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This year it's 10 years since Yamaha launched the 98 R1. The first light supersport with 150 horsepower. To help Yamaha a little with the celebrations, we are currently road testing the 2008 R6. The video below shows a detailed walk around and a short onboard teaser. Enjoy! TS

Recently I spoke with Aprilia about the new 1200cc V-twin that is the next big news from Noale along with the V4 race bike. I got both a 1200cc Shiver and Dorsoduro confirmed by a reliable factory source. It'll be the same motorcycles with the same frames (as this has been developed also with the 1200 in mind from the start) but with the new 1200 V-twin. I am not sure whether Aprilia will launch both models at the same time or just one at a time, but certainly one of them will be a 2009 model. We then had these mock-ups made to illustrate. See all the pix here.  Tor Sagen/CG: Luc1

I am now back from the outskirts of Rome at the Aprilia Dorsoduro launch. The new Aprilia street supermoto is aimed at the true hooligans amongst us and there's no soft approaches to the concept. For that you've got the Shiver. The white version we first saw at the Milan show is destined to become the Factory version. Now Aprilia offers the Dorsoduro in Black, Silver and red first. There'll be an update number 2 soon... Tor Sagen

The long-awaited XR1200 is finally here! We have ridden it in Valencia with pretty much everyone that can walk and talk in the European motorcycle press. We are willing to bet however on the fact that no one have got as cool films as we do including onboard riding, wheelies and burnout (oh so forbidden and frowned upon by our friends at H-D) The Harley-Davidson XR1200 is without doubt the most fun H-D I have ever ridden. That's because it has got XR750 genes and help in the development from people like US legend Scott Parker. H-D emphasises that the XR1200 is a light bike, but the truth is that the XR is a heavy beast compared to its European counterparts from Ducati, BMW, Aprilia and Triumph. That fact however didn't stop the fun one bit. The XR is miles better than the firms own V-rod on European roads and the 1200cc air-cooled V-twin is a beauty. The only thing stopping the XR from delivering Buell horsepower is the fact that the XR air box is about half the size and the exhaust volume less too. But the 90 horsepower that is available in the chassis Harley have built is just suitable. More soon on this landmark Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Tor Sagen

April 8th, Tiznit - Morocco. Yamaha unleashes its comeback into the premium adventure segment with a brand new XT660Z Tenere. I was one of the very first journalists in the world to ride the new XT660Z Tenere in the Southern Atlas mountains. The new Tenere have a lot going for it and it's not just a touring prepared offroad bike. The 2008 Tenere is a true adventure motorcycle and feels just as much at home in the dunes of North Africa as on roads in the Alps. Before I reveal it all in the full test I can certify first hand that the new Tenere is fantastic offroad. Watch our first film from the world launch below. It's a walk around, but we have got plenty of onboard too both off and on road. Tor Sagen

2008 BMW F800GS   KTM 990 Adventure   BMW R1200GS Adventure   Honda Varadero   Derbi Mulhacen 659   BMW HP2 Enduro   Buell XB12X Ulysses   Benelli Tre-K 1130   Triumph Tiger 1050

We have so much more coming from the Barcelona launch of the 2008 Ducati Monster 696. We are starting the coverage with films from the presentation, press conference and the behind the scenes hotel blog. Walk around and some cool onboard action from Barcelona coming next! See them all here. TS

Last week we tested the 2008 Bimota DB6R Delirio as one of the first in the world. Here's the first video from the event showing the Delirio R version in all its glory! TS

See our first video from the Benelli TNT 899 and 899 S launch below. It sounds good, runs well and looks every bit as exotic as the original TNT 1130. It's Italian and we give you a taste of the roads that we rode between Pesaro and Urbania. On the way back we even passed the house Valentino Rossi grew up in outside of Urbino. More soon. TS

We are now testing the 2008 Triumph Speed Triple on UK's best roads. Check the blog and watch these two first videos from the test whilst waiting for the full test. This week we also ride another big triple, the Benelli TNT 899. TS

Ducati have already now ahead of the international launch made an accessorized Monster model that they call Monster 696+. A small fly-screen and a pillion seat cover are included. On March 27th Ducati will show images of all the accessories that will be available for the Monster 696. Check out the dedicated Monster mini site here. Raptors & Rockets will test the new 696 in Barcelona in a very short time. More images of the new Monster 696+ here.

2008 Ducati Monster 696 test   2008 Triumph Street Triple 675 test   2008 Benelli TNT 899 test   Honda CB600F Hornet  2008 Harley-Davidson Nightster   Buell XB12S Lightning   Buell XB12STT SuperTT   Aprilia SL750 Shiver   Suzuki Bandit   BMW R 1200 R

Already now in late March 2008, BMW have released a new 2009 model. The 2009 G650 Xcountry Scrambler model have received a host of updates.

We have just arrived back from Seville and the Monteblanco circuit in Spain. We have ridden the new XB12XT Ulysses on the road and the revised 1125R on the Monteblanco circuit and the local roads. Full reports, videos and much more coming. TS

2008 Buell 1125R Laguna Seca test   2008 Buell 1125R Monteblanco test   2008 Buell XB12XT Ulysses test   2007 Buell XB12X Ulysses test

THE Jeremy McWilliams rode the new RC8 1190 for us at Ascari. Not only is that very special track stunning to ride, it's absolutely stunning to look at through the RC8's cockpit! Especially when former MotoGP ace Jeremy McWilliams is the rider... No one went faster around Ascari that day so please enjoy the Ultimate KTM RC8 1190 launch video with the worlds fastest test rider! It is with the greatest confidence we say that this is the best film you'll ever see from that historic KTM launch. TS

All the babes from Daytona Beach Bike Week are now out! Check out more of this right here!

Daytona Bike Week 2007  

 Daytona Beach  Main Street 2007  Daytona Beach various 2007

Harley-Davidson Ride-in show   Daytona Bike Week babes

Next: Buell 2008 season kick-off event in Seville where we test the new 1125R in Europe for the first time on road and track and also the worlds first test of the new 2008 Buell XB12XT Ulysses.

Watch the ex-MotoGP hero from Belfast rate the 2008 KTM RC8 1190 from the Ascari circuit in Spain. Jezza analyses the RC8. Watch what he had to say below. TS

Jeremy McWilliams and I have now been in Ronda, Spain for the first test of the new KTM RC8 1190 on the Ascari circuit and on the local roads. This is the walk around and first onboard teaser featuring Jeremy McWilliams at the legendary Ascari circuit in the South of Spain. The RC8 is good, very good... Tor Sagen

2008 KTM RC8 1190 launch!   2008 Ducati 1098R test   2008 Buell 1125R test

On February 22nd the RSV4 was unveiled for the first time at the Piaggio group convention in Milan. More than 1.200 Aprilia dealers attended the event. The RSV4 shown in Milan is the race machine and not the production version. The V4 is tilted at 65 degrees and the displacement is 1000 cc. Aprilia further states that it is the most powerful and innovative engine Noale have ever built. It will boast with more than 200 horsepower in race trim. The production version is said to be ready by the end of 2008. In 2009 Aprilia will race this bike in the world superbike championship hoping to finally build on its successes in the 125 and 250 GP classes. The engine uses integral ride-by-wire and we expect a very sophisticated engine management system. See and hear how the roaring V4 sounds like here. Tor Sagen All the pics here. 27 pictures and video!

The build up to the launch of KTM's unproven new superbike project has been unusually long. What started out as a 990cc concept bike have turned into a 1190 real world superbike. Jeremy McWilliams and I ride it exclusively at KTM's international launch in Spain on Monday morning. I have had to pull every string possible to ensure we are both at the right place at the right time. The launch starts out with a half day track session on the famous Ascari circuit before being followed by a road ride. I shall do the first pass on cold tyres at Ascari so that I can compare with the road ride. Then it's all up to McWilliams to get under the skin of the new super twin from KTM. I will make sure there's a onboard camera on the bike as often as possible and get you the first impressions as soon as possible. We guarantee you that we will provide THE test of this exciting new motorcycle. McWilliams broke records on the 2008 Ducati 1098R a month ago. I am dead excited to see what he can do on the RC8 1190 on Monday. Watch this space! Tor Sagen

2008 KTM RC8 1190 launch!   2008 Ducati 1098R test   2008 Buell 1125R test   2008 Bimota DB7 1098, K8 Suzuki GSX-R750 and 2008 MV Agusta F4 R312 1078 coming...

We know very well that a lot of people are particularly excited about the first all new Ducati Monster since 1993! Don't get me wrong, I know that the S4Rs got a different exhaust etc. But the Monster have still looked pretty much the same since it was launched. As a taste of what is coming Ducati redesigned the all new 696 completely at the same time as it did the 999-1098 design transition. The new Monster 696 comes with "custom" side panels that can easily be swapped depending on whether you feel red, black or white that particular morning. I believe you only get one set of panels when you buy one, but as an accessory you can buy the extra panels in the different colours. 80 horsepower from the smallest Ducati air-cooled engine and a dry weight of only 161 kilos should make for a nippy city bike indeed. We will test it on the roads around Barcelona and also in the city itself in early April at the world launch. Main differences from the current Monster 695 are: 7 kilos lighter, new frame and swingarm (with some technology from Stoner's GP7...), 7 more horsepower and 9 more Nm of torque, new Showa 43mm upside down fork where some proper Brembo radial bling is attached to the fork and 1 litre extra fuel capacity (15 litres). Watch this space for the monstrous test soon to come! Check out the below links in the meantime to see some of the vast competition... TS

2008 Ducati Monster 696   2008 Ducati 848   Ducati Hypermotard 1100   2008 Triumph Street Triple 675   2008 Harley-Davidson Nightster   Buell XB12S Lightning   Buell XB12STT SuperTT   Aprilia SL750 Shiver   Honda CB600F Hornet   Suzuki Bandit   BMW R 1200 R

Casey Stoner tests his new white Ducati Monster 696:

Buell have done some detail work on the Ulysses to make it into the perfect adventure tourer. The XB12XT is offered with a lower seat height, less suspension travel and Pirelli Diablo Strada road tyres. Panniers and a top box are also standard so the XT is pretty much touring ready out of the box. We are also happy to see the tall detachable windscreen and heated grips as standard. The front offroad type mudguard have been replaced with a conventional road item. In less than two weeks we will do the first test of the XB12XT Ulysses in Spain. TS

2008 Buell XB12XT Ulysses   2007 Buell XB12X Ulysses   2008 BMW F 800 GS   Triumph Tiger 1050   BMW R 1200 GS Adventure   KTM 990 Adventure   Honda XL1000V Varadero   Benelli Tre-K 1130   Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200

NEXT: KTM RC8 1190 test, Buell XB12XT Ulysses test, Kawasaki 250R Ninja, Ducati Monster 696+++

Whilst Ducati are planning the world launch of the new Monster 696 we have received the pictures of all three colours that will be available. Red, Black and white. The smallest and newest Monster features an air-cooled L-twin with 80 horsepower. TS

In this video you'll get the first onboard look from this new Africa Twin from Germany. We taped cameras both to the front and back of the test bikes and rode on the roads and offroad into the bush and up a mountain. Watch the vid and then check out the big photo galleries in the links. NEW onboard video of the F 650 GS. TS

2008 F 800 GS   2008 F 650 GS   F 800 S & ST  R 1200 GS Adventure   Blog

I have now returned from South Africa after doing a comprehensive first ride on the F 800 GS and yesterday I rode the F 650 GS too. Through the South African countryside we rode the F 800 GS on roads before I opted to do the "black route" which was very challenging for a bike on dual road tyres! But the F 800 GS does work as an offroad bike and with some serious enduro tyres it would leave the R 1200 GS Adventure for dead trail riding. More very soon and plenty of video... TS

2008 F 800 GS   2008 F 650 GS   F 800 S & ST  R 1200 GS Adventure   Blog

Next: Big CO2 investigation. Worlds first ride on the highly anticipated 2008 BMW F 800 GS and F 650 GS from South Africa. 2008 Yamaha R6 roadtest. Worlds first test of the 2008 KTM RC8 1190 superbike with Jezza at Ascari. And something so exclusive that I daren't tell you just yet.

Thousands upon thousands of you have already read the first part of the 2006 Yamaha R6 review since first published in 2006. During those two years we have "forgotten" to add the full review. Until today where the full review and the original video have been added. Now is the right time as the 2008 model is out and we shall soon commence on our roadtest of that latest incarnation of the high tech Yamaha R6. 2008 will also be a good time to pick up a bargain 2006-2007 Yamaha R6. The updated version might not justify getting a new one as the old one is still pretty much cutting edge for less money than the 08. Whilst waiting for the 2008 road test please enjoy the full 2006 review right here. TS

Yamaha R6   Honda CBR600RR   Suzuki GSX-R600   Triumph Daytona 675   Ducati 848   Triumph Street Triple 675   Suzuki GSR600   Honda CB600F Hornet  

Next: Big CO2 investigation. Worlds first ride on the highly anticipated 2008 BMW F 800 GS and F 650 GS from South Africa. 2008 Yamaha R6 roadtest. Worlds first test of the 2008 KTM RC8 1190 superbike with Jezza at Ascari. And something so exclusive that I daren't tell you just yet.

Vectrix launched this, the fastest battery on two wheels, last Autumn. At £39.000 you need to be a well paid Greenpeace fanatic to buy one now, but we like what we see. This is far from a scooter and a step in the right direction. The vitals are; 0 carbon emissions, 124Mph top speed, 80 horsepower, 75ft/lb of torque and one big battery for the electric motor. But don't get your hopes up just yet, the fully charged range is 124 miles...at 25MPH mind. If your constant speed is 75mph your range reduces to only 41 miles. And that fact reduces the Superbike to a inner-city toy for very short commutes to and from work. How many miles you can do at the 124mph top speed I don't know, but the electricity will run out extremely fast. We are hoping to get a ride on both subjects in the picture ASAP. TS

Not exactly Harley-Davidson and the Marlboro man this as we are talking about a book for teenagers. However, on the book cover yours truly appears and one of the not so PC piccies features a Marlboro man indeed. Since Bill Davidson and I appear on the front cover of this third book in the series I have forced myself to read the first two. It's like a "Da Vinci code" for teenagers and a bit insulting if you are intellectual enough. But apparently, Alfred Kropp is the most read teenage hero in the US now next to Harry Potter. For us motorcycle fans I can reveal that the first novel, The Extraordinary adventures of Alfred Kropp, features bad guys on Suzuki Hayabusa's. The third novel (The Thirteenth Skull) with our shots of the Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special naturally features some big bad Night Rod's. For the occasion, I have added the full review and new pictures here. Enjoy! TS

2008 Harley-Davidson FXCV Softail Rocker   2008 Harley-Davidson CVO FLHTCUSE³ Screamin’ Eagle Ultra Classic Electra Glide   2008 Harley-Davidson FXDF Dyna Fat Bob

Next: Worlds first ride on the highly anticipated 2008 BMW F 800 GS and F 650 GS from South Africa. Worlds first test of the 2008 KTM RC8 1190 superbike with Jezza at Ascari. And something so exclusive that I daren't tell you just yet.

Now that we have had the opportunity to test both the 2008 Buell 1125R (Laguna Seca) and 2008 Ducati 1098R (Jerez) there are two super twins left. We are talking about the 2008 KTM RC8 1190 (Ascari) and the 2008 Bimota DB7 1098 (Misano). The wait for the RC8 is very short now and we will ride it both on track and road at the end of this month. For the Bimota DB7 the wait is a little bit longer. In May we will get to test the first production version of the DB7. Currently the only running prototype have been disassembled for production purposes. As with all Bimota's, the DB7 will only get a limited launch. And we'll be there. TS

2008 Ducati 1098R test   2008 Buell 1125R test   2008 KTM RC8 1190 test   2008 Bimota DB7 1098 test

Our man, Ex-MotoGP god Jeremy McWilliams impressed everyone at Jerez when he lapped the brand new Ducati 1098R in the 1:50's on standard tyres. He even did a 1:49.50 in traffic before flying back to Belfast writing his copy. In the below video you can witness two consecutive 1:51's battling it out with Ducati Xerox factory rider Michel Fabrizio. Jezza was on treaded Pirelli's whilst Fabrizio was on slicks. Enjoy!

The small German motorcycle manufacturer MZ have had to concentrate more on its 125 range rather than the 1000cc parallel twin lately. Now MZ have revealed pictures of four new models, the SM 125 Elegance, SM 125 Blizzard and SX 125 Camouflage and SX 125 Copper. More details when we have them. TS

Video MZ SM 125 from our test:

"I went out guns blazing and revving the tits of the poor thing." "I hadn’t gone there thinking about times, but when Michel Fabrizio rolled out on Pirelli slicks and I had treaded Corsa’s and on board camera bolted on, it was time to find out." "I didn’t get a chance to check times on that run but 1.49’s came easily enough when we got the DTC and the suspension nearer to my preferred settings." "To make the bike spin more and cut less I moved from 4 to 2." Jezza said... More here

2008 Ducati 1098R   2008 Buell 1125R   2008 KTM RC8 1190   2008 Ducati 848

Triumph have made some slight improvements to the Sprint ST in 2008. The changes are a new steel fuel tank to enable magnetic tank bags, better headlights and more durable rubber on the foot pegs. That's all Triumph are telling us anyway. TS

Next: Ducati 1098R video-Michel Fabrizio versus Jeremy McWilliams, Moto Guzzi Griso 8V, Moto Morini MM3 not happening, BMW F 800 GS world launch, KTM RC8 1190 world launch, 08 Yamaha R6 roadtest, 08 Triumph Thruxton 900 roadtest and a whole lot more...

For McWill it's all about motorcycles, preferably 200bhp+ ones. We spoke with the great man from Belfast exclusively. After amputating his ring finger, breaking the Femur, both collar bones twice and all the ribs in his body a small crash on snowboard is nothing for this man. Read everything here! TS

2008 Ducati 1098R   2008 Buell 1125R   Jeremy McWilliams

We are going to break all this down for you later with the info etc.

MV Agusta F4 RR 312

2008 Moto Morini 1200 Sport in Padova

2008 Moto Morini Scrambler 1200 in Padova

2008 Aprilia Dorsoduro in Padova

2008 Yamaha prices revealed

Harley-Davidson FLSTBS Softail Cross Bones

Buell XB12XT Ulysses

Every year Vespa riders meet all around the world. This year Cefalu in Sicily is the place to be if you own a vintage or new Vespa. Vespa World club organises the event. For more info visit their website. TS

Yamaha Xmax 250   Honda SH300i

...you've got it in the all new Ducati 1098R due to be launched to the press later in January. Don't be fooled by the name, the 1098R is a full-blooded 1200CC superbike. The displacement is a grown up 1198,4cc. The torque is a claimed 134Nm @ 7750rpm. 180 horsepower in a lightweight 165kg package makes the 1098R the hardest hitting L-twin ever. Nothing less and we have secured a place at the very exclusive Jerez world launch. I would die for a ride on such a motorcycle on a track like Jerez, but this time I'm more excited to see what Jeremy McWilliams can do for us. Jezza was one of the most experienced MotoGP riders as recent as last year on the ill-fated Ilmor. But his past ranges from riding the tits out of Aprilia 250GP bikes to vicious 500cc 2-strokes through to the modern 990's and last year 800GP bikes. McWilliams then went on to development work with Buell and in 2008 he rides for us! Our first mission together will be the very exclusive Ducati 1098R launch. Watch this spot! Tor Sagen

2008 Ducati 1098R   2008 Ducati 848   2008 Buell 1125R   2008 KTM RC8 1190   Suzuki GSX-R 1000   Yamaha R1

The wait for the F 800 GS and F 650 GS is getting shorter and shorter. We ride the both of them in less than a month. Now BMW have revealed how much of your hard earned you will have to part with to get one. The F 800 GS is: 9.640 Euro and the F 650 GS 7.800 Euro. The F 650 GS is sailing up to become almost a BMW bargain at that price only 900 Euro more expensive than the G 650 Xcountry (2008 price: 6.900 Euro) with 150cc less capacity and one cylinder less. The super boxer, HP2 Sport is just as exclusive as its price: 21.600 Euro. TS  Next: We ride 2008: BMW F 800 GS, Ducati 1098R, KTM RC8 1190, Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200, Yamaha WR250X & R, Bimota DB7 1098, Yamaha R6, Triumph Thruxton 900, Triumph Speed Triple 1050, Daytona 675, Kawasaki Ninja 250R and much more...

To celebrate the great motorcycling year of 2007 and at the same time wish every single one of our more than 2.4 million readers a Happy New year, we have made a special video collection with 15 of the best films from 07. In the player you'll find onboard videos of the 07 Honda CBR600RR, Ducati 848, Ducati Hypermotard, Buell 1125R, Suzuki B-King, Triumph Street Triple 675, Aprilia SL750 Shiver, our Motorcycle Olympics, Harley-Davidson XL1200 Nightster and more. Play it from start to end, browse through and watch one and one or do whatever you like. If you like the onboard lap on the Buell 1125R from Laguna Seca featuring Jeremy McWilliams, we can promise more in 2008. Jezza rides for us on selected events in 08! Below you'll find the player. Tor Sagen

The time was right for BMW to launch the future in the GS model range. BMW can't go on forever with the air-cooled Boxer and the 800cc parallel twin is the first sign of what might be the future for BMW riders. BMW are still sticking to the 800cc engine from the F 800 S and it's pretty much the same configuration on the F 800 GS. This involves a healthy 85bhp and 83Nm. The torque is slightly reduced (by 3Nm's) compared to the original F 800 S. On the new GS the belt drive and single-sided swingarm has been replaced by an offroad friendly long conventional swingarm and chain drive. Most importantly being a GS the new 800 have received some hefty suspension travel (240mm front, 215mm rear) and a new chassis. The dry weight of the F 800 GS is a claimed 178kg which is about 4 kilos lighter than the F 800 S. This should make the 800 GS a very responsive motorcycle. Again, the F 800 GS will not be a motorcycle for everyone as it features a 880mm seat height. This is a pure offroad feature and to accommodate more riders BMW also launched the F 650 GS with some moderation features such as a lower seat height, less horsepower and a slightly lower dry weight (more below). The new spoked wheels with aluminium rims are also made for some rough terrain. A 90/90-21 front and a 150/70-17 rear tells us that BMW are serious about the offroad capabilities on the F 800 GS. A few details such as under-body protection and a tall windscreen are standard on the 800 GS to further improve both offroad and touring capabilities. In February we ride both the F 800 GS and F 650 GS at the world launch in South Africa. Then we will tell you everything about these new additions to the GS range. More here included the 650 and photo galleries.

BMW F 800 S  BMW F 800 ST   BMW R 1200 GS Adventure  BMW HP2 Enduro

Vmax green delay?

After speaking to various people within the Yamaha organisation we know a little bit more about what we can expect of the mighty Vmax.

Words: Tor Sagen

Good news is that Yamaha's questionnaire shows that there is no doubt what the public wants. Anything below 200 horsepower will not cut it with buyers. France was one of the great markets for the original Vmax and it was a commercial success. The new Vmax is most likely to become a 2009 model now. In France everyone still have to settle for a pitiful 100 horsepower version. Can you imagine this? Yamaha will launch its most powerful production model ever, and the French motorcyclists have to settle with less than half of that power. Read the rest here.

Tokyo Motor Show 2007   Paris Motorcycle Show 2007   NEC Birmingham 2007   EICMA Milan 2007   Raptors & Rockets motorcycle club   Raptors & Rockets at Myspace  Raptors & Rockets on YouTube  2007 Goodwood Festival of Speed   Stunt School   Motorcycle Olympics   Daytona Bike Week 2007   Cycle World International Motorcycle show Long Beach   INTERMOT   NEC Birmingham   EICMA Milan 2006   2007 Aprilia   2008 Aprilia   2007 Benelli  2008 Benelli  2007 BMW   2008 BMW   2008 Buell   2007 Ducati  2008 Ducati   2007 Harley-Davidson  2008 Harley-Davidson