Older news 4, May-August 2006

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After Honda launched it's new ultra conservative CBF 1000 with Fireblade engine and Yamaha upgraded its FZ1 with a later generation R1 engine the pressure is on for Suzuki to do something exciting with its widely acclaimed monster engine GSX-R 1000. Kawasaki has stayed ahead the last few years with its all out streetfighter Z1000. The Z1000 features a large version of the old ZX9-R engine and has ever so slightly become outdated this year. More on a ZX10-R based Z1000 soon. Previously we have reported on the expected Z1400 and GTR1400 from Kawasaki (scroll down). We believe Suzuki has big plans for its GSR, soon to be, range and despite the GSR 600 having teething problems with fuel injection issues its a cracking motorcycle (read the test and watch video's). But nowhere near as cracking a motorcycle a GSR 1000 could be. Even with quite a heavy detune Suzuki could easily feature 150bhp and a monstrous torque curve in a GSR 1000. With the GSX-R 1000 only weighing in at a claimed 166gk dry we are hoping Suzuki would keep it that way in a naked version. Assuming Suzuki has learnt from the mistake of changing to cheaper fuel injection on the GSR 600 the GSR 1000 should be pretty perfect out of the box. With top suspension and radial brakes from the GSX-R there shouldn't be much stopping this concept. As much as I love Italian motorcycles, the GSR 1000 is a mouth watering concept and there would be no need to re-mortgage your house to get one as the GSX-R 1000 already is the best and cheapest superbike. GSR 1000 would cost even less. Check out our GSR 1200 and 1800 concepts below and let us know your views on the GSR's. Which one would you buy? GSR 600 or A possible: GSR 750, GSR 1000, GSR 1200 (GSF engine), GSR 1300 (B-king Busa engine) or GSR 1800 (M1800R/M109 engine).  By: TS/CG: Hugo van Waaijen  

It was time for some great action on the Corkscrew at Laguna Seca again. In the lead up to the race the boys was allowed to play on the Hollywood boulevard leaving blackies to show who's in town. Who cares about leaving a star on the tarmac when you can leave some good old rubber instead? Colin Edwards, Sete Gibernau, Nicky Hayden, John Hopkins, Shinya Nakano and Loris Capirossi all enjoyed some American culture including Superman and Cowboys. We all know that Colin Edwards is a real cowboy from Texas so only suitable for him to smoke that R6 rear tyre. Shinya Nakano forgot he was on the ZX-10R and tried to push start it. Nicky Hayden was wondering how come John Hopkins is so cool when he is the one dancing the gangsta dance on Sunday. The rumour went that Randy Mamola actually took Superman from Krypton as his pillion on the Ducati Desmosedici two-seater, but they went faster than the speed of light. Casey Stoner looked happy even after contemplating why Rossi is scared Jeremy Burgess could be Stoners new "daddy" in the paddock. It's all good fun, and it was one hell of a race. Rizla Suzuki rider Chris Vermeulen grabbed pole position but Nicky Hayden caught up during the race and won again at Laguna.

Results here   Coming next: Kawasaki's first new official 2007 model right here Tuesday July 25th.

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2007 ZX-6R: Super Ninja 599cc confirmed, 636 binned just like we told you earlier this year. More soon.

2007 Z1000: ZX-10R engine confirmed, aluminium frame confirmed, slightly higher but still 4-2-4 exhaust and a slight redesign.

1st story pretty much spot on   Hot new middleweights   2007 Triumph Daytona 675

Send your images to Spy-shot central

Coming next: Kawasaki's first new official 2007 model right here Tuesday July 25th.

After a whole range of new Harley-Davidson models and updates it is a bit of a anti-climax to read about the '07 Buell news. Two new colours on the Firebolt, one new colour and see-through air box cover (as on the CityX) on the Lightning and lower and redesigned seat on the XB12X Ulysses. The Uly also gets revised fork settings. TS

Coming next: Kawasaki's first new official 2007 model right here Tuesday July 25th. Victory 2007 models August 02

All the important new 2007 models will be added here. More pictures added 18/07.

None of them is a 883 Scrambler, but it would have been fun! The new Night Rod Special and V-Rod drag bike limited edition VRSCX adds to the Revolution range. Softail Custom, Dyna Super Glide Custom, All XL Sportsters and the new Fat Boy brings Harley-Davidson one step closer to other modern cruisers with EFI, big bore 96 c.i. (1584cc) engine and 6-speed gear box. CG by Robert O'Brien

Harley-Davidson Street Bob     Victory 2007 models August 02

Along with a revamped CB600F Hornet, Honda is expected to dump the old CBR engine in the CB900F and bring out a heftier version of the CBF1000 engine for a brand new CB1000F Hornet. Styling will be more adventurous than the CBF hopefully. A CBF1000 engine means the latest generation Fireblade genes, but with much more than 100bhp this time. To bring it up to the level of the competition from Yamaha FZ1 and Kawasaki Z1000 it needs more than 130bhp. Our best guesses is a max power output of around the 140bhp mark. We also believe that the bike will get a very similar chassis to the CBR1000RR to really make an impact on the big nakeds market. Honda has got the CBF1000 for the sensible types so no problem to make the big Hornet both powerful and sporty. TS/CG by Luc1

Even more spy shots has emerged of the KTM 690 SM and our secret source sent us these shots from a recent test in Hungary. Notice the double high mounted exhaust from the expected 2007 Adventure model. Because KTM will also launch a brand new 690 Adventure later this year and this exhaust was most likely designed for that model to enable it to race across rivers without water entering. It looks cool on the 690 SM too. On the pictures there are two versions, one black and one silver finished. No one makes Supermoto look as new and fresh as KTM, apart from the Aprilia SXVs and Ducati Hypermotard perhaps. Between 60-65bhp should not be far off on the power figure for the big single. As to the 690 Duke III it is rumoured to feature under belly exhaust rather than the high slung Enduro/competition version on the 690 SM. We expect real studio images and some more details from KTM soon. TS

We have already told you about the new 690cc engine that will replace the current LC4 640. After this weekends dealer convention in Mattighofen it has now been confirmed. See the pictures of a wild new 690 SM supermoto with new diamond shaped front headlight and decals that takes clues from the 950 Super Enduro. The styling is very sharp and aggressive. Perfect for a top end supermotard. Up front KTM has added a single huge wavy disc. The other new bike that was presented in Austria was a redesigned 990 Superduke. The 2007 model gets radial mounted brake callipers, new instruments, slightly redesigned front cowling and a bigger fuel tank. KTM also showed a mad looking Drag racer with 990 Superduke front. We suspect that this drag racer has very little in common with the Superduke though. Perhaps there is a big thumping Victory V-twin in it? No sign of the 690 Duke III yet. See further down on the page for our 690 Duke III impression which is pretty damned good! Tor Sagen. Send your spy shots to this address.

KTM RC8 video   KTM 950 SM video   KTM Adventure 990 video   KTM Superduke video   KTM Duke II video

BMW is continuing its strategy of launching models spread out through the year. With the new R 1200 R comes a very special option for a road bike-traction control. BMW calls it ASC (Automatic Stability Control). For the traction control to work you also need the ABS option at 1000 Euro extra. Traction control and ABS could make this bike the safest wet weather and winter bike ever. The R 1200 R is an evolution of the old R 1150 R (as featured in the latest Hollywood blockbuster Ultraviolet with Milla Jovovich) much in the same way as every other big BMW Boxer, R1200GS, R1200S and so on. The new engine has received a mixture of performance that has placed it in between the GS and R1200S models. BMW claims 109bhp @ 7.500rpm and 115Nm @ 6.000rpm. That is enough power to make the R 1200 R Roadster stand up vertically on its Paralever EVO wherever you want it to. Unless the traction control is switched on that is... A brand new ABS system has also been launched. The claimed dry weight is the same, fairly lightweight for a 1170cc Boxer, 198kg as the R 1200 GS. We have already tested the bike in Germany. Read the worlds first impressions here and in the blog. Video BMW R 1200 R  Upd. 10/07. By TS/Pictures: BMW  

Next: test of the new R 1200 R, R 1200 GS Adventure, Suzuki GSX-R 600 & 750 and Honda CBR 1000RR Fireblade

News: 2007 Honda CB1000F Hornet

The sporty naked middleweight segment looks to become more exciting than ever next year. Just check out this list of anticipated new models: Honda CB600F Hornet, BMW F800R, Aprilia RS or Tuono 750, KTM 690 Duke III, Kawasaki Z750, Suzuki SV 650-700, Ducati Hypermotard 695, Cagiva Raptor update and more. Then look at the next level of naked 1000's with new Kawasaki Z1000, Ducati Hypermotard, Suzuki GSR 1000 and a possible Honda CB1000F Hornet. And the revolution in V-twins will bring loads of new big bore torque machines, KTM Venom 1150, Ducati Monster and Multistrada 1200, new Aprilia 1200, new big Suzuki SV, Honda Firestorm not to mention Yamaha's new V4 V-max and twin MT-02. It looks like we will be spoilt for choice not only in the middleweight segment but also with big all-rounder's. To the point of this piece it is expected that Yamaha will show us a brand new FZ6 and FZ6S at the Intermot in October. Read the whole piece here. Tor Sagen/CGs: Luc1 and Robert O'Brien

Yamaha R6 video    Triumph Daytona 675 video     Triumph Speed Triple video     Suzuki GSR 600 video    

Next: Everything you want to know about the new 109bhp BMW R 1200 R including the official pictures, technical data etc. Goodwood Festival of Speed   Biker babes dressed for summer

Ducati has started to do some really serious R&D ahead of the 2007 model year. Ducati are in desperate need to gain ground on the world markets again after several years with shrinking sales particularly in Europe and at home in Italy. The Ferrari of bikes has been the 999, but next year Ducati will have a completely new animal to knock out any other protagonist to that particular throne with the Desmosedici RR. But more importantly, Ducati has developed a big bore L-twin that will find its way into all the range topping models for us less privileged people. The talk goes that the new 1200 will find its way into both the Multistrada and Monster ranges. We admit to being delighted about the news that a big engine will find its way into the 999 replacement as well, but really it's in a Monster and Multistrada that this engine can let that anticipated brutal torque curve loose on the roads. Ducatis with the trademark dry-clutch set up tends to be a bit grabby in the early gears. According to our sources Ducati might have a wet clutch in the new 1200cc engine. If it really is true that Ducati has developed both an air-cooled 2-valved 1200 and a liquid cooled 1088-1188 superbike we think we could be up for a treat. Everyone is either on holiday or on 4,5 hour long lunch breaks on the beach or watching the World Cup finals in Italy so we have no official comments yet. But as soon as we know more we will let you know first. TS/CG: Luc1

Multistrada video     Bimota DB6 Delirio video     KTM 950 SM video     Kawasaki Z1000 video     MV Agusta Brutale 910 S video   KTM 990 Adventure video     Benelli TNT video     Honda FMX 650 video

Yamaha has just announced its first official 2007 model in the brand new XVS 1300. The V60 liquid cooled engine is brand new and extends on the current range that includes the XV 650, 1100 and 1900. The Yamaha styling department has been inspired by the US custom bike and car scene from the 1930's. The fuel injected V-twin engine is of a big bore (100mm) and short-stroke (83mm) configuration for good power and torque. An all new for a Yamaha cruiser is the roller rocker arm that actuates the inlet and exhaust valves for improved power delivery. Yamaha has only used this system on its XT models previously. Yamaha claims this gives a stronger pulse sensation and better engine performance at lower revs. The chassis is all new for this bike too. The XVS will be available in red, silver and black from December this year. Tech details: Power: 73Hp @5.500rpm, Torque: 106Nm @4.000rpm, Tyres: 130/90-16 and 170/70-16, Seat height: 715mm, Dry weight: 283kg and fuel tank capacity: 18,5L. TS

NEXT: 2007 Honda CB600F Hornet & one big crash with BMW R1200GS Adventure

The resilient American Camel Yamaha rider clocked the fastest time on the new Assen circuit in Holland during the free practise. It is also worth mentioning that another American is back to form on the Team Roberts V5. Kenny Roberts Jr was fourth fastest, but by the Saturday race all will change depending on the weather in Holland. Results and pictures from Assen will be posted here.

Good news for fans of the new Triumph Daytona 675 triple. It has been an instant success for Triumph and the bike is pretty much on backorder worldwide", Trevor Barton from Product development states. Barton also told us that Triumph will build more than 7500 675s for the 2007 model year. That’s a staggering 17% of the overall production of Triumph motorcycles at Hinckley. No doubt the 675 has been a big hit! Expect one or two new colours, like the Jet black pictured, and not much else on the 2007 Daytona 675 Triple. Read more here

675 video     ST 1050 video     Speed Triple video     Rocket III video     Rocket III Classic     Scrambler

Next: Honda VTR1200F Firestorm...

Villeneueve's BMW K1200R

What’s the favourite past time activity for a Formula 1 driver? It can’t be sitting in a box by the looks of it. BMW Sauber F1 driver Jaques Villeneueve took possession of his new K1200R after the Monaco GP. Perhaps Villeneueve would have won the race as well if he had been allowed to race the 163bhp K1200R in stead of his Formula 1 car-or maybe not. Villeneueve stated that he is very impressed by the shear power and lightness of the bike. TS

K1200R test     K1200R video     F800S video     R1200S video     HP2 Enduro video

2007 Honda CBR600RR

It never comes as a bomb-shell when one of the 600 supersport machines gets updates and improvements to make them more capable on the roadracing track. However both Yamaha R6 and Suzuki GSX-R 600 got some serious and radical changes in 2006. Not that we would ever think that Honda would go as radical as the R6 with Fly by wire and a complete redesign. But now that both Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha feature a slipper clutch as standard this is the first thing Honda will change on the 07 600RR. Read more here including the 2007 Kawasaki ZX-6R

Next, more about Triumph (loads more), 2007 Honda Firestorm, 2007 Yamaha FZ6, 2007 Honda Hornet 6, Harley-Davidson XL883 Scrambler, Buell XBxxRR and much more...

Follow how our GSX-R600 fares on the test route day by day right here and read the verdict here at the end of the test. If you scroll down you'll find the rides on both Yamaha R6 and Triumph Daytona 675 too. Send your comments on the K6 GSX-R 600 and 750 here. TS

2006 Suzuki GSX-R600                    2006 Yamaha YZF R6                    2006 Triumph Daytona 675               2005 Suzuki GSX-R600

Gorgeous! Desmosedici RR is mental and thank you Ducati for releasing such a beast! 989cc V4 with quadruple 12 point fuel injection, same radial Brembo front calliper as the MotoGP bike GP6 on wets, forged magnesium wheels, only the very best in suspension and chassis components, dry slipper clutch, full carbon fibre body and Euro bloody 3 ready. The Desmo RR will also get a brand new multifunction instrument panel that is destined for next years 800cc GP7! The big question is whether Ducati has managed to make the D16RR more powerful than Kawasaki's ZZR1400 with normal exhaust and catalytic converter. The claimed 200Bhp+ figure is only with the race exhaust and no catalytic converter. Alan Jenkins is the man behind the aerodynamics on the Desmo RR. He is not very Italian so Brits can be proud to know that the top of the top Italian exotica has been designed by a Brit. Pure aerodynamic designs has never been very pretty to look at in the past. Just look at the horrible Kawasaki ZZR1400 from the rear or the sides. Ducati has with the RR proven that you can get a very clean and sexy package to go faster than anything else. If you have means to buy one of these you will benefit from three year warranty with a three years scheduled maintenance package included in the price. The price is more than £30.000 and only 400 will be made each year. A true flag-ship model in other words. 999R owners can put their orders in now at your local Ducati dealer. I'd give up women for a year for one of these babies! TS

“The Desmosedici RR is a true Grand Prix replica,” commented Claudio Domenicali. “The technological level of this bike is extraordinarily high and for the first time ever all the authentic performance and technology of the ultimate MotoGP racing machine have been transferred to a road-going motorcycle. Over 200 hp of power for a bike that features exclusive components and quality materials, destined to become the new point of reference for production motorcycles. There couldn’t have been a better place than Mugello for the unveiling of this new bike and who better to take the wraps off it than Loris, Sete and Vittoriano, because this bike is also their bike and all of their experience has gone into developing this road-going motorcycle.”

It's time to tell you how another piece of kit in use has faired during the last six months. The Scott SRE's has quickly become one of my favourite pieces of kit this spring/summer. They have been launched as supermoto/MX gloves but I have used them for their great comfort, fit and feel on loads of different motorcycles. Cruisers, streetfighters, supermotard and offroad. On a warm day nothing beats the SRE's as they breath really well being made for SM/MX at the same time as they have more protection than any other comparable pair of gloves. I have not tried yet, but these gloves has been made to cope with a wipe-out on hard tarmac better than a traditional MX glove. Hard ventilated knuckle protection and hard protection on the side where your hand is most likely to hit the tarmac particularly when on a supermotard. The neoprene construction is reinforced with leather in the palm and thumb. I have got to say that kit that are good enough for supermoto racing is good enough for street riding too. When that is said it also has to be said that these gloves are not made of all leather and there is nothing much protecting your fingers. For track days at anything but the go-cart circuit a proper set of leather gloves is recommended. But for daily commutes into town, cruising and leisure riding below 100mph these are my favourites. The Scott SRE gloves retails @ £39.95 in the UK. Alternatives: Alpinestars Octane that we also use. More on those and other products here. TS  

NEXT: Ducati D16RR launch at Mugello, 2007 Suzuki GSX-R 1000, 2007 Honda CBR600RR, Triumph Rocket III Classic test, Suzuki GSX-R600 and 750 road tests. Two weeks of Adventure coming too involving BMW R1200GS Adventure and Buell XB12 Ulysses.

After Ducati CEO Federico Minoli announced in his blog that Ducati will manufacture the Hypermotard it is believed that the HM models will become a range just like the Multistrada. For it to become a range at least two models should be on offer. Ducati introduced the Multistrada 620 shortly after the 1000DS powered one. So we believe Ducati will do the same with the Hypermotard and no one will be surprised when the HM 695 is launched. Expect a slightly lower spec HM where we have added conventional mirrors and bar ends as well as the classic Ducati yellow paint. Perhaps a 695 will get conventional swingarm as well as more budget brakes, but time will show. Since the smallest Monster received the brand new Euro 3 695cc L-twin it will be no surprise that also the smallest Multi will receive this engine. Ducati will show their 2007 range at the EICMA 2006 in Milan later this year. The D16RR, Multistrada 695 and 1148-1200 will be the stars of that show whilst a small Hypermotard is something for next year. It makes sense as Ducati would then have a highly competitive street-motard to compete with all the 650cc singles. And in that competition a multi cylinder bike should fair well as a road bike. TS/HM 695 CG: Robert O'Brien     Video Ducati Multistrada   Video KTM 950 SM

Last week the new Norge 1200 was presented in Mandello del Lario in the Italian Alps. Below is a link to the Raptors & Rockets video from the launch including a demo of how the new electronic windshield works. All in all four different versions will be available: Norge 1200 T, TL, GT and GTL with various accessories fitted as standard. TS

Video Norge 1200     Walk around Norge 1200     Video Griso 850     Moto Guzzi     tests of all the new Guzzi's

In our recent interview with Dr. Herbert Diess, the Director of BMW Motorrad, he makes it very clear that BMW is not working on a MotoGP prototype. Picture of Dr. Diess courtesy of BMW. Other pictures are used for illustration purposes only. Here are some extracts from that interview: Dr. Diess on 800cc MotoGP prototype: There will definitely be no MotoGP prototype – that is MCN speculation without any basis in fact. And: BMW Motorrad is not developing any MotoGP prototypes. BMW further emphasises that the bike shown in various magazines on racetracks are purely a "technology bearer" to test new BMW features under extreme riding conditions. Read more here.

BMW F800S video   BMW F800ST video   BMW R1200S video   BMW HP2 Enduro   BMW K1200R   Tests 

Next: Ducati Desmosedici RR, Ducati Hypermotard 695, Moto Guzzi Norge 1200 GT latest pictures and new video, 2007 Suzuki GSX-R 1000, Kawasaki ZX6-R and Honda CBR 600RR. Triumph Rocket III Classic test, Suzuki GSX-R600 and GSX-R750 tests. WSB Silverstone and MotoGP Mugello.

Video Bimota DB5R     DB5 Mille     DB6 Delirio     Test DB6 Delirio & DB5

KTM has been testing a brand new single cylinder engine recently to replace the LC4. The latest sighting was at the rally of Sardinia. Some speculation talks about a new name of the engine as well, SC4. The new engine is a single cylinder of 690cc and it is believed that KTM will use this new Euro 3 homologated engine in both the Duke II FE replacement, Adventure and Supermoto 690. So more cubes, but not necessarily too much more power. Expect a similar step as with the Adventure 950-990. KTM is no stranger to fresh and fruity design so a few design changes is due for 2007 reflected in our artists impression. Also notice the left hand drive and trellis frame that has been spotted on the rally bikes. TS/CG by: Robert O'Brien

KTM RC8 video   KTM 950 SM video   KTM Adventure 990 video   KTM Superduke video   KTM Duke II video

Le Mans in France is a track where Yamaha traditionally have been very strong. But still on the front row on the Grid there are all sort of different machines. Dani Pedrosa continues his crusade towards a potential championship already in his first season on the big Honda V5. Shinya Nakano qualified second on the underrated Kawasaki and John Hopkins is third on a steadily improving Suzuki RGV. No one can tell the outcome of this one! Results are here now. TS

19/05/06. During the day there will be a big update from the latest trip to Italy. Moto Guzzi launched four versions of Norge 1200; T, TL, GT and GTL whilst Bimota offered a unbelievably funny bike to ride in the DB6. Bimota also launched the new DB5R to the press. Pictures, videos and info coming later. Raptorama  Moto Guzzi TS

Aprilia RS 750-Aprilia attacks the middleweight segment

Aprilia boss Leo Mercanti recently stated that Aprilia will not make a CBR/ZX/R6/GSX-R middleweight. Instead Aprilia will purpose-build a middleweight from scratch much in the same way as BMW did with F800S. Aprilia will continue spending the 100 million Euro investments in developing new models with in-house engineered engines. Right now Aprilia has got a new 750 cc engine on the test bench at the Noale factory. These are endurance tests and as soon as these tests are completed satisfactory the engine is ready to be put into a brand new lightweight chassis that will be equally ground braking as the new engine. Mercanti has also stated in one of the many Aprilia press conferences this year that Aprilia will not only build V-twin engines. Aprilia will build everything from singles, twins, triples to fours (V4). We believe that the new 750 will be a triple to make it stand out in the fairly bland world of middleweights. BMW chose parallel twin and modern design to make the brilliant F800S stand out. With a 750cc triple Aprilia hopes to do the same and the new RS 750 will be a rider’s bike that can do anything reasonably well. Knowing Aprilia’s racing heritage the new 750 will be just as much a sportsbike as a multi purpose tourer with the best chassis, suspension and brake components as standard. As far as power goes it could be anything between 85bhp-110bhp in such a motorcycle. There is also a V-twin developed by Piaggio that can be designed between 750-1000+ cc’s. Apparently both light and powerful. Our Aprilia spokesperson suggested this: “The chassis configuration that the engine (750 & 1200) would use may be of a type that doesn't currently exist, e.g. a superlight 750 multi purpose bike?” Words: Tor Sagen /CG: Robert O’Brien

Bimota are now ready for yet another super exclusive superbike project. Bimota's technical manager works closely with Bimota designer Sergio Robbiano and they both prefer the GSX-R1000 engine to anything else. You might have heard rumours about a Yamaha R1 engine and this is not true. Initially all four Japanese litre bikes was considered, but for months now it has been narrowed down to either the GSX-R 1000 or ZX-10R engines. Hence either Suzuki Bimota 9 or Kawasaki Bimota 6. The last superbike project was the SB8 with TL1000R engine and the bike is still available from Bimota in very small numbers. Right now the new superbike project is standing still whilst negotiations with Suzuki is ongoing. However there is light in the tunnel as Suzuki might agree to supply less than the first demand of 500+ engines. To explain, Suzuki first refused to sell engines unless an order of at least 500 engines was put in. The latest is that Suzuki might agree if the contract involves a lot more of the other parts needed to run the big Gixxer. We assume such as air boxes, fuel injection systems and wiring harness. But one thing is for sure, Bimota would never use a standard chassis! Pictured are the DB5 in action, SB8K and the DB6 Delirio mental naked bike that you will hear all about here next week after the test in Rimini. TS

Rossi looks to be back to his confident self again this weekend in China. At least he tops after the first free qualifying session followed by Loris Capirossi and John Hopkins. More results and pictures here. TS

Next in news to be published today: Outrageous Aprilia RS 750 triple concept. Coming later: Interview with BMW Motorrad's Dr. Diess where he confirms the F's and tells us that the stories you have heard about a BMW 800cc MotoGP prototype are all lies. KTM LC4 690 Adventure/Duke III/Supermoto and much more. TS

Rumours are now talking about a capacity increase of Suzuki's long serving SV 650. Euro 3 is taking its toll and the popular middleweight V-twin is currently only Euro 2 homologated. This effectively means the SV has to change or disappear from Suzuki's model range. It is believed that Suzuki not only will change the SV to comply with the new emission rules but also increase capacity from 650 to 700cc. This will increase power and torque and keep the SV competitive in a new and much more competitive middle weight market. But don't expect too much as the new regulations also makes it difficult for the engine builders to achieve as much power as we have seen in the past. Hence a capacity increase is the easiest way out. Even the 1000 might get some changes and if it involves more cc's and torque we welcome the changes. Welcome 2007! TS/Illustrations: Giannis Ragias & Luc1 Suzuki GSR 600 test     GSR 600 video

Suzuki GSX 1400FE-Hulk bites the dust

Due to just these Euro 3 emission regulations we keep telling you about the GSX 1400 will no longer be sold in Europe from the end of this year. Suzuki has launched a final edition version with dual cone Yoshimura exhaust system and special graphics at the same retail price as before. RIP

Next: Aprilia working on F800S style middleweight with 750cc triple

We now have a picture and we can tell you that Aprilia is working on a new in-house designed 750cc triple engine. It will be the lightest most user friendly Aprilia motorcycle ever... Much more tomorrow. TS

Video of BMW F800S & F800 ST     Test F800S & ST

Right now Aprilia is testing its brand new, in-house developed, 1200cc V-twin engine at the Noale factory. It is actually believed that the new engine is purely built for road use and that the engine will not be used for racing. For World Superbike racing Aprilia is developing a brand new 1000cc V4. But to stay ahead on the roadbike market Aprilia needs a large displacement V-twin to match both Ducati’s imminent 1188R and KTM RC8 1150. So this is the reason we believe also the RSV will benefit from the new engine and eventually the Tuono as well. The current Rotax V60 1000 would not tolerate being enlarged to 1200cc and I see a bye-bye to Rotax on the horizon. Moto Morini and Harley-Davidson were first with a 1200cc performance V-twin in the Corsaro 1200 and V-Rod. The V-twin performance engine seems to be going through a revival period now and 2007 and 2008 will see all these machines hit the roads and racetracks of the world. Aprilia is not developing the new 1200 to be used for racing, so which other new models will receive this engine? Well, first of all the Futura and Caponord has been a bit of a sales flop for Aprilia so to revive these two models they will be the first to receive the new engine along with a softer version of the RSV. From being the top superbike in Aprilia's range the RSV will continue as a sportsbike for the roads where it will find its place somewhere between the Futura 1200 (the new sports tourer might get a new name, but we will go along with Futura for now) and the RS 1000 V4 superbike. Caponord is not a motorcycle Aprilia feels fits to well with its “racy” image and it is heavy and bulky. If Aprilia decides to upgrade it with the new 1200cc V-twin however it would be much more like KTM 990 Adventure than BMW R1200GS. Lighter, more powerful and user friendly. What is important to mention about this new engine is that it is purpose built for the road rather than following strict WSB regulations. Torque will be the most important goal, where RSV 1200R will get the most powerful version of the engine, ETV 1200 would get a version with torque only a big 1200cc V-twin can provide. This story will develop further. By Tor Sagen/CG’s by: Robert O’Brien

R1 in its current shape has been around for three years now. In 2006 it received minor updates and a special edition was launched. All to sell as many R1's as possible in a year Yamaha knew it would be beaten all the time by the big Suzuki GSX-R 1000. The WSB boys recently received a new engine and Nitro Nori is doing better and better in the championship. It is expected that Yamaha will launch a brand new R1 in Germany this autumn and our designers impression reflects the fact that Yamaha does not want the R1 to be a big version of the R6. The 2007 R1 will be a big bike with big performance for big boys. Yamaha has concentrated more on top end power than Suzuki and Honda. Will we finally see a R1 with a proper midrange soon? Or will the 07 R1 feature advanced fly-by-wire throttle such as on the R6, traction control and perhaps even a factory quick shifter now that the FJR has got one? If the R1 gets a quick shifter it will almost certainly still feature a clutch and gear lever though. By: TS/CG by Robert "Robo" O'Brien    K6 GSX-R 1000 video         KTM RC8 1150 video          Raptorama          Stop the press info!

NEXT: Suzuki SV 700?, Aprilia 750 and 1200cc engines on the test bench right now in Noale and great pictures of Troy Bayliss from Monza. Soon we will also tell you about a Scrambler bonanza as virtually every manufacturer is planning one.

I have just arrived back from the world launch of Derbi's first ever large displacement motorcycle in Barcelona. Whilst in Barcelona the Derbi reps told me that in just over a week they will also launch a 125cc version of the Mulhacen. The 125 will get the same cafe' chick Scrambler styling but with one of Derbi's smaller engines. Next big bike from Derbi is believed to be a supermoto with the same 659 engine. Read more about the Mulhacen 659 world launch here. TS

Video Derbi Mulhacen 659     Press video Mulhacen 659     Video Yamaha MT-03    

Video Aprilia Pegaso 650 Strada     Video Triumph Scrambler 900

Ducati is right now testing its brand new 800cc MotoGP challenger for 2007 at Mugello. And who knows, the 1188cc superbike might be circulating as well these days at some track somewhere in the world. Most likely Mugello as well. So what can we expect from the new breed of 800cc MotoGP bikes? They will be featured as triples which looks to be the most popular choice as both Honda and BMW are rumoured to have one. But V4 continues and it is believed that the Ducati GP7 is still a V4. It still says Desmosedici on the fairing sides anyway which means its a Desmo with sixteen valves. The benefit of V4 shrinks with the displacements, but these new MotoGP prototypes will rev to the ceiling and above and this is where a 4 cylinder bike with small pistons really can make a difference. We have not heard of any in-line fours yet, but are expecting to see one now that displacements are down. Honda will most likely use a triple as they produce more torque and can rev almost as high as a four cylinder engine. Honda also benefits from having all the technology needed from the V5. Remove two cylinders from a V5 and you have got yourself a in-line triple. In world superbike rules are changing and here we will see benefits on the road bikes as well in the shape of the next generation of V-twin super torque machines. Ducati is thought to have one ready in 1188cc displacement and here is our artists impression of a 1188R featuring a new front end and a return to single sided swinging arm. Expect huge power and torque and a big smile on Troy Bayliss face. By: TS Pictures: Ducati/Hugo van Waaijen/Oberdan Bezzi     

Here's a link to some action from the Valencia round of WSB     Ducati GT 1000 test     KTM RC8 1150 video

Next: Derbi Mulhacen 659 street scrambler world launch, Bimota 2007, Bimota Delirio DB6 1000 world launch, All the new 2007 sportsbikes (GSX-R1000, Yamaha R1, CBR600RR and ZX-6R), everything about BMW's 800cc projects for 2007, Bridgestone BT002 tyre launch and much more. Latest video added (04/05) Honda FMX 650 with supermoto bonus.

It is the first day of May and we have been planting flowers in the garden, in an old punctured Dunlop D207 rear tyre! Take one old rear tyre, seal one end with something that can hold some soil and stitch it to the tyre. Fill up with soil and plant flowers in the tyre! Other flowery items that might interest you are the Suomy Extreme Flowers and Shark S800 Butterfly helmets. TS

Here are two examples on why you should never ever let a fashion designer anywhere near your bike. An S4RS with elephant skin and a MZ 1000S with jewellery. Hopefully you will never be able to buy one. TS

The young Aussie Chris Vermeulen grabbed pole position in Istanbul on his Rizla Suzuki. It was raining during qualifying in Turkey, but still Vermeulen made the fastest time ahead of Honda Repsol rider Nicky Hayden and the Ducati boys. More here including results.

Spanking new Kawasaki Z1000 and Z750/Z750S video's now published. Z750/750S article published.

The current Kawasaki Z1000 (and Z750) is only EURO 2 homologated. Besides, the Z1000 with the ZX-9R engine and steel frame has now done its three years of duty. We expect Kawasaki to update the Z1000 both with its ZX-10R engine and chassis components. Meaning the 2007 Z1000 will both be lighter and more powerful. The special machine gun exhaust design must stay, its what has made the Z1000 so special. Our designer has redesigned it tastefully. Other new parts would be the brakes from ZX-10R and not much else as the Z1000 looks up-to date even three years after. By TS/CG: Hugo van Waaijen     Video Z1000     Photo gallery Z1000 & Z750

We all speculate a bit now and then. These two V-max based V4's are dream bikes and Luc1 had free hands to create whatever he liked based around Yamaha's new V4 engine. The VMR 1000 sportsbike and the VMN 1400 naked streetfighter was the result. We have literally created a new model series for Yamaha as we thought it would be a shame if the V-max was the only model to benefit from a very powerful V4. We reckon the new V-max could feature a 1400cc engine or larger and the VMN concept reflects this. Notice how the frame has been designed to allow full view of that gorgeous V4 engine. R1 swing arm and six-pot radial callipers from V-max. Also notice our designers impression of how future Yamaha exhausts could look like based on the new FZ1. The VMR 1000 is a scaled down version of the powerful V4 and reflects a vision that these engines might be part of WSB future. Aprilia will build one for 2008 and if this shows to be the way to go there is no reason why Yamaha could not build one too having the V-max technology. On Yamaha's internet V-max survey, as we have mentioned several times before, one of the questions was whether you wanted a 200bhp+ engine in the new V-max. There is no lacking in power from a V4, that is for sure. By Tor Sagen/CG's: Luc1 Let us know what you think of the VMR and VMN concepts.

New BMW F800S & R1200S videos now published. Honda FMX 650 test published

NEXT: 2007 Kawasaki Z1000, will Bimota's next superbike be a SB9 or KB6?, the best pictures from last weekends WSB round in Valencia, MotoGP Istanbul, 2007 Busa, Ducati GT 1000 test, Kawasaki Z750 VS Z750S test, Kawasaki Z1000 test with Z750 cameo,  2006 Benelli's, Derbi Mulhacen 659 world launch, Bimota Delirio world launch and Moto Guzzi Norge 1200 world launch.