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We have just received a press release from MV Agusta that tells us the group is doing exceptionally well at the moment. We will not bore you with all the figures, but we asked us this question; What was Kenny Roberts doing at the launch of MV Agusta's first dedicated showroom in Japan? As you know Team Robert's lost its engine backing from KTM earlier this year. We refuse to believe that MV Agusta has got a MotoGP engine already so maybe Roberts will move his team to World Superbike in 2006 with MV Agusta? Or maybe Roberts Sr just was in the neighbourhood? We will investigate. TS

Out of all the new motorcycles launched in Paris, which one would you have chosen with the most outstanding innovative design solution? Yamaha R6 maybe? Kawasaki ER6n or Triumph Daytona 675? No, the Motorcycle Design Association choose BMW's super enduro HP2 for the honours. BMW HP2 was voted Best of Show by a selection of the world's top motorcycle designers. MDA co-founder and President Glynn Kerr  praised the HP2 Enduro, saying it was "a strong statement that is almost Ducati-like in its minimalism and yet still every bit a BMW. It's the perfect example of how less can mean more." Check out our photos of the HP2 from Paris.

Aprilia is aiming firmly at the offroad and adventure market for 2006. With the new SXV, RXV, Pegaso Trail as well as Caponord and Pegaso 650 the offroad line-up is stronger than ever. We have presented the two XV's before but Caponord has got a couple of updates for 2006 and Pegaso 650 Trail is new based on Pegaso 650 Aprilia launched last year. ETV1000 Caponord has got a new black paint, new bottom instrument panel, redesigned silencer, new anodised aluminium guards to reduce weight, ABS brakes with Bosch ABS 5M control unit designed with Brembo and improved 50mm Marzocchi fork with variable action spring. The ABS brakes can be manually disabled just by pushing a button on the instrument panel.             

Aprilia Pegaso 650 Trail is yet another adventure bike with a Greek name. Earlier this year Buell launched the Ulysses, but Pegaso has been around for much longer. Pegaso is a horse with wings. We will test the Pegaso Trail as soon as it is available for us, but until then we will have to take Aprilia's word for it. Trail has got a new two-position adjustable windshield, offroad style mudguard, 45mm fork with 170mm travel, new 19 inch front wheel, 100/90-19 front and 130/80-17 rear. A reasonable seat height of 820mm that can be extended by +40mm from Aprilia's accessories catalogue. It should get one of the biggest underseat compartment for this type of bike as well as the small room on top of the petrol tank. To open this cover that also is necessary to access the fuel filler cap you just push a button on the handlebars and an electric motor opens it. Check out our test of Pegaso 650 Strada under Raptorama for more info on the bike.

As usual Raptors & Rockets has been able to dig up the best new bikes for you. Here is the 1.100cc six-cylinder bike in all angles and in great detail. The big six-cylinder machines has always been great touring machines, and you can see from one of the photos that Suzuki has touring plans also for the Stratosphere. I will let the photos speak for themselves. Check out the six-cylinder feature just below as well for our brief history of six-cylinder bikes. Next: Full performance specifications on the mighty Kawasaki ZZR1400. Tor Sagen  

PS: If you have news or photos of bikes destined for the Tokyo Motor Show send them in!

2006 Suzuki M1800R (M109R in US)

Suzuki has just released images of their brand new muscle cruiser that will fit right in with Honda's VTX1800, Yamaha XV1900, Kawasaki VN2000 and Triumph Rocket III Classic. Details: 1.783cc, 112mm X 90,5mm bore/stroke, Fuel injected and water cooled, 700mm seat height, 1715mm wheelbase, 315kg dry weight, 19l fuel tank and an enormous 240 section rear tyre. And it's the first ever mass produced cruiser with radial brakes! TS

Bikebabes and Paris 2005

Latest Paris photos of BMW HP2, MZ125's and more GSX-R added today 04/10.

Suzuki has gone and brought life back to the six-cylinder motorcycle from the 70's and 80's. It is designed with Suzuki's 80's bike Katana in mind, but that never had more than four cylinders. Stratosphere is a concept bike, but we have seen six fully believable photos. If Suzuki doesn't show this in Milan they'll have chickened out. Six cylinder bikes has never been successful for long (except for Gold Wing), but have always excited people. Read about the other six-cylinder bikes from the 70's below. Stratosphere has got six pipes placed extremely close to each other compared to the bikes of the 70's. Imagine the heat in front of the engine! Suzuki has most likely solved the heat problem with a modern highly efficient radiator from one of the supersports. Other details are the four square shaped headlights, stylish fly-fairing, Brutale style rear lights, brand new digital display with menu buttons on the petrol tank, USD fork and radial brakes. The exhaust silencer is on the right hand side of the bike with tri-oval style in the same place as on the new GSX-R's. We are not going to speculate on the power figures, but Honda's CBX had 105bhp in 1978 and Kawasaki's Z1300 130bhp in the mid 80's.

It is only Honda GL that has lasted for an impressive 30 years that is on sale with a 6' today (and F6C with the same engine). Honda started using six-cylinder machines in the GP's in the 60's to have a chance against the two-strokes. In 1978 Honda launched CBX1000, an in-line 6-cylinder motor with 24valves, 105bhp, 86Nm and a hefty 247kg dry weight.

Kawasaki launched Z1300 the year after in 1979. It was water cooled and had shaft drive. It had a 1286cc engine and 120bhp, but weighed in at 294kg dry.

But even earlier than this, in 1974, Benelli had launched their six-cylinder 750 Sei followed by 900 Sei ten years later.

Boxer SSR two in one

Boxer SSR is a two in one bike. If you buy one you get the kit to transform it to either roadster or superbike. It has got Boxer's V2 997cc engine, but we might even see the bike with the same Rotax 139bhp engine as in Aprilia RSV-R if the price is right. Boxer will hand build 300 units of the SSR. Boxer is a French firm specialising in prototypes and design. Boxer has previously designed machines such as: Aprilia's Blue Marlin, Voxan VB1, Mondial Nuda and the Shark RSX helmet. Price on the SSR concept expected between Euro 14-15.000.

It is not often we hear about new exciting motorcycles from France and Voxan has treated us with their new Charade Racing and Scrambler from the Paris show. There is another player on the market however called Boxer. Boxer is a French prototype manufacturer and design firm.

The difference between the Voxan VB1 project and the SSR is that Boxer is now believed to be going for it under their own Boxer label rather than Voxan. There are two different V-twin engines Boxer is considering for the SSR at the moment. It will be either Voxan’s 72 degree Black Magic V-twin with a claimed 130bhp or even more exciting Aprilia’s Rotax V60 RSV1000 R with a claimed 139bhp. The engines in consideration are both light weight high performance v-twins and Boxer will choose the configuration for which they can get the best price. Shown on the photos is the SSR with the Voxan V2 997cc engine.

 Boxer is planning a limited 300 hand built units of this very unusual 2 for 1 concept. We are used to “2 for 1” in the supermarkets, but not yet from the motorcycle dealers. We have been told it only takes one hour to transform the SSR Roadster into a fire breathing superbike. The kit includes one small front fairing, two side panels (fairing), different cowling and handlebars. What you get on both bikes are Marchesini wheels to fit a 120/70-17 front tyre and a 190/50-17 rear tyre with sticky Michelin rubber. SSR has also got Brembo gold series radial callipers and top spec suspension front and back. Our source tells us the suspension will be Ohlins even though it is not obvious from the photos. You have probably noticed that the sportsbike and the roadster have got different colour Marchesini wheels and suspension. This is just for the photos and will naturally be in just the one colour on the finished product. Let’s hope its gold then.  Now this will interest you, both oil and the battery is in the swingarm! Look closely at the photo of the swingarm near the mono shock and you will see where the battery is placed. This is innovation and that is what Boxer is all about. 

Claimed dry weight is less than 180kg and the fuel tank is of 18 litres with a 7 litre airbox up front fed by direct air induction. The exhaust is a 2-2 configuration of 6 litres each for homologation purposes. And those megaphones sticking up from each side of the bike makes the SSR look very special. Price is expected to be around 14-15.000 Euros.

Words: Tor Sagen Photo: Boxer

 Please keep those e-mails coming in with feedback, stuff you think we could/should use and suggestions. E-mail If it is really good we will reward you with the Raptors & Rockets DVD.

BMW F800S

This new BMW has got a new parallel twin engine tuned for sports riding and handling. BMW has re-invented Yamaha's TRX basically and put ABS brakes on it. The engine is a Rotax affair. The Austrian engine builder also builds engines for Aprilia. The threesome of BMW, Aprilia and Rotax are also business partners. The claimed figures are: 80bhp, 190kg and belt final drive. The bike will be launched in Milan in just over a month. TS

The Birmingham 2005 link has just been updated with some courageous lines from the Carole Nash exhibition at the NEC. Also see Chevy Bike, Two Bad, Phenom from Zeel Design and a 330 section tyre from Avon. It's a sight for sore eyes so click in and check them out! TS

Derbi's Spanish official at the Birmingham show told us that a production ready version of the Mulhacen 659 will be shown for the first time in Milan 15 November. She also told us she thought Yamaha's MT-03 was a copycat of the Mulhacen that was first shown to the public in June this year. The model shown here is the production ready version, but Derbi might make a few changes still. Yamaha MT-03 might be a copy of the Mulhacen, but they both use the same Yamaha 660cc engine. We don't really think they are that similar in the looks department though. Derbi Mulhacen is another 2006 Scrambler and Triumph, Voxan, Yamaha and CCM have all jumped to catch the wave of fun and "surfer" lifestyle in 2006.

Moto Morini has announced the 9 1/2 a while ago, but in Milan they will show a production ready version of the1200cc V87.  Moto Morini has done something that is quite original in the Italian motorcycle industry and used a engine that neither Ducati, Rotax or Suzuki has produced. They have made the engines themselves. Hurrah to Moto Morini, this is fresh. The 9 1/2 uses an unusual 87 degree angel between the cylinders and the output is a claimed 105bhp @ 9000rpm. We can't wait to get our hands on these machines as they represent something new in V-twin technology. Notice the big silencer placed high up on the left side and the mono shock mounted on the right side of the swingarm. TS

Valentino Rossi is MotoGP champion, Troy Corser is World Superbike champion, Paris show is over and the bulk of new 2006 motorcycles has now been officially launched. What is left to look forward to this autumn and winter then? Well, first of all, one of the greatest venues for motorcycle roadracing is Philip Island in Australia coming up this weekend. One of the men to follow is Chris Vermeulen on his first encounter on the Honda RCV and can the Ducati boys exploit their high speed Desmosedici's on the very fast PI circuit? Rossi has always been strong at the Island and he seems to ride just as fast with or without pressure.

New bikes and missing details on some of the hottest new machines will be revealed during the next ten days. We are expecting the unexpected from the Tokyo Motor Show that opens for the press 19 October. Suzuki has its six-cylinder Stratosphere and we believe a big bore GSR is on the cards as well. Kawasaki needs a new big bore two cylinder engine for its KLV1000 to replace the Suzuki V-twin. We believe a big bore version of the parallel twin in ER-6n would fit the bill perfectly. Kawasaki has also developed its first big-bore 4 stroke motocrosser in the KX450F. There has been some rumours about a supermono or maybe even a supermotard based on the new 4 stroke single.  Yamaha has already launched so many new exciting models so we do not expect more groundbreaking stuff from the 50th anniversary jubilant this year. Honda seems to be satisfied as well, but has a few concept models and Japan only models such as the CB400SS. Ducati is expected to launch their two new Monsters, S2R 1000DS and S4R S as well as an ABS version of ST3 called ST3 S and a mystery model in Milan. Ducati is also present in Tokyo next week and the Ducati press conference is the last of them all 19 October. Ducati Sport Classics have been launched to the press recently. BMW will launch their F800S in Milan but have announced that a brand new never-before-seen model will be premiered in Birmingham at the International Motorcycle Show 27 October. Could it be the R1200S with single sided swing arm and a Ducati 999 like breadbox underseat exhaust? KTM will also reveal their 2006 line-up in Milan. We expect a new Adventure with the 990cc engine to battle off the new BMW HP2 threat and a 950 Super Enduro. Maybe even a RC8 based model. Stay tuned here at Raptors & Rockets and follow those links for the shows as things will start happen 19 October when Tokyo Motor Show starts. If you have images of any of these new bikes send them in. It will be rewarded with the Raptors & Rockets DVD. TS

We took the 8 biggest bikes in the world and compared the raw data to find the absolute heavyweight champion of the world. Of  8 possible points the one with the least points won the comparison. We have based the comparison on six criteria: Biggest cc, biggest torque, biggest power, biggest piston, biggest rear tyre and weight. All claimed numbers so don't go and take this too seriously!

The 8 contestants for the throne are: Yamaha XV1900 Midnight Star, Suzuki Intruder M1800R, Victory Jackpot, Honda VTX1800, Kawasaki VN2000, Harley-Davidson Screamin' Eagle Fat Boy, Honda NRX1800 Rune and Triumph Rocket III.

Biggest cc:

1. Rocket III: 2294cc

2. VN2000: 2053cc

3. XV1900: 1854cc

4. NRX1800: 1832cc

5. VTX1800: 1795cc

6. M1800R: 1793cc

7. Fat Boy CVO: 1690cc

8. Jackpot: 1634cc

Biggest torque:

1. Rocket III: 200Nm

2. VN2000: 177Nm

3. M1800R: NA

4. XV1900: 168Nm

5. NRX1800: 167Nm

6. VTX1800: 156Nm

7. Fat Boy CVO: 130Nm

8. Jackpot: NA

Biggest power:

1. Rocket III: 140bhp

2. NRX1800: 108bhp

3. VTX1800: 106bhp

4. VN2000: 103bhp

5. XV1900: 100bhp

6. M1800R: NA

7. Jackpot: 85bhp

8. Fat Boy CVO: NA

Biggest piston:

1. M1800R: 112mm

2. VN2000: 103mm

3. Rocket III: 101mm

3. VTX1800:101mm

3. Jackpot: 101mm

4. XV1900:100mm

5. Fat Boy: 98mm

6. NRX1800: 74mm

Biggest rear tyre:

1. Jackpot: 250

2. Rocket III: 240

2. M1800R: 240

3. Fat Boy CVO: 200

3. VN2000: 200

4. XV1900: 190

5. VTX1800: 180

5. NRX1800: 180

Biggest weight:

1. VN2000: 340kg

2. NRX1800: 330kg

3. Rocket III: 320kg

3. XV1900: 320kg

3. VTX1800: 320kg

4. Fat Boy CVO: 318kg

5. M1800R: 315kg

6. Jackpot: 298kg

1.Triumph Rocket III - 11

2.Kawasaki VN2000 - 14

3.Yamaha XV1900/Suzuki M1800R - 23

4.Honda NRX1800/Honda VTX1800 - 25

5.Harley-Davidson Fat Boy CVO/Victory Jackpot  - 33

Boss Hoss makes the biggest bikes in the world, but still is in a different league as it is not mass produced like the 8 we have compared. Besides it uses a Chevy car engine, not a motorcycle engine. Still here are the specs just for fun.

8200cc, V8, 502bhp, 567Nm, 594Kg with a 230 rear tyre.

Triumph is exploring new platforms for its mega triple 2.3 litre powerhouse. At Triumph's press conference in Paris the fact that the big triple has got one of the strongest and most powerful engines was downplayed a bit when the new Rocket III Classic was launched. Rocket III Classic has got new comfy footboards, new seat with emphasis on touring, new handlebars stretched more towards the rider and two tone paint. But still 140bhp and 200Nm. Dry weight 320kg. The triple engine is the worlds largest mass produced engine and one of very few lengthwise mounted engines as well. Another a bit more obscure manufacturer with a lengthwise mounted engine is Swedish Wiking. The bike might not have appeared much in the media since the late 90's, but as far as we know they are still open for business. The Wiking motorcycle is a cruiser with classic Indian inspired looks with a rather large bulky looking in-line-four mounted lengthwise just as the Rocket III. Wiking has a 1.845cc (85.7x80) engine of 45bhp and 127Nm. Wiking claims it weighs 320kg ready to ride.    

More on the worlds biggest bikes all in one place next. TS

KTM will launch their hottest new bikes in Milan in November. We expect those to include the 950 Super Enduro, Adventure 990, Super Duke RR and Titanium. We also believe there to be a Duke III on its way since KTM has just launched a photo of a final edition Duke II with orange wheels. The 640 Adventure gets some decal changes and not much more. The Adventure 990 looks to be the big new bike unless KTM now will keep their 2006 promise regarding the RC8 concept bikes. We will soon know. TS

It is unlikely Kawasaki will reveal any performance figures on their new hyper tourer until next year. This could mean there is still work to be done before mass production starts. 192bhp has been the figure that most of us has believed in. Now if that was the truth why has not Kawasaki told us? There would be no competition and the new Kawasaki would boast in top speed glory. Or does Kawasaki know something that we don't? Has Honda really got that V5 Blackbird just around the corner? Is there a 2007 Suzuki Hayabusa ready to smash Kawasaki's claim to the fastest production bike already next year? And is Yamaha ready to put some M1 technology into a brand new hyper tourer? Time will show but that 200bhp figure seems to come closer and closer, but will Kawasaki be the first? TS

We have just updated Raptorama and the blog with some new images of Ducati's baby Multistrada. There will be more as the days go by.

Bikebabes from Paris show now out!

I have now updated the Bikebabe link with loads of  bikebabes on new metal! We have more news on future bikes as well which will be posted here as soon as the dust lays.

Hello folks, just in from Paris, I am in the press room downloading photos right now. I can promise you this is a very busy place right now with bikes being fork-lifted in all over the place. I am back in the press room after photographing all the new bikes this morning. Honda CBF1000, Kawasaki ZX10-R, more Suzuki GSX-R photos, Yamaha MT0S etc. The power has been up and down here, but we hope we will be able to update through the whole day. Tor

Continues here