Red Bull MotoGP Academy rider Jonas Folger took home his first World Championship points at Misano, in only his second race in the 125cc class.
The German made his debut at the previous round in Brno, and this
time out was able to finish a creditable fifteenth from the seventh row
on the grid. Folger´s cause was aided by a number of crashes in front
of him and a mature ride for the youngster, whose lap times got faster
as the race went on.
The 15 year-old will now continue his unique preparation project for
an eventual full-time arrival to the World Championship, with the
possibility of participation in some of the remaining five races of the
2008 season.
Yes, it's true. Dani Pedrosa has made it be known that he doesn't want Michelins on his bike and the young Spaniard has got his way. In an astonishing 'mutual' decision which bodes ill for the rest of the season. And who would bet against a single-make tyre championship in 2009? And it looks like his decision was the right one (at Misano anyway) when on his first day of testing, he went almost a second a lap quicker on the Japanese brand than. Pedrosa did a total of 81 laps, working mainly on setting his Repsol Honda up for the Bridgestone's characteristics and went eight-tenths faster than his best race lap on Sunday.
Here's the wee man's quote from the press release:
Dani Pedrosa, Repsol Honda: 1m 34.652s – on lap 76 of 81.
“I'm happy starting this new challenge and I would like to thank Bridgestone. Today we also made an important step forward in developing the 2009 bike, but now my first priority is to be fully competitive again. Of course, there is a lot of work to do but I am determined to win again this year. Today we worked hard on bike set-up. The feeling with the new tyres on my RC212V is different, both for settings and for riding style, but I just tried to follow my feelings and adjust the set-up accordingly.
“Today was only my first day riding on Bridgestone tyres but I am happy. I also tested the pneumatic-valve engine. The engine character is different, the power delivery is a bit more aggressive, but the engine has some good points. I have no experience on this latest bike, so I had to test many new things today. This has been an important test. Now we will analyse all the data and we look forward to the next race at Indianapolis.”
Here's the earlier press release:
'For 24 years Michelin and Honda have worked together at the highest level of motorcycle racing. Together the two companies have won 14 premier-class World Championships.
The two companies fully understand the importance of the “feeling” between the rider and the equipment he has at his disposal, especially tyres.
Despite making an excellent start to the season and leading the World Championship going into the German GP, during the last few races Dani Pedrosa has made it know to both Michelin and Honda that he doesn't feel at ease with the tyres that Michelin have offered him.
Honda and Michelin believe that rider confidence needs to be at its maximum if the rider is to fully exploit the tactical potential of the tyres.
In these circumstances Michelin and Honda have therefore decided not to equip Pedrosa with Michelin tyres for the remainder of the 2008 season.
Pedrosa comments: “I thank Michelin and Honda for their mutual understanding and for agreeing to my personal demands. I am very conscious of the fact that I have made some excessively negative comments about Michelin tyres, even though Michelin helped me make an exceptional start to the season.”
Both Honda and Michelin hope that MotoGP World Championship will continue with a multi-tyre brand regulation in 2009, Michelin will equip one of the Repsol Honda's two riders for the remainder of the 2008 season.'
And what the hell is Nicky Hayden going to be doing, riding around on Michelins while his team mate creams him for the rest of the season? What a disaster for the French firm.
His title chase hampered by a crash with teammate Hiroshi Aoyama at Misano, Mika Kallio is being courted by Red Bull KTM to continue in 250cc for another year.It´s the sight that every Team Manager dreads on raceday; nervous moments as teammates battle against each other, culminating in a DNF stamped alongside both riders´ names. That was the situation for Harald Bartol, head of Red Bull KTM, on Sunday afternoon in Misano.
Title challenger Mika Kallio and 2007 race runner-up Hiroshi Aoyama both fancied their chances at the San Marino circuit in the 250cc race, and were placed alongside each other over the course of the first two laps. Kallio collided with his Japanese teammate and brought both riders´ races to an early conclusion, leaving the title situation difficult for the Finnish star.
`We would have had a good chance today with our bike, but that´s the way it is,´ said a downbeat Bartol after the incident. `It appears that Hiro took a slightly different line, and that Mika was probably too close. The lucky thing was that Simoncelli only finished sixth.´
`We will be trying to get Mika back into the title fight, and we have some changes that we can probably bring to Indianapolis to try again,´ added the KTM boss, aiming to take a first title for the factory before Kallio´s possible departure at the end of the season.
`We are trying to keep him, but we have heard from Mika that he is looking for a MotoGP move. At the moment we have had no clear answer from him and, with so many of the top riders in 250cc already under contract, we will have to check our options,´ he concluded.
Makoto Tamada and Regis Laconi have not had an easy time so far this season, but their PSG-1 Kawasaki Corse team has been hard at work behind the scenes in the summer break to breathe even more competitive life into the 2008 ZX-10R.New initiatives from official suspension suppliers Öhlins and a series of new geometry settings arrived at in house will be tried out by the team for the next round in Donington, all with the aim of providing better feel and feedback for the riders. Two or three new geometry settings are expected to be evaluated in England.
So far in this super-tough year the team's best finishes have been eighth places, the first for Laconi in Valencia, then a similar result for Tamada three weekends later, in Assen.
The
Kawasaki Racing Team has taken delivery of a super-stylish John Hopkins
replica ZX-10R, kindly supplied by Motoradd Höly for display at each of
the remaining European Grand Prix races.
The road version of the extra special Kawasaki Ninja ZX-RR MotoGP
race machine features a custom paint job created by Lucas Designs and
has caused quite a stir around the paddock, where it is on display
outside of the team’s hospitality unit.
Motoradd Höly, one of Germany’s biggest Kawasaki dealerships, joined
forces with Lucas Designs to produce these special creations using many
of the road-going models in the Japanese manufacturer’s range. The
‘Hopper’ replica superbike features numerous upgraded parts along with
the Monster Energy race design in four different colours, including the
signature Kawasaki lime green.
Lucas Designs has supplied stickers and graphics for all of the
Kawasaki Racing Team’s vehicles for the past two years, which includes
the paddock scooters used by team members for getting around at each of
the European MotoGP rounds.
“The Ninja ZX-RR design looks really cool on a road bike,” said Hopkins. “There’s
been a lot of interest in it already and it looks exactly like my race
machine. The guys at Lucas Designs and Motoradd Höly have done a great
job in making these custom bikes,” concluded the Kawasaki MotoGP star.
Ronny Schnepf from Motoradd Höly also recently presented both of the
Kawasaki race pilots with a KX250F motocross machine, each complete
with customised graphics. Anthony West received his ‘trick’ off-road
bike at Sachsenring, and he was delighted with the ultra-cool design
based on his Ninja ZX-RR race machine.
If you're based in German then you can find out more about Motorrad
Höly’s range of Kawasaki road bikes, including the John Hopkins Ninja
ZX-RR replica, by logging on to their website at www.hoely.de.
Moto Morini’s new Sport 1200 has arrived in the UK, their fifth new model in three years since the historic marquee returned to family-ownership. Designed by the Marabese studio to create the classic style of 1970’s machines, the 1200 Sport combines the CorsaCorta V-twin engine with top-flight components to deliver exceptional performance with timeless appeal.Based upon the Moto Morini 9½ roadster, at the heart of the 1200 Sport is the Franco Lambertini designed 1187cc 87° V-twin engine, tuned to develop 117 hp at 8500 rpm with a high torque (102 Nm 6700 rpm) that is well-distributed over the entire rev range. The engine is carried in a Verlicchi-designed trellis frame, with 50mm Marzocchi forks at the front and adjustable Paioli rear shock for sure-footed road holding even at high speeds. Other technological features include a powerful and responsive 320mm Brembo semi floating braking system and double-sided swing arm that is produced by hydro forming, without the need for welding, making it lighter and stiffer than conventional items.
However it is the appearance of the 1200 Sport that has the most immediate effect. Its single round headlight with mini fairing and impressive 21-litre tank with generous indents for the knees give this bike an impressive presence. The double tapered exhaust pipe exudes power and creates a potent exhaust note. Meanwhile the narrow bars and single seat unit are designed to work with the footrests to incline the rider forward into a sportier riding position.
The Moto Morini 1200 Sport sells for £7,999 OTR, just £500 more than the entry level 9 ½ model, and is available in White/Blue/Red or British Racing Green/Yellow.
visit www.motomorini.com
The Brutale looks so wicked that it almost cries out for even more performance. Going that bit faster is what every rider craves. Power is addictive. It had to be even more �brutal�. MV Agusta�s response was this: the 1078RR.
Now with a new engine and other technical components dedicated to performance, the top of the range Brutale leads the way in the sport naked sector while proudly flying the �Made in Italy� flag. The 100% MV Agusta engine is only for the select few who can manage the 150 HP and more that the new four-cylinder unit puts out. The decidedly muscular appearance of the new Brutale says it all and gives the rider an adrenalin rush before he even turns the key that kicks the mighty engine into life. Just looking at the Brutale starts you dreaming, listening to one sets your pulse racing, and riding one makes you fall in love.
The 1078RR is not just a motorbike; it is an incarnation of a true rider�s personality. Others want to be such a person. They want the same type of courage that will let them take a machine to its limits, that will let them choose a real machine and not just something �normal�. There is nothing is normal about the 1078RR: Life is faster, more colourful, more vivid. This is what a Brutale is about. The new engine size now asks even more from the suspension and brakes. They need to be stronger and more efficient to redress the balance and give the bike that sure-footedness and superb rideability that typifies MV Agustas. There can be no doubt that the 1078RR will be the utmost naked.
DESIGN1078RR means simply the best; the Brutale at its peak. This includes looks that stand out. Apart from the new instrument panel, the new colour schemes express grit and determination; they include pearl white/black, anthracite black and silver/red. The latter is obviously based on MV�s long tradition of racing. The �skin� of the Brutale 1078RR lets us see the components that have been changed in all their beauty: The new brakes, the new fork components and especially all the little details that finish off this work of art. They make all the difference not just to the rider but also to an observer. It is the same as looking at a masterpiece in an art gallery.EQUIPMENT: 10% MORE POWER
Transition from the 910R to the 1078RR involved the introduction of some new components that have given the Brutale RR 15 more HP and 2 kilos more of torque. A breakdown of the changes includes:
- decals and colour schemes;
- instrument panel graphics;
- revised suspension calibration;
- 1078 cc engine;
- slipper clutch;
- resized catalysers;
- Brembo monoblock (one-piece) brakes.
The main focus has been on finding the right balance between the new components.
POWER AND TRACTABILITY HAND IN HAND
The new Brutale has inherited the very best of MV Agusta technology. With its new 1078 cc engine based on the racing F4 RR 312, the new Brutale is a sure winner. The aim wasn�t so much about seeking maximum performance as of taming four cylinders to work together to offer a perfectly balanced ride. This is no easy feat when you�re dealing with 154 HP shoe-horned into a compact frame like the one on the Brutale. The bore and stroke have been increased to 79 and 55 mm from the original 76 and 50.1mm. The compression ratio has been kept high despite the significant increase in capacity from 909 to 1078.37cc. Maximum power output has increased by 15 HP thus setting a new record for the sports naked with 154 HP at 10,700 rpm. Torque has also been improved going up from 96 Nm (70.7 Ft/lb) at 8,000 rpm to 117 Nm (86.2 Ft/lb) at 8,100 rpm. The removable gearbox remains exclusive to this segment of the market and the speed and precision with which it changes allows the bike to reach its maximum speed of 166.04 mph in next to no time. Such performance is due to a large extent to the adoption of new 46 mm throttle bodies taken from the F4 1000 R (as opposed to the 48 mm units on the F4 R 312). These units also dictated the choice of a longer final drive ratio (two less teeth on the crown wheel) thus moving from 15/43 to 15/41. The EBS (Engine Brake System) was replaced with the slipper clutch used on the F4 sports version. It is a mechanical slipper clutch system with ramps and roller bearings. In seeking to offer a �softer� response to the throttle, MV engineers fitted a new larger exhaust catalyser that meant more room to manoeuvre with emissions in seeking to meet Euro 3 requirements and this allowed a richer mix. The end result is more flexible, smoother engine even under hard acceleration.
A TUBULAR FRAME AS PER MV TRADITON
Retaining the chrome-molybdenum trellis frame was a simple choice for MV. The trellis frame is more than merely aesthetically pleasing, it capably handles the reconfigured engine power output and last of all, is easy to work on when so required. In the first 750 version of the Brutale, the frame was designed to bear theoretical torsion and flexing parameters greater than those it would in fact have to handle. This was because we knew that eventually we would arrive where we are today. Therefore � no changes needed. The geometry is the same as are the other settings as proof of the fact that we knew right from the start where we would end. The rake is 101.5 mm (3.99 in), the wheelbase measures 1,410 mm (55.51 in) and the maximum overall length is 2,020 mm (79.52 in) for an overall weight of 185 kilos (407.8 lb).. The classic single rear swingarm sets the scene and is a symbol of technology and originality. It is simply a work of motorcycling art, but its compactness and manoeuvrability are both down to MV Agusta�s racing experience.
CHANGES TO THE FORKS
Due to the introduction of new brakes and the increased power output of the 1078 cc engine, the forks have been modified. The ends now have lugs to carry the calipers while internal calibration has been modified to handle the increased loads the suspension will have to deal with. Great care has been taken to ensure that none of the comfort that a bike like the Brutale 1078RR provides its rider is lost. One small change regards the travel that has been increased to 130 mm (5.11 in). The type of forks remains unchanged and the Brutale boasts a pair of upside down 50 mm Marzocchis to keep the front end glued to the road when the rider is using the machine with a certain degree of zest. The rear shock absorber remains unchanged and the suspension has been calibrated to handle the power output. The suspension system keeps the back end in line under the hard acceleration on exiting bends that the 154 CV engine encourages. Rebound, compression and spring pre-load can all be adjusted on the Sachs monoshock unit.
NEW BREMBO BRAKES
The Brutale 1078RR now features the most powerful and exclusive brakes available. The system features race-bred monoblock or one-piece radial calipers like those fitted to the F4. The aim of the new system is to increase stopping power and reduce braking distances but at the same time decrease the amount of pressure needed on the brake lever and thus tire the rider less. The Brutale 1078RR can brake later than the competition and is already set up for the track with its new monoblock radial calipers. With the Brembo system this Brutale is now Italian from head to toe. The highly original forged aluminium five-spoke star-shaped wheels are also Brembo and measure 3.50� x 17� at the front and 6.00� x 17� at the rear with 120/70 ZR 17 and 190/55 ZR 17 tyres.
Honda CB 1000R XESS - eXtreme European Streetfighter Styling
1 Comment Author Tristan time: 10:56 AM
The XESS (eXtreme European Streetfighter Styling) version of the CB1000R draws on the most extreme potential of this new Naked streetfighter’s intensely aggressive power. It focuses the customer’s attention on the eventual possibilities for modifying the production model to make it even more stunning.
The original CB1000R was intended to stimulate Honda Emotion; to be number one in the Sports-Naked category and the ultimate bike for two-wheel enthusiasts. This was achieved through its innovative and challenging design and through such impressive technology as the ex-Fireblade inline-4 engine, the long-and-low underslung exhaust and the hybrid aluminium swingarm. Incorporating impressive handling and a sporty nature, our plan for this model is to become the big Naked queen of the long and winding roads.
Our goal with the XESS is to allow CB1000R customers to shine out in the crowd (even more!) and give them really breathtaking added value. It is similar to our much-appreciated initiative with the Hornet 600 in early 2006. It’s clear that Naked customers like to customise their bikes, so we decided to sow the seeds of imagination with a reality model.
The XESS represents the most radical and extreme styling of the new Italian-designed CB1000R. Just as Honda represents “The Power of Dreams,” the CB1000R should be considered “The Model of Dreams” in the Naked category – a dream bike starting with a unique Honda basis and cutomised with the most impressively designed accessories.*
If the CB1000R is a spectacularly emotional bike, the velvet-red XESS builds even more on that emotion - aggressive as a panther and ready to holeshot with a premium motorcycle image. That’s why the tank is graced with the new Honda Wing emblem that only decorates top-end models like the RC212V, the Fireblade and the DN-01.
This impressive customization of a brand-new motorcycle model with quality custom parts is yet another unique and visionary initiative from Honda.
*The names of the after-market providers can be obtained on request from your local Honda sales company.
The XESS project was carried out by a local workgroup in Italy. Vito Cicchetti (General Manager, Honda Italy) proposed the initial concept and positioning, while Fausto Giancristofaro sought out suppliers of the most passionate parts and coordinated the realisation of the special model’s.
The many parts that have been added or changed include: a special Showa-signed and anodized massive front fork, Hanabira front discs with radial-mounted front callipers, a titanium twin-exhaust, lighter and race-ready footpegs, an aggressive red transmission chain, reversed levers, a velvet seat and several carbon fibre elements (such as the front mudguard, front light cowl, rear hugger, side covers and rear seat cowl).
The concept, drawings and development of the mass production model were established by R&D headquarters in Roma with the support of the Italian Sales Division. With its already sensational design, it provided an ideal basis from which to develop such an impressive and aggressive prototype. The result is a model that celebrates traditional Honda quality with 100% Italian design.
Here’s a little taster of our forthcoming 1000cc group test. First MCN senior road tester Michael Neeves pushes the GSXR1000 and Honda Fireblade to the limit around Almeria. .
ONBOARD GSX-R 1000
Jerez de la Frontera (Spain), Wednesday 30th January: during the official presentation of the Ducati 1098 R, which took place this week at the Spanish track in Jerez de la Frontera, Team Ducati Xerox have unveiled the new livery of the Ducati 1098 F08 that will participate in the World Superbike Championship.
The new 1098 F08 is directly derived from the 1098 R and has been developed as a result of the new World Superbike regulations that allow for both 1200cc two-cylinder machines and 1000cc four-cylinders to line up on the grid together for the first time.
Never before has a Ducati Superbike been so similar to the road version, with its production engine having very few modifications made to it, the changes limited essentially to the pistons, camshafts and transmission.
Filippo Preziosi, Director General of Ducati Corse, has followed the evolution of this bike from the start. He underlines the importance of the new project, that confirms and reinforces the level of commitment that Ducati Corse makes to the Superbike championship.
"2008 is a very important year for Ducati as it sees the debut of the 1098 F08 race bike in the World Superbike championship, a bike derived from the impressive 1098 R that has already become a technological point of reference with regard to production sport bikes. This season Ducati Corse lines up the official Ducati Xerox Team and provides extensive technical support to the satellite teams, confident that great results will be achieved thanks also to the level of expertise of all its riders. A warm welcome to our new partners that will support us this season and particular thanks to all the sponsors who have renewed their faith in the project, especially Xerox and Shell."
Italian rider Michel Fabrizio (Ducati Xerox) was present in Jerez and took to the track, riding both the 1098 R and 1098 F08 during test sessions.
Michel Fabrizio: "I didn't expect to be so emotional seeing the new livery of my bike and my suit for the first time here in Jerez. This event, in which the 1098 R was presented to the press, has helped me to see just how effectively Ducati transfers its racing know-how to the production of its road bikes and how, in this way, bike enthusiasts are able to have high-performance machines that are as unique as these. The season is about to get under way and I am highly motivated. I can't wait to start the championship with this fantastic bike."
Team-mate Troy Bayliss was absent from the event as he continues to recuperate after having fractured his collarbone during the recent test session in Phillip Island. He is recovering well from his injury and the talented Australian rider will return to the track at the next test session to take place in Qatar on 12th February.
Bright sunshine and 25 degrees celsius temperatures provided perfect conditions for Casey Stoner and Marco Melandri as they took to the Phillip Island circuit for the first of three days of testing alongside the majority of MotoGP teams in Australia.
It proved to be a positive day for both Ducati Marlboro Team riders, who recorded impressive lap times on a race setting. Stoner racked up 29 laps in 1'30 whilst experimenting with set-up and tyres, giving highly encouraging feedback on the new Bridgestone rubber. The World Champion is also continuing to regain strength in the shoulder he injured at Jerez towards the end of November, so much so that today he was able to complete a total of 73 laps.
Marco Melandri was also satisfied after completing just shy of 100 laps, making good progress with the base setting of his GP8 in both the cycle part and engine. He did not try the Japanese tyre manufacturer's latest offerings today but will start to do so tomorrow.
Casey Stoner (Ducati Marlboro Team), best time: 1'30.178 (73 laps)
"Everything went really well today, the feeling with the bike was perfect almost straight away. The new Bridgestones, which had already given us positive feedback at Sepang, also worked perfectly here at Phillip Island - one of them in particular improves the bike a lot in the exit of the corners, especially in the final section of the track. We've also taken a step forward with some small changes to the front, which have made the bike more stable and improved grip to the point where my best time came without pushing, on a tyre that already had 17 laps on it. I'm also really happy with the latest specs of the engine and the way it is responding under acceleration coming out of the corners. The weather was basically perfect all day apart from when the wind picked up a little in the afternoon but the smaller fairing, which we used for the race here in October, meant that it wasn't a problem. Towards the end of the day my shoulder was a little sore because this is such a physical track, with a lot of fast corners, but it is still better than it was in Malaysia."
Marco Melandri (Ducati Marlboro Team), best time: 1'30.869 (99 laps)
"I'm really happy today because I finally feel as though I'm riding the bike more or less as I should. We knew that Phillip Island would be better for us and that's proved to be the case. The feeling was good from the first lap, thanks also to the things we learnt in the last test. At Sepang I probably changed the balance of the bike too much, trying to make it more similar to what I have ridden in the past, whereas here we've just tried to find a good base set-up, which has made it more manageable in the corners and less nervous. I am happy even though we're still not at 100%. We've actually got plans to try something new with the weight distribution tomorrow and we want to continue working on the electronics to try and improve the power delivery even more, then we can start tyre testing. In any case we've made a great start here."
Phillip Island info
Circuit Record: Marco Melandri (Honda - 2005) 1'30.332 Best pole: Nicky Hayden (Honda - 2006) 1'29.020
Fastest Lap GP 2007: Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) 1'30.801 Pole 2007: Dani Pedrosa (Honda) 1'29.201
Yamaha Motor Company Ltd. and Fiat Automobiles S.p.A. marked the second year of their MotoGP partnership today, at the official 2008 Fiat Yamaha Team Launch in Turin, Italy.
The presentation was hosted by Italian TV star Simona Ventura and took place at the historic Lingotto building, which was Fiat’s car factory from 1923 until 1982.
The building, which features a unique rooftop test track, played host to a different type of wheel power today when the new 2008 YZR-M1s, sporting an updated version of the Fiat Yamaha Team’s eye-catching white and blue livery, were unveiled.
Yamaha’s double MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi was present at the ceremony alongside his new team-mate, 20-year-old Spaniard Jorge Lorenzo, who is making the step up to MotoGP after two years as 250cc World Champion.
Also present today were Lin Jarvis, Managing Director of Yamaha Motor Racing Srl, Masahiko Nakajima, Fiat Yamaha Team Director and YZR-M1 Project Leader, Davide Brivio and Daniele Romagnoli, Fiat Yamaha Team Managers, and Lorenzo Sistino, CEO of the Fiat brand.
“I’m very happy that we’re so close to the start of racing,” said Rossi, who will contest this season on Bridgestone tyres for the first time. “This is a very important year for us and our only aim is to win, although it’s going to be hard work. My hand is much better, if not yet perfect, and I’m looking forward to getting back on the bike in Sepang next week. Everyone has been working very hard over the winter and I think our new bike is quite good, although of course we still have a lot of work to do. Everyone is very motivated and I know that we have the best team there is.”
Lorenzo, whose M1 will be Michelin-shod this season, enjoyed his first official day as a Yamaha rider. “I’m very happy to be here, with these people, this bike and in this team. I have a long way to go in my development but I have improved each time I’ve ridden the bike and the last test especially was very good. I’m very excited about this season and it’s a great honor to share the garage with Valentino, who is without doubt the most complete talent in our sport.”
Lin Jarvis, Managing Director of Yamaha Motor Racing, commented, “We’re very pleased to be continuing our strong partnership with our title sponsor Fiat. Meanwhile, the most important change to our team is the arrival of Jorge Lorenzo as Valentino Rossi’s new team-mate."
“As well as continuing with Fiat, we also enter into a second year with Official Sponsors AIA and Acer, and we’re also delighted to announce today the arrival of a new Official Sponsor in solar-energy company Kerself, with whom we have concluded a two-year sponsorship agreement."
"Another important new partner is Yamalube, Yamaha’s own high performance lubricants brand. Plus, as everyone knows, this season we will be working with both Michelin and Bridgestone tire brands and we would like to thank them, as well as all our official sponsors and suppliers, for their continued support.”
“The Fiat Yamaha initiative has been a success for Fiat from the start,” added Lorenzo Sistino, CEO of the Fiat brand. “The team is young, successful and dynamic and MotoGP brings us very close to our target market and gives us great visibility, not only in Italy but worldwide. We’re looking forward to another great year with Yamaha.”
The Fiat Yamaha Team’s 2008 campaign gets underway in Sepang, Malaysia next week with the first of four pre-season tests. The 18-round MotoGP season commences in Qatar on 9th of March
Tags: Yamaha, motoGP, Valentino Rossi
When one thinks of American sportbike manufacturers, surely Buell is the first name to pop up. Next might be Fischer, and then maybe some will know of Roehr. Like Erik Buell’s, Roehr’s machine is slated to use V-Twin engines from the most American of motorcycle manufacturers: Harley Davidson. Unlike Buell, the lump between the frame-rails will be the water-cooled Revolution engine, not an air-cooled Sportster-based engine. What’s more is that the Roehr motor will be supercharged making 180 horsepower. That’s pretty impressive stuff, and at 425 pounds (dry, claimed), this bike will boogie.
Also present are Brembo brakes, Ohlins suspension and Marchesini wheels - all high-spec pieces. We think that the bike looks pretty good too, with the radiators tucked into the fairings on each side. The front bodywork seems rather Ducati 999-esque, which is odd considering that many people disliked the triple-9. Ah well, it looks okay to our eyes. With all that this bike has going for it, the high price is not surprising. Want one? Hope you’ve got an extra $45 grand lying around.The 180HP V-Roehr Superbike
The Engine: The V-Roehr will be powered by
a 180HP, specially developed supercharged
version of the HarleyDavidson* 1250cc
Revolution* engine. State of the art
supercharger technology is being applied,
providing reliable high power output with a
broad, linear power delivery.
The Chassis: A unique modular CrMo steel
and aluminum frame has been developed.
This frame uses these two materials at
area's in which their material characteristics
are best suited.
The result is a stiff, light weight structure
that provides unparalleled steering
response and feedback.
The bike: The V-Roehr superbike is The
American performance machine.
The combination of a state of the art 180hp
supercharged engine with an innovative
BiMetal composite beam frame, creates the
ulimate combination of power, performance
and beauty.
Specifications: (production version)
Displacement: 1250cc
Bore x Stoke: 105mm x 72mm
Horsepower: 180hp @ 9500 RPM
Torque: 95lb/ft @ 8500 RPM
Chassis: CrMo steel/aluminum beam
frame
Wheelbase: 56 inches
Rake/trail: 23.5deg / 98mm
Tires: 120/70/17 frt. 190/50/17 rear
Wheels: Marchesini 10 spoke
forged aluminum
Front suspension: Ohlins 43mm USD, radial
mount calipers
Rear suspension: Ohlins single shock with
progressive linkage
Brakes front: Brembo 2 x 320mm radial
mount 4 piston calipers
Brakes rear: Brembo 1 x 230mm, 2 piston
caliper
Seat Height: 31.5 inches
Dry Weight: 425lbs.
MSRP: $44,995
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