in action.
2010 Harley-Davidson XL1200X Sportster Forty-Eight roadtest day 1
We've just taken delivery of Harley's 2010 uber cool Forty-Eight. It's a Sportster in the Dark custom segment following up on the Nightster success but now with a fat front tyre and "Joe Bar" style riding position. We took it out for a little spin and due to that fat front tyre it's not quite as agile as the Nightster but easy enough to ride. I'm pretty sure that I carry more juice in my own nuts than the 48 does in its peanut fuel tank, but this motorcycle is definitely a big city lifestyle choice. More later about how we get along with it in the city. Check out our first shots and soon we'll make our own video weather permitting. Tor
2011 MV Agusta F3 - First official high rez pictures!
MV Agusta have officially now leaked these rearview images of the 3 cylinder 600cc class sportbike to be launched at the EICMA show in Milan later this year. MV Agusta have told us that they will not attend the INTERMOT show in Cologne in October. We will give you all the news from both international motorcycle shows as they happen on location. Be excited! Tor
2011 Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200 and 750 Factory Viral
2011 Alpinestars Adventure touring video
A very worthwile watch this! So watch it!
2011 Kawasaki Z750R video
Now the Pope can pop a wheelie or perhaps even a p(st)oppie?
The Ducati Multistrada has now reached the lofty heights of the Pope himself as Ducati and Gabriele del Torchio handed over the keys to two specially built Multistradas, or Popestradas as they now are called. They will as the first motorcycles in history be incorporated into the Vatican Security Escort fleet. 2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200
More action from Raptors & Rockets : Triumph Street Triple R and Speed Triple at the isle of Man remastered
BLOG If you can name another motorcycle publication that themselves (without hiring external help) produce videos like ours, then I'd like to know because it'll be news to me! The large corporations have acted like tortoises in 2010 and pulled their heads and brains inside the shell. It's the sort of environment that Raptors & Rockets thrive in. We've always kept the overheads low and it has always been about unique content. If it's not unique or exclusive, then fuck it, we're not interested. Despite the credit crunch we have been growing and growing like never before. We've just hit 21 million + on our video channel on YouTube and it's only one man producing the vids and it's only google ads that fund them. Still it's growing and it has been growing constantly since 2006 when we joined. News is that we've just signed a contract with DailyMotion as well to spread the word about how great motorcycling is even further. DailyMotion is a French enterprise and aimed much more at the unique and creative side of things, just like us. Regular motorcycle news and leaked spy shots isn't what we want to do full time. We want to ride motorcycles, write about them and film them. We mix creativity, journalism and lifestyle into one and that's what you get right here. We couldn't care less about what the big corporate owned magazines do, because we don't have to. Raptors & Rockets has got its own way and its own, in many cases unique, contacts and we care more about the little guy than the big politically correct monsters out there. We like the guy that design our motorcycles more than the PR girl that doesn't know the back from the front of a motorcycle. If somebody invites us to California on full expenses just to watch motorcycles we tell them to go away because it's not a good story. For a ride however, we'll travel to any little corner on the globe. From time to time we do see that the little guy turn into the big guy and nothing pleases us more. Examples are Ducati and Triumph. The transition unfortunately brings with it some of the things that we don't like from the impersonal world of global corporations and all too often the people we like the most disappear when the transition happens. But there's little we can do but continue just like we always did.
When I want news I haven't got time or patience to be overly polite. I've stepped on many people's toes over the years. Sometimes so much so that an apology has been called for. To repair somebody's ego I usually get my PA to make a phone call and explain exactly how sorry I am. I'm personally not a great diplomat and if I can't get my way using conventional tactics I'll take it to the next level if I have to. I have a strong personality and I only respect somebody that's passionate about what they do. I love people with passion for their jobs or hobbies. Too many people stay in undesirable jobs just for the security of a regular pay check. Do yourself a favour and risk something whilst you still can! I have done my fair share of corporate jobs in the distant past for global companies such as IBM and Shell doing language support, consulting and middle management. I was in my early twenties and didn't know any better. I'm proud to say though that I wrote my first motorcycle article at the age of 21, the same year I passed my big bike test. I have freelanced for the world's motorcycle publications ever since. I learned how to walk, then write and then how to ride motorbikes. Somewhere between walking and riding big motorcycles I learned how to make love, too. All I am saying is that as long as I have my vitality intact in the areas of walking, writing, riding and lovemaking then I'll always be happy. This is lifestyle.
In 2010 for the Raptors & Rockets 5th anniversary I have launched a TOR T-shirt collection and a metal band. Show your support by buying these items and help us stay super independent.
A day at the races - Speedway at Belle Vue
Belle Vue has hosted Speedway races continuously since 1928. I got the chance to view the Belle Vue Aces v the Coventry Bees one stormy Monday evening. The Bees stung the Aces badly and won the match comfortably. I shall tell you more about Speedway and Belle Vue shortly, but here's a photo gallery from Monday's event whilst you wait. Multiple TT winner John McGuinness is but one of the biking world's celebrities to attend on a regular basis and I had a chat with him that I'll publish later. By Tor Sagen/Photo: Tor Sagen
MV Agusta F4 Frecce Tricolori
As sure as MV Agusta is back in the Castiglioni hands, the specials start arriving again. And what a beaut the Frecce Tricolori is celebrating the Italian Aerobatic teams 50th anniversary. The bike is a limited edition of 11 bikes that presumably are destined for the 11 pilots of the team.
For details about the 50
th Frecce Tricolori Anniversary in Rivolto - Udine (Italy), on the
Analyse this part 1 - 5: Motorcycle psychology by Dr. David Holmes
As I'm about to edit part 7 of our series analysing things such as why motorbikes are red, why bigger is better, why motorbikes are sexy I thought it'd be a good time to post the five first episodes. Tor
Tor Sagen hooked up with Dr. David A Holmes to analyse Monsters. Watch as Dr. David Holmes, Senior Psychologist at the Manchester Metropolitan University, explains us about Monsters and the sexuality of a wheelie. This is part 1 of a series, part 2 involves Dr. Holmes explaining why the colour red is irresistible. Also see 2010 Ducati monster 796 test and part 2 of our series.
2010 Ducati Monster 796 first video
2010 Triumph Rocket III Roadster first video
NCR M16 update June 10th including video!
Check out the first real high rez images of the fantabulous 200hp NCR Millona M16 launched at Misano during WDW 2010 here
2010 NCR Millona 16/M16 - 200hp@13.800rpm and 145kg dry weight
May 31st. Raptorsandrockets.com News 2010 NCR Millona 16/M16. Take one Ducati Desmosedici 200+hp engine and put it into a super lightweight NCR chassis and you'll quite possibly have the world's fastest and most powerful motorcycle. At 145kg dry weight it's lighter (even) than a MotoGP bike... The 989cc V4 produces a staggering 200hp @13.800rpm and 116Nm @10.500rpm. We're going to have a chat with Michele Poggipolini of NCR about this bike, but we strongly suspect it's a one off special. By Tor Sagen
2010 MV Agusta F4 - Odyssey in red - A Raptors & Rockets Ultimate production
2010 Dunlop SportMax GP211 Racer and SportSmart tyre launch – Silverstone
Dunlop invited a handful of journos to test its SportMax supersport tyre range at the new Silverstone circuit. The new Silverstone national circuit is very fast with plenty of hard braking and tough long hard accelerating corner exits. The new circuit layout proved a fine proving ground for Dunlop’s latest tyre technologies.
Words: Tor Sagen/Photography: Impact Images More here including onboard vids from the new Silverstone circuit on Kawasaki ZX-6R and Suzuki GSX-R1000
2010 BMW R 1200 RT tested in Rome and Tuscany - Happy Easter!
Coming: 2010 Aprilia Dorsoduro Factory/Shiver world launch in France and Dunlop tyre test at the new Silverstone GP circuit
2010 Vyrus 987 exclusive test in San Marino - 194hp - 155kg - 310km/h - video
2010 MV Agusta F4 1000 exclusive test at Misano - video
2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200 S tested
Ducati has merged the concepts of sport touring with adventure touring and the Multistrada 1200 is the metamorphosis promising even more. Whilst the original Multistrada was more of a jumping on the bandwagon concept, the 2010 Multistrada 1200 is truly Ducatis own take on something extremely difficult. The Multistrada 1200 is four bikes in one and excels in three areas whilst showing promise in the fourth. The three first being sport touring, adventure touring and urban commuter. The fourth thing the Multistrada may well be able to do well are light offroad riding. At the Lanzarote launch we were not able to really test the bike offroad so I can't say much about it. What I can say is that the bike feels a whole lot lighter than the BMW GS nemesis and both traction control and ABS can be turned off. The three engine mappings and the electronically adjustable suspension on the 1200 S are key to the Multistradas inevitable future success. The MTS 1200 is brimming with hot new technology that you can actually use every day. I shall elaborate further in the full article but my first impression are of a unequalled and perhaps unbeatable package from Ducati. Well done. Words: Tor Sagen/Photography/Milagro
Every Ducati Hypermotard tested including HD videos
Check out our collection of Ducati Hypermotard reviews by following the link below. Full review added of the original 2008 Hypermotard 1100 and 1100 S, 2010 Hypermotard 796 and 2010 Hypermotard 1100 EVO and EVO SP. It's all about action and fun!
Honda CBF600N v Kawasaki ER6n v Yamaha XJ6 N in Rome
2010 Aprilia RSV4 R tested at Estoril including video
I'm just back from Portugal after testing the new 2010 Aprilia RSV4 R at the fantastic, but frustrating Estoril circuit. Here's some first impressions:
The RSV4 R still handles better than most motorcycles despite being stripped of a few goodies that the Factory version sports. Estoril proved treacherous this morning as the circuit was littered with wet patches in areas such as most of the tightest corners. I had to wait for my second session to really go for it as the sun had dried out most areas by then. Flicking the RSV4 R from side to side really can be compared to doing the same on a 600 supersport. Even on a full throttle it’s a lot easier to change direction on the RSV4 R than any other litre superbike. Down the mega long Estoril main straight the 180hp V4 provides immense acceleration, but this is where the RSV4 R will face its toughest challenge from the likes of the R1, ZX-10R, S1000RR etc. The drive out of the corners is fantastic though and it can be compared to the 1198S in this area but with easier and less tiring overall handling capabilities. Major points for me are the ergonomics and handling in addition to the drive out of the corners. More in the full review
2009 Carole Nash International Motorcycle and Scooter show
On November 26th Raptors & Rockets will cover the 2009 NEC bike show in Birmingham. There'll be plenty of news, lots of pictures of bikes and babes, video, interviews and a lot more so stay tuned. Tor
2010 BMW S 1000 RR launch – Violently fast but no beast FULL TEST
Finally it’s here BMW’s first ever superbike for the road. In my book it was always on the cards that BMW would do a very decent job on the first try. That it would in fact be this good I couldn’t have predicted.
Words: Tor Sagen/Photography: Arnold Debus & Daniel Kraus
I decided to let loose the full power of BMW’s new superb sports package from the word go. Hence I turned off both race ABS and the DTC traction control and chose the “slick” option with the mode button. Sure enough the S 1000 RR felt very powerful and agile through the first corners but it wasn’t until I accelerated down the Portimao straight for the first time that I really understood that there might just be a true 193 horsepower available underneath me. The raw acceleration through second gear, third, fourth and fifth just blew me away. Through third and fourth helped by the little hill taken in fourth it was difficult to keep the front wheel down on my first couple of laps. Troy Corser told me later that when they race here its full throttle but also full application of the rear brake to keep the front down, it’s a Portimao trait. Full test here
2010 Ducati Hypermotard 1100 EVO and EVO SP tested at Mores including Video
2010 Ducati Hypermotard EVO SP world launch in Sardinia - Blog
I'm currently stuck in an airport hotel room in Munich after leaving the BMW S 1000 RR launch yesterday. My flight schedule included leaving Faro via Lisbon and from Lisbon to Munich when it all went wrong. A 30 minute delay was enough for me to miss my flight to Sardinia and it nearly upset all my Ducati launch plans. However new flights has been booked but I'll be one day after schedule and may have to share bikes with other journos unless somebody else inherits my bad luck tomorrow. Regardless there will be coverage of the two new Hypermotard bad boys. Ducati in 2010 will obviously revolve a lot around the new Multistrada 1200. The test of that bike is something you can look forward to at some time next Spring. In the meantime it's all about the Hypermotards which I don't mind at all. Tor Sagen
First onboard video from the BMW S 1000 RR launch
2010 BMW S 1000 RR world launch Portimao - First impression
After a day riding the new BMW S 1000 RR at Portimao it's safe to say that the 193 hp superbike for the road places itself at the top of the pecking order. BMW's lightweight and very powerful S 1000 RR has it all and more. From 7.000rpm and past 12.000rpm the build up of power is massive and very addictive. I'm impressed with both the race ABS and the traction control, but the S 1000 RR behaved surprisingly well also in "Slick" mode without any rider aid. More in the full review. Tor Sagen
BMW Concept 6 video
2010 KTM news at EICMA
2010 Aprilia news at EICMA
2010 BMW news at EICMA
2010 Moto Guzzi and Pierre Terblanche prototype to be unveiled at EICMA
Gabriele del Torchio and Claudio Domenicali introduced the Ducati Multistrada 1200 at EICMA
Ducati Press release: Before the unveiling of the 2010 line-up, the new Ducati Corse logo was presented to the international press, an evolution of the historic brand in the form of a new graphic, following on from the launch of the new Ducati logo at last year’s EICMA show.
Multistrada 1200 technical highlight: The four-bikes-in-one concept uses three technologies which interact to instantly change the chassis set-up and character of the Multistrada 1200. Fitted as standard equipment on all versions, the electronic ride-by-wire system administers three different engine mappings to change the character of the engine, while Ducati Traction Control (DTC) uses eight levels of system interaction to enhance control. For the ‘S’ version, Ducati Electronic Suspension (DES) instantly configures the suspension set-up to suit ‘rider only’, ‘rider with luggage’, ‘rider and passenger’ or ‘rider and passenger with luggage’. 150hp @ 9.250rpm, 118,7Nm @ 7.500rpm, 189kg dry weight. S version 192kg (DES) dry weight
All 2010 Ducati news further down on the page.
“In 2009 Ducati has faced a year of important challenges but also one of important opportunities,” stated Gabriele Del Torchio, President of Ducati, during the conference. “The challenges arrive from a market that has entered a significant worldwide slump and where the segment in which we operate could have dropped by 35% by the end of this year. In this scenario Ducati knew how best to react, so much so that our shares have continuously grown and in 2009 we will register a record share of 7.2% on a worldwide level. This result was achieved by sticking strictly to the objectives we had set ourselves, in relation to the company’s three fundamental pillars. Firstly, product, with the 2010 innovations the clearest demonstration of how we have followed an intelligent plan for continuous renewal. Then the distribution network, constantly renewed and reinforced to improve and expand the service. Thanks also to the recent opening of stores in Shanghai, Mexico City and in Vietnam, Ducati today distributes in 80 countries of the world. Last but not least, the brand. We continue to work on the recognition of our brand name, and above all, on the role that Ducati has as an ambassador of Italian style across the world, a factor that is of fundamental value to us.”
Claudio Domenicali, General Director of Ducati Motor Holding, then presented the many new bikes lining-up in Ducati’s 2010 Model Year.
“We are present at EICMA with a series of important innovations, in accordance with our strategic industrial plan,” declared Claudio Domenicali, Ducati’s General Director, while presenting the 2010 Model Year. “The new Multistrada 1200 provides Ducati with an important opportunity to penetrate what is, for us, a completely new market segment, with a totally innovative concept, in terms of performance, usability and technological content. Four bikes in one, with four different riding modes, traction control and electronic suspension but, most importantly, a true Ducati, in its style, design and advanced technology, derived directly from Ducati’s racing experience on tracks across the world. The Hypermotard 796 e 1100 evo, the new “Corse” liveries for the 1198 S and 1198 R, as well as countless technical and style updates, complete the 2010 line-up of which we are so proud.”
2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200 Videos - Info and pictures further down on the page
2010 MV Agusta F4 1000 R 186 hp and new evolved CRC/Tamburini design
2010 Ducati 1198 R and S Corse SE
2010 Special Editions celebrate the historic Ducati Corse logo change and two world titles in Superbike and Superstock. The 1198 S Corse Special Edition and 1198 R Corse Special Edition, both equipped with factory team-style aluminium fuel tanks, Ducati Traction Control and a special celebratory Ducati Corse livery, now complement the 848 now in Dark colour scheme (see pictures below Multistrada 1200), the powerful 1198, and the high-spec 1198 S to complete the 2010 Superbike model line-up.
2010 Ducati Hypermotard 1100 Evo and Evo SP
Lighter and more powerful are the clues. We test the bike in Sardinia very soon. Ducati said: Hot on the heels of its early model year 2010 launch in October, the lightweight 796 is now joined by an evolution of the 1100 model that rolls out at a full 7kg (15.5lb) lighter and 5hp more powerful than the original. And if further weight reduction and more punch wasn't already enough on a bike that was built to thrill, the Hypermotard 1100 EVO SP pushes the limits even further with a model intended to perform on the track as well as the street.
2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200 S and ABS, 150hp and high tech Riding mode
Ducati launched its more athletic Testastretta 11 powered Multistrada to replace Tierblanche's old love it or hate it original Multistrada at the EICMA show. Ducati follows with sure footsteps with yet another design to follow the 1198 superbike racer and the Streetfighter. The new 2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200 looks a hell of a lot more sporty and athletic than the GS, Tiger, 990 Adventure and other current manufacturers in this segment. There's no doubt that Ducati is aiming the new Multistrada at those that want to pass Alpine passes as fast as possible with as much fun as possible. According to earlier reports it'll probably handle some gravel too. Best new feature seems to be the riding mode that can change both engine, suspension and safety elements whilst riding.
2010 Ducati Monster 696 and 1100 ABS, 848 Dark and 1198 S colours
Both the 2010 Ducati Monster 696 and 1100 will now be available with ABS. The 848 gets a "Dark" special paint and will be slightly cheaper than the normal 848.
2010 BMW S 1000 RR pre-launch video from Portimao
In not many days we take seat on the brand new BMW superbike for the road S 1000 RR at the Portimao circuit in Portugal. Watch this space for first ride reports, blog, videos and more.
2010 Aprilia RSV4 R launch re-scheduled
Those unfortunate gents at the Aprilia factory have re-scheduled the launch of the RSV4 R to December where we will get to test it at Estoril. In December it's too cold at Mugello and you could even get snow so Estoril in Portugal is a safer bet. Check out the videolog for details of what happened at Mugello.
2010 Ducati Hypermotard 796 tested in Bologna
2010 Ducati Hypermotard 796 launch – Hyperactive inner city killer
Only two years has passed since Ducati launched the original production Hypermotard. I tested the Hyper 1100 with Ruben Xaus sliding past me with thumbs up and knee down at the Mores circuit in Sardinia and loved it. Now just two years later ahead of the 2010 season Ducati is ready with the first addition to the Hypermotard family. Hypermotard is one of the most satisfying motorcycles in the world to ride really hard and the new 803cc version is no different.
2010 Ducati Hypermotard 796, 2010 Moto Morini Granpasso 1200 and 2010 BMW S 1000 RR launches
During the next month we're covering the world launches of the all new Ducati Hypermotard 796 in Bologna, the updated Moto Morini Granpasso 1200 also in Bologna and the highly anticipated 2010 BMW S 1000 RR which we will ride at Portimao very soon. Keep tuned and subscribe to the YouTube videos as that's where you'll be able to see and hear these bikes first. Ciao from Bologna. Tor
2010 MV Agusta Brutale 990R and 1090RR onboard from Misano
Misano:
Road:
2010 world launches coming up from Yamaha, MV Agusta and Ducati
If you think that it's been a little bit quiet on the motorbike front lately you'd be right to say so. But here it ends as the 2010 launch season kicks off next week from the 26th of September when Tor Sagen will be in the US and at the Buds Creek motocross track to test the all new 2010 Yamaha YZ450F. Yes it's a motocross bike and yes it's a vicious rear-slanting cylinder 450cc one. Watch Yamahas video of it below. Then after one day at home again it's straight onto a flight to Italy where we'll test the all new 2010 MV Agusta Brutale which will be the first new MV model after H-D bought the company. It's still a Tamburini design, but we believe there's something exciting on the engine front... Insiders told us that it's bad, but in a good way... Then in early October we'll board yet another flight to take us to the Ducati factory and another world launch of Ducatis first 2010 model. All this should keep you entertained for a while and as usual you can expect some great video from the events too. See you later. Tor Sagen