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SUZUKI GSR600 - STREET FIGHTER
* What’s It All About?
Slotting a bike like the GSR600 into Suzuki’s range can’t have been easy. Leaving aside the supersports offerings, Suzuki already has four bikes clamouring for attention in the middleweight sector with the faired and unfaired versions of the Bandit and SV650. What’s the justification for adding another? In short, and there’s no really diplomatic way to put this, while Suzuki’s sports bikes are right up at the cutting edge, the company has often foisted some rather old technology onto the rest of their range. The bike so many had demanded would have been a muscularly-styled streetbike with the oily parts from a GSXR-600 plumbed amidships and that, in a nutshell, is pretty much what you can expect from the GSR600. With no fairing, flat handlebars and styling based on the B-King, a Hayabusa based design study which debuted at the 2001 Tokyo Show, the GSR600 is uncompromising brawler. It’ll have to do well to steal sales from the Honda Hornet but Suzuki seems confident.
* What Does It Cost?
Squirrel away around £5,200 and that should see you square. The GSR600 is about level on cost with the Honda Hornet and while it doesn’t get the Honda’s delightful upside down forks, it’s loaded with detail. The underseat exhausts would grace a Ducati costing twice this price and there are common sense fitments like a digital fuel gauge and a gear position indicator. The range of colours offered is a little dull, with UK customers getting black, grey or blue. Japanese market GSRs are offered in candy apple red and a retro yellow or orange would have been welcome. Expect insurance to be in the region of NU13.
* How Does It Handle?
Get off a sports bike and onto the GSR600 and you’ll need a few miles to get accustomed. The peg position is low and the handlebars are high which takes weight off your wrists and puts more on your backside. The wide bars steer quickly and without a great deal of effort required to tip the bike into a corner, which isn’t perhaps surprising given that it tips the scales at 183kg.
With no fairing, you’re right in the windblast at speed but at a steady 80mph the air pressure is quite welcome, taking further weight off your hands. Go any faster and you’ll need to cling on with a little more concentration but you really don’t buy a bike like this for serious high speed stuff. There’s no need to continually badger the 14,000rpm redline with a lot of useful torque coming on stream at 8,000rpm but just watch out in lower gears as the seating position, snatchy throttle and lower gearing mean this is a really easy bike to stand on one wheel.
* Verdict
We’ve waited a long time for this bike and if you just went by the spec sheet, you wouldn’t be disappointed. The trouble is other manufacturers have filled this market niche really very well and offer some serious opposition. Still, committed Suzuki fans won’t be complaining.
FACTS AT A GLANCE BIKE: Suzuki GSR600 PRICE: £5,200 [est] ENGINE: 599cc 16v liquid-cooled, in-line four-cylinder, four-stroke WEIGHT: 183kg INSURANCE GROUP: 13 [est] POWER: 85bhp TANK SIZE: 16.5 litresKAWASAKI ZZR1400 SPORTS TOURER
Celebrated flagship machines such as the Z1 and GPZ900R along with state-of-the-art superbikes like the ZZ-R1100, have been setting the standard by which others can be judged. In June, Kawasaki will be presenting the eagerly awaited ZZR1400 here in the UK. This stunning machine delivers unrivalled amounts of performance and exhilaration from power delivered by an all-new engine which is force-fed with Ram Air and the latest fuel-injection system. The liquid-cooled, four-stroke, In-Line four cylinder power unit has a displacement of 1352cm3 and provides maximum power of 190PS at 9,500rpm while maximum torque of 154N.m arrives at 7,500rpm. This fine torquey motor gives a zero to 60 time of 2.5 seconds along with a top speed of around 200mph.
The ZZR1400 offers an exhilarating riding experience for the keenest and most competent rider but it's equally at home when being ridden gently around town or on long distance touring. It's advanced, robust but lightweight aluminium monocoque frame and a chassis derived from the ZZR1200 and ZX12R allows the rider to exploit the bike's superb and very responsive handling. The positioning of the engine and the Uni-Trak rear suspension linkage helps to make the bike incredibly controllable at high speeds and also assists in giving it tenacious roadholding. Gear changing is a pleasure as the six-speed transmission offers a very positive action and the clutch engagement is silkily smooth. This motorcycle stops as well as it goes, the braking system is not only provides first-class stopping power but a considerable amount of feel.
Kawasaki has given the ZZR1400 a relaxed and comfortable riding position and they've fitted low pegs to allow for plenty of legroom. The bike's quadruple projector beam headlight offers brilliant night time illumination of the road ahead and the ZZR's attractive instrument console is very easy to read at speed.
Available in two striking colours, Pearl Meteor Grey and Candy Thunder Blue, the Kawasaki ZZR1400 deserves to be at the top of the list of any rider wishing to purchase a fine sports tourer. It will be on the market this June at an on the road price of £8,995.
NEW MOTORBIKE REVIEW - HONDA CBR1000RR FIREBLADE - BLADERUNNER
* What's It all About?The Honda Fireblade has become a byword for super sports bike excellence. It may not always have been the lightest, the quickest or the most extreme looking butit has always been there or thereabouts. Some 210 changes have been made to the latest 'Blade in Honda's bi-annual product review but one thing hasn't changed.
The 'Blade still feels the most thoroughly engineered bike in the litre class and last year accounted for fully 27 per cent of all sales in this category.
* What Does It Cost?
Buying this sort of expertise doesn't come cheap and you'll need around £8,800 to get your hands on the latest 'Blade. Insurance will also be a problem if you live in certain higher risk post codes, as the Fireblade is rated at a top of the shop Group 17.?
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* How Does It Handle?
Although the frame and forks look largely unchanged, the steering angle has been reduced a fraction, sharpening up steering response. Modifications to the engineinternals raise the rev limit from 11,650rpm to 12,200rpm and meaningful torque appears lower down the rev range and lasts longer. Honda claim the 'Blade isquicker than the GSX-R1000 in the hands of most riders and the forgiving nature of the bike's chassis makes that easily believable.
* Verdict
The Fireblade occupies a very specific niche. It's almost impossibly rapid yet there's a level of pragmatism to it that escapes the most focused race replicas. Call ita Honda thing if you like, but the product just works. It's a great road bike that can quickly and easily be beefed up to full track specification. Honda hits the nail on the head once again.
FACTS AT A GLANCE:
BIKE: Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade
PCE: £8,800 [est]
ENGINE: 998cc 16v liquid-cooled, in-line four-cylinder, four-stroke
WEIGHT: 176kg
INSURANCE GROUP: 17
POWER: 169.5bhp TANK SIZE: 18 litres
December 16th 2005
NEW MOTORBIKE REVIEW - KAWASAKI ZX-10R - THE GREEN MACHINE
* What's It all About?The Kawasaki ZX-10R has matured. If you take that to mean it's gone a little soft, succumbed to a bit of middle-aged spread maybe, it's time to think again. Whereas the 2005 ZX-10R was crushingly quick but never less than a handful demanding 100 per cent of your concentration at all times, even when you didn't always feel like putting in the effort, the latest model aims to offer a more rounded and polished skill set.
* What Does It Cost?
With a sticker price of £8,800 for the ZX-10R, Kawasaki aren't taking too many chances, pitching it a single quid above its Suzuki rival and Honda's Fireblade. Yamaha ask a hefty £9,399 for their YZF-R1, one of the reasons why its sales have stalled of late.
* How Does It Handle?
The ZX-10R feels like a bike that's going to destroy your personal best lap times. It's still a fairly edgy thing but increased front end bite, less nervous steering, a stiffer frame and a throttle that's been remapped to allow the rider to apply power more smoothly as they exit a corner has transformed this bike's handling. Downsides? A small 17-litre fuel tank, an annoying vibration at typical UK motorway speeds and footpegs that touch down a little too easily for more extreme tastes are about all you can mark it down for.
* Verdict
Right at this precise moment, the ZX-10R represents the new class standard. It's as simple as that.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
BIKE: Kawasaki ZX-10R
PRICE: £8,800
ENGINE: 998cc 16v liquid-cooled, in-line four-cylinder, four-stroke
WEIGHT: 175kg
INSURANCE GROUP: 17
POWER: 152bhp
TANK SIZE: 17 litres
January 19th 2006
Harley Davidson Sportster
For decades of American history, Harley have defined fun as 'a potent engine sitting dead centre in a
strong, agile frame with nothing but miles of winding asphalt ahead'. As long as they keep building
and refining the Sportster, that definition should stay true. If you've never swung a leg over, you
should. Once astride, twist the throttle and feel the V-Twin generate mounds of torque. It's a
satisfying rush that hits you right in the pit of your stomach.After a ground-up redesign for the '05 model year, the biggest change for 2006 is a revamped transmission with many of the same changes made to the Dyna Glides, including helical-cut gears and a dog-ring design for smoother shifts and shorter throws. In a continuing theme, clutch effort has been reduced by 12% on 1200cc models and 17% on 883s. The redesigned transmission shifts are smoother, a quick trip through the gears and you'll no doubt appreciate the near-effortless clutch. There's also improved kickstand ergonomics - now the bike is easier to reach and lift, the longer sidestand reduces the effort to right the bike when parked.
The engine is now rubber-mounted to the frame for a more comfortable ride, and though riding a Sportster has always been a blast, this current model is even more rider friendly. The original VRSCA V-Rod motorcycle received glowing praise from the motorcycle fraternity, riders and media alike, and justifiably so. You can't fail to be impressed by its sleek aluminium bodywork, sweeping exhaust, and Machined Aluminium Disc wheels now fitted with high performance Brembo brakes.
Visually, the V-Rod is distinctive to say the least; its dragster-style 49mm 38° raked fork 180mm rear tyre backs up a Silver-leaf-coated hydro-formed frame. Whilst there are a spectrum of glittering colours to choose from, all anyone may ever see is a shiny blur. That's because the liquid-cooled, fuel-injected 60° V-Twin Revolution engine supplies a full 115 horses and torque from here to eternity, not your traditional Harley fare then. Innovative and controversial, we believe the V-Rod is the Marmite of Cruisers - riders will loathe or love it. Personally, we're opting for the latter, but the best thing is to get your boots out to the forward foot controls and try the ride for yourself.
2006 Suzuki SV1000S
You haven't lived until you've accelerated hard out of a corner on a Suzuki SV1000S. Its liquidcooled,
90-degree V-twin powerplant rewards you with a monstrous surge of torque and an incredibly
wide powerband. The new SV1000S is built to be without question the most exciting V-twin sport
bike you've ever ridden down a twisty road. The 90 degree V-twin engine houses the latest technology,
enhanced by Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve (SDTV) digital fuel-injection.The SV1000S has handling to match its impressive powerplant. With technologically advanced chassis and suspension systems, it offers a superb combination of precise handling, solid stability and all-day riding comfort. To increase its versatility, the fork and single piggyback-reservoir shock absorber are fully adjustable, so you can tune them to suit a vari ety of roads and riding styles.
Overall, the SV1000S is all about big V-twin enjoyment. It's a sophisticated machine with all the basic elements on show - engine, chassis and wheels
Aprilia Tuono
Ever since it first appeared on the motorcycling scene, the Tuono has embodied Aprilia's technical know-how,
accumulated through victory after victory in motorcycle racing. The Tuono has come to mean flair and technology
more than most road-going motorcycles.The 2006 Tuono has all the winning features of its predecessors but is more aggressive and easier to ride than ever before, with even more blistering performance. The latest Tuono 1000 R has the same character as the previous model, with improved technical specifications and performance. The Maximum power is 98 kW (133 HP) at the crank and maximum torque 10.4 kgm at only 8,750 rpm. The Aprilia Tuono is therefore among the most powerful of all nakeds. The chassis has been thoroughly redesigned to improve handling dynamics under all riding conditions and what makes the Tuono 1000 R stand out from the competition is the care and attention that Aprilia has paid to every little detail. The design team have done their best to ensure that the components on the bike improve its performance and functionality, reduces its weight and enhances its quality and finish. Aprilia's dedication to style clearly emerges from the elegant colour schemes and graphics that enhance the Tuono's aggressive looks. The Tuono 1000 R is available in a choice of three colour schemes: Silver, Black, and Fluo Red, to cater for the refined tastes of today's demanding motorcyclists.
APRILLA SXV SUPERMOTO - IT HAS RACING IN ITS BLOOD!The SXV is the first ever production supermotard powered by a superb, high performance V Twin. Already proven winner on the racetrack, this technology-packed machines is now ready to tackle the challenge of the road. As usual with Aprilia, goods looks are just the outward shell of ingenious design solutions. The fixed air guides, for example, allow the fuel tank to pivot upwards, giving easy access to the filter box.
The V2 engine is the natural centrepiece of the SXV. Aprilia was the first manufacturer in the world to use the potential of V twin engines in a market segment where nobody has ever had the courage to try. The 77° V angle means that the new engine vibrates far less than any single without requiring a balancer shaft.
There is sophisticated electronic engine management, developed by Aprilia Racing, which introduces a number of innovations for this type of motorcycle. The fuel injection system features 38 mm throttle bodies (40 mm on the 550) and is controlled by a programmableECU. Another market first is the fact that the SXV engine features an extended drive shaft to allow the sprocket to be placed further out. This intelligent solutionallows racing tyres to be fitted without risking contact with the chain. Valve gear based on a single overhead cam and four titanium valves per cylinder gives the best possible compromise between compactness, lightweight and performance.
Thanks to its advanced technology the V2 engine is extremely civilised and silent running, and easily conforms to Euro 2 standards even without a catalytic converter. The same sort of effort has gone into weight reduction. The engine sets a new record for a V twin, even with its starter motor fitted! This has been achieved by an abundant use of super-lightweight prestige materials. The central crankcase sections, for example, are made from aluminium silicon alloy. All coversare in magnesium; the valves are in titanium; and the entire gear train has been made lighter than ever before. The gear ratios are also precisely calculated for supermotard use. Even the injection and ignition mapping have been modified to give the engine the right
E-TON VIPER QUAD BIKE RANGEE-TON puts safety first for kids with its finest range of quads yet. They've raised the bar with their new Viper range, dynamic graphics and a host of features make this one of our leading quads and demand is high. Available in a range of three colour schemes the VIPER RXL90 also boasts an 8 piece high quality fender system enabling a sharp design and which reduces any replacement costs.
VIPER Jr. RXL40E
Small in size but big on specification - the little brother to the Viper 70 and 90. The Viper Junior boasts quality throughout, making it the gold standard for entry level ATVs. It has well balanced front and rear suspension system produces a stable ride together with positive and easy steering. Inbuilt safety features, such as fully sealed engine area, integrated footboards, chain guards and a remote engine kill switch system which enables instant engine kill from up to 10 metres away plus a secondary kill tether firmly places childrens' safety first.
VIPER RXL150
The next progression from youth fully automatic ATVs, the all-new VIPER RXL150 boasts style, sharp looks and quality throughout. Features compare well to other ATVs in its class, however its competitive price tag gives it an added selling point. While the Hydra-disc rear braking system ensures the stopping power you need, the high quality front and rear suspension, coupled with Maxxis race tyres produces an excellent ride offering superior stability and handling.
BUELL ULYSSESWere you wondering how the innovative sportbike guys at Buell could come up with something as daft as transforming their scalpel-like XB tool into an overgrown dirt bike? We were. It seemed as if company founder (and former TZ750 racer) Erick Buell must've been wearing his helmet a bit too tight. However, the funny thing is that Buell's new Ulysses is impressive, and could turn out to be the Harley subsidiary's best-seller. The Ulysses' genesis came from Erik's request that his team build a touring supermotard around the familiar 1203cc Harley-based V-Twin used in the XB12 series, the XB12S Lightning roadster and the XB12R Firebolt sportbike. What resulted is what the company says is an "adventure sportbike" and what we say is Buell's most versatile bike yet.
A walk around the Ulysses reveals changes aimed at making it capable on a variety of missions and road surfaces. A headlight grill similar to the CityX has off-road pretensions, while its cool Enkei wheels have been beefed up for off-road duty. Rubber pucks glued to the frame/fuel tank offer some crash protection to the aluminum piece.
Buell engineers are quick to say the Ulysses is more dirt-capable than dirt-worthy - it's designed to take you places where the pavement ends, not for entry into the MotoGP. The bike is much happier on harder-packed twotrack roads, its torquey motor puts down power well in the dirt, pulling ably from below 2000 rpm and aided by a heavy flywheel that smoothes throttle application.
With the appealingly versatile Ulysses, we expect a much wider range of buyers to come trotting in to Buell dealerships around the country.
HONDA SCV 100 LEAD SCOOTER
Honda, the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer, are moving away from producing two-stroke units because of concerns over noise and ‘blue smoke’ air pollution. On sale for £1,399.00, Honda’s popular SCV Lead is a small capacity scooter which is powered by a clean and quiet forced air-cooled 102cc four-stroke SOHC engine. The Lead combines a dependable engine with a chassis that gives practical and enjoyable riding at affordable cost. The Lead’s attractive and streamlined styling features a sharply angled front end which integrates a multi-reflector headlight and large, highly visible indicators. A small position lamp is built into the headlamp unit and this remains on whenever the engine is running to enhance rider safety during daylight hours.
The instrument panel incorporates an easy-to-read speedometer, all the usual indicator lights and a useful fuel level gauge. The Lead is also easy to maintain. Five bolts hold the body and these can easily be removed allowing the body to tilt up and back which gives you easy access to all the engine’s maintenance points. If more access is required the whole body is be lifted off with ease.
The Lead’s front suspension offers confident handling and excellent control when cornering while an oil damper suspension system soaks up bumps on the road admirably. The rear swingarm suspension includes a single spring-loaded rear damper which gives a smooth ride and means that this scooter is excellent for long-distance riding. Two can be carried in comfort on its roomy tandem seat and there’s a convenient bag hook mounted under its front edge. If you need to carry more, there’s a robust tubular steel carrier located behind the seat for large parcels. Available in Force Silver Metallic, Candy Tahitian Blue or Candy Blazing Red, the Honda SCV 100 Lead is well-built, as you’d expect from Honda, and without doubt, one of the strongest contenders in its class.
Malaguti Firefox F-15
You only have to take a look at its sleek lines to notice that the aerodynamic design of the Malaguti Firefox is unlike anything on the scooter market. A totally new type of motorised scooter, summing alaguti’s most advanced research, it allows the rider to achieve maximum power, reliability, and control. The F-15 safety features include two Grimeca disc brake systems that provides state of the art stopping power for the Liquid Cooled 50cc engine that jumps at a twist of the throttle.
The F-15 has a large under-the-seat storage box, optional rear rack, folding aluminum passenger foot-pegs, center stand, fuel gauge, electric start, and a fully automatic transmission. The futuristic, innovative design is the result of Malaguti research and development working in advanced European wind tunnels. This award winning aerodynamic molding has even been featured in the CHICAGO ATHENAEUM MUSEUM (Museum of Architecture and Design) as one of the best new motorcycle designs. Only top name Italian race components are featured on this bike including Grimeca brakes, Paioli racing shocks, Ducati electronics, TSS Paint Coats, Malaguti molding, and Pirelli / Maxxis tires.
The Firefox F-15 TD is the pit bike of champions for reliable & stylish scooter transportation.
APRILIA SPORTCITY 125 LA FASHIONISTA APRILIA
Never One To Be Outdone On The Fashion Stakes, Hannah Rainford Takes A Peek At Aprilia’s Latest Trendsetter, The Sportcity 125.* What’s It all About?
Aprilia are renowned for their performance motorcycles and off-road bikes but in recent years they have made a name for themselves on the Scooter market. It all started back in the early nineties when they created the Amico, the first all-plastic scooter, later followed by the Amico LK. It seems that Aprilia sets the trend and other manufacturers follow suit, so will the Aprilia Sportcity 125 become the latest trendsetter for the marque?
* What Does It Cost?
Prices for the Sportcity 125 start at £2,299. As with all the models in the Aprilia range, you can be assured that your purchase will come with reputable back-up, parts and service from the manufacturer’s official dealer network. There are also a range of Aprilia accessories should you feel that your scooter needs a few extra touches.
* How Does It Handle?
With 15inch wheels and a sturdy, double-tubed frame, the Aprilia Sportcity gives excellent stability, making it a great choice for those looking at starting out in the world of scootering. This frame has been specially designed at Aprilia to give the Sportcity the sort of sports handling that the marque is renowned for. The large seat provides lots of comfort and even if you carry a passenger, you’ll find more than enough room.
* Verdict
There aren’t many scooters out there that combine sportiness with practicality and the Aprilia Sportcity 125 does it with charm. Looking for a scooter that can cope with the pace of urban commuting but will relish a high speed, out-of-town trip? You may have met your match.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
BIKE: Aprilia Sportcity 125
PRICE: £2,299
ENGINE: 125cc four-stroke, liquid-cooled
FUEL: Unleaded
COLOURS: Mirror Silver, Titanic Grey, Darkness Black and Cambridge White
POWER: 21 HP
TANK SIZE: 9 litres
March 23rd 2006
Ride of the Week
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