Yamaha YZF-R6. News, video & galleryThe midsize supersport segment has been in stand-by for the last few years. Oddly during the financial crisis peack, this hi-tech/low-margin motorbikes suffered more than others... On the bright side, few manufacturesrs decided to bet on the silver lining. Yamaha, frirst delivered the stunning R1, then Honda just unveiled their new CBR 1000RR Fireblade SP few days ago in Cologne. But R1 and Fireblade are more remunerative 1000cc models. Now Yamaha delivered a new 600cc R6. The sharp R6 has been more re-designed than re-enginered but the R6 was recognized as the benchmark in its class. The new R6 got all the new electronics; quickshift; new riding position; R1 KYB suspensions (note the 43 mm front fork); new (more effective) aerodinamics...and a stunning design derived by the R1 and by the Moto Gp M1. What else? YZF-R6 Technical Highlights 599cc, 67mm x 42.5mm liquid-cooled, 4-valve DOHC, 4-stroke, 4-cylinder Forged aluminum pistons, 13.1:1 compression ratio Titanium intake/exhaust valves Air Induction System and Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake (YCC-I) Twin-injector Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T) Slipper clutch Close-ratio 6-speed transmission Magnesium head and case covers EXUP valves contributing to excellent torque characteristics Titanium exhaust silencer Aluminum frame and swingarm Availability April 2017 We recently introduced the upcoming Ducati Scrambler Cafè Racer and Scrambler DS (Desert Sled). We can now give you some more news and a couple of nice video hiding some hidden clues about the bikes. And yes, there is also a Multistrada 939 on its way, but this is not as emotional as the other bikes we are talking, don't you think? We know that the Scrambler Desert Sled will feature the brand new Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR 120/70 R19 M/C 60V M+S TL front and 170/60 R 17 M/C 72V M+S TL rear. Said tyres are meant to grant a seamless on-off use thanks to a road oriented construction blended with an off road capable tread pattern. Here at MNW we are deeply convinced that Ducati's post-heritage lineup would outsell German and British big-bore rivals when implementing the 1078cc two-valve L-twin alongside the friendly 803. This would make the Ducati Scrambler an R-nine T killer. But for the moment this two new Scrambler will, feature the known 803cc air cooled engine as reported in this CARB document. ducati scrambler desert sled videoDucati scrambler cafè racer video
ON THE ROAD WITH THE DUCATI XDIAVEL S
Push the button and get your motor runnin'
Casey Stoner spent the last 2 days before attend to the World Ducati Week doing what probably he likes most: to ride a MotoGp motorbike. Needless to say, the bike is the Desmosedici GP at Misano World Circuit. Only few pictures and limited info about this test defined “effective”. The Australian rider completed nearly 100 laps and declared: "We’ve had a very positive test, this being my first time on a European track since 2012 and my first time in Misano since 2011. [...]. Everything we have done has been very positive, we got 95% of our test done over these two days" Ducati official’s mouths are sealed about lap times (to avoid comparisons with official riders, or to curb Stoner’s fans enthusiasm). By the way, Ducati test team was not alone: Aprilia was on track too and, as reported by SkyNews24 the unofficial Stoner’s best lap was 1/10 far from Jorge Lorenzo's 1:33.273 Circuit Record Lap. That would be considered almost unbelievable, but let's be honest when it's about the Number 27: is anyone surprised? While many people are wondering if and when Stoner will dispute a GP as a wildcard, for the moment we can only say that the Aussie will be together with other MotoGP riders in Austria at the Red Bull Ring test during August 2016. Stoner confirmed that any decision about next tests and his future agenda will be taken after the Austrian tests. TAGS: NEW MOTORCYCLE - ELECTRIC HARLEY-DAVIDSON - LIVEWIRE Harley-Davidson, confirms a production-ready electric motorcycle within 5 years. |
Stoner will not attend to the remaining official pre-season practice, at Phillip island and Losail tests, but will make a private test in the Qatar circuit just before the season-opening race. This is because likely, Ducati need to keep their factory riders in the right mood before the season begins. As reported by MotoMatters, Stoner said: “We don’t really want to overcomplicate things”. “The riders want to do their testing with (the GP16) first. Maybe I’ll get an opportunity in the future" |
Raise your hand if you don’t recall Honda’s famous pay off: “The Power of Dreams”.
Since their first model “D” (Dream) dated 1949, the manufacturer based in Tokyo bears its heritage built on “fulfill the dreams of those who want an exciting life riding on two wheels” as reported in Honda’s homepage.
Currently things seem different than this. Due to the 2008 economical world crisis, the market changed. Most of the bike makers pulled the brake lever. Every manufacturer had to make a choice. According to Charles Darwin, is not the strongest that survives, but the most adaptable. Small manufacturers focused on premium models. Honda chose the path of commuters, pragmatic motorbikes. And it worked.
The times are changing.
A new dawn is finally coming. European manufacturers (like BMW, KTM, and Ducati) started setting sales record and Honda’s eternal rival Yamaha, seemed to be more aggressive during this period, delivering to the market: the MT series, the XSR 700 / 900 and the brand new R1.
At EICMA 2015 Honda presented the Africa Twin in production shape (but wasn't a premiere indeed. They unveiled in 2014, named "True Adventure"). Besides, the exotic, super expensive, limited series (Moto Gp Replica) RC2013 V is already sold out.
So, given that the future of the beautiful Roadster Honda CB4 is still uncertain, if you’re not a fan of knobby tires, you have not much to dream about, coming from Tokyo...
Since their first model “D” (Dream) dated 1949, the manufacturer based in Tokyo bears its heritage built on “fulfill the dreams of those who want an exciting life riding on two wheels” as reported in Honda’s homepage.
Currently things seem different than this. Due to the 2008 economical world crisis, the market changed. Most of the bike makers pulled the brake lever. Every manufacturer had to make a choice. According to Charles Darwin, is not the strongest that survives, but the most adaptable. Small manufacturers focused on premium models. Honda chose the path of commuters, pragmatic motorbikes. And it worked.
The times are changing.
A new dawn is finally coming. European manufacturers (like BMW, KTM, and Ducati) started setting sales record and Honda’s eternal rival Yamaha, seemed to be more aggressive during this period, delivering to the market: the MT series, the XSR 700 / 900 and the brand new R1.
At EICMA 2015 Honda presented the Africa Twin in production shape (but wasn't a premiere indeed. They unveiled in 2014, named "True Adventure"). Besides, the exotic, super expensive, limited series (Moto Gp Replica) RC2013 V is already sold out.
So, given that the future of the beautiful Roadster Honda CB4 is still uncertain, if you’re not a fan of knobby tires, you have not much to dream about, coming from Tokyo...
Honda CB4 (650cc)
Honda Africa Twin (1000cc)
RC2013 V
Honda could soon unveil one or two bikes able to let people dream again. Good news, is that they’re probably already on the works!
Reportedly a new CBR is finally on its way. But more important, will arrive a brand new, Superbike machine powered by the Honda's signature V-4 engine. That’s really something to dream about. You can find the picture of a V-4 sportbike patent registered by Honda. The Honda RVF 1000 (if name will be confirmed).
Honda official Tetsuo Suzuki (Honda’s Research and Design department, boss) declared to MCN: “There are three projects which Honda has raised and all of these are under serious consideration at the moment. The three options open to us include a new replacement for the Fireblade, the RVF1000, and also a cheaper version of the RC213V-S. We will be studying all three in parallel and all are under serious consideration, but it is likely there will be one or perhaps two of the three options made for production.
“As far as the possibility of an RVF1000 that will be derived from a cheaper version of the RC213V-S platform and engine, then that is one possible path.”
We bet the V-4 RVF 1000 will go into production. And we should also see Niky Hayden race with it in the Superbike championship in one or two years…
Reportedly a new CBR is finally on its way. But more important, will arrive a brand new, Superbike machine powered by the Honda's signature V-4 engine. That’s really something to dream about. You can find the picture of a V-4 sportbike patent registered by Honda. The Honda RVF 1000 (if name will be confirmed).
Honda official Tetsuo Suzuki (Honda’s Research and Design department, boss) declared to MCN: “There are three projects which Honda has raised and all of these are under serious consideration at the moment. The three options open to us include a new replacement for the Fireblade, the RVF1000, and also a cheaper version of the RC213V-S. We will be studying all three in parallel and all are under serious consideration, but it is likely there will be one or perhaps two of the three options made for production.
“As far as the possibility of an RVF1000 that will be derived from a cheaper version of the RC213V-S platform and engine, then that is one possible path.”
We bet the V-4 RVF 1000 will go into production. And we should also see Niky Hayden race with it in the Superbike championship in one or two years…
"One more thing"
As you know, the neo-retro bike market is currently on fire. Moreover is really cool. This means that spreads out a positive halo to the brand.
While Ducati Scrambler, Bmw R Nine-t, and Yamaha XSR are already surfing the big wave of neo-retro bikes , Honda is rumored to be working on a 900cc in line four. This bike should be developed starting from the CB1100, the new bike will feature vintage vibes and a revvy carachter due to the smaller engine displacement. The CB1100R was born to anticipate this bike. Here at Motor News world, we reported this news some time ago, but according to our sources “the works are in progress”.
Definitely something to dream on. Isn't it?
As you know, the neo-retro bike market is currently on fire. Moreover is really cool. This means that spreads out a positive halo to the brand.
While Ducati Scrambler, Bmw R Nine-t, and Yamaha XSR are already surfing the big wave of neo-retro bikes , Honda is rumored to be working on a 900cc in line four. This bike should be developed starting from the CB1100, the new bike will feature vintage vibes and a revvy carachter due to the smaller engine displacement. The CB1100R was born to anticipate this bike. Here at Motor News world, we reported this news some time ago, but according to our sources “the works are in progress”.
Definitely something to dream on. Isn't it?