2013 KTM 1190 RC8 R

OVERVIEW

The ultimate power tool from KTM. KTM designers pulled out all the stops in the art of engine building when it came to the 1190 RC8 R 2013. The rider has one of the most powerful V2 engines of our times and one of the best chassis in the world at his or her disposal - totally street-legal. With the precision to cut out the others when entering the corner. With the power and traction to pull away from them exiting the corner. With the feedback and ergonomics to enjoy the 1190 RC8 R 2013 to the full.

FRAME

The 2013 KTM RC8 R’s thin-walled, 7.3 kg light tubular lattice frame of high-strength chrome-molybdenum steel sets standards in dimensional stability and lightweight construction. Its optimal stiffness distribution results in fantastic precision and unparalleled stability.

SWINGARM

The intricately made light alloy swingarm makes a significant contribution to the outstanding traction of the KTM RC8 R. The position of the swingarm can be adjusted by means of an eccentric on the lever linkage. In this way, compression can be minimised and squatting prevented when accelerating out of corners.

LINKAGE

The progressiveness of the linkage provides the shock absorber with refined responsiveness and still with sufficient reserves at peak loads. The position of the swingarm can be adjusted to the rider’s riding style and weight on the easily accessible eccentric adjuster on the linkage, and squatting on acceleration prevented.

SHOCK ABSORBER

The sophisticated internal mechanism of the WP shock absorber on the 2013 RC8 R completely isolates the rebound damping from the compression stage, so that they can each be adjusted independently of one another. The compression damping can also be set for high speed and low speed. The suspension set-up range extends comfortably to racing conditions.

TELESCOPIC FORK

The high-quality upside-down fork from WP Suspension can be adjusted separately for preload as well as for compression and rebound damping of the suspension. Their adjustment ranges extend from country road comfort to tough racing conditions. In addition, a WP steering damper keeps the forks on track, even under extreme conditions.

BRAKES

The RC8 R’s brake system with the highest quality Brembo® components functions perfectly, sensitively and steadily. At the front, for example, two radially-mounted, four-piston brake callipers and two 320 mm diameter and 5 mm thick semi-floating brake discs provide massive stopping power.

WHEELS AND TYRES

The lightweight, Marchesini, aluminium die-cast wheels on the KTM RC8 R are fitted with Continental Sport Attack II tyres. These top-quality tyres provide outstanding ride characteristics and endless grip, whether on a wet country road or a scorching hot racetrack. With a decent service life, they support the unique qualities of the KTM chassis at all times.

SETTING OPTIONS

The 2013 RC8 R not only offers extraordinarily relaxed ergonomics for all its supreme sportiness, but also more ergonomic setting options than any other series production superbike. Footrests: two heights, each with two positional variants. Foot levers: variable lever operating angle and lever length. Seat: two heights. Hand levers: variable. Handlebar: two heights and two angles.

ENGINE

With its 129 kW (173 hp) of power, the V2 on the KTM RC8 R can be considered as the measure of all things for ultra-sporty twins, with maximum performance, predictable characteristics and high reliability. The KTM engine impresses with an extremely broad rev range and spontaneous throttle response, while supplying supreme ride quality.

ANTI-HOPPING CLUTCH

Saves power, helps in slides: The new anti-hopping clutch not only opens when the engine back-torque becomes too high, it also closes with the force of the clutch springs when you open up the throttle. The former prevents annoying rear wheel chatter when braking sharply or decelerating – and gives the wheel just that bit of braking for a controlled rear wheel slide. The latter allows the clutch to be pulled and controlled with the little finger – which saves energy when riding.

CYLINDER HEAD

The main reasons for the outstanding performance of the RC8 R 2013 V-twin with 75° cylinder angle are the state-of-the-art cylinder heads with twin plug ignition, flow-optimised ducts and cam follower drive for the valves (intake: titanium; exhaust: steel). For tuners: Valve timing is adjustable via the camshaft gears.

TWIN PLUG IGNITION

The twin plug ignition system on the latest RC8 R fires the two differently sized spark plugs in each cylinder head independently of each other in such a way that more efficient combustion and a smoother, optimally controlled combustion sequence are achieved at all times. The result: even more and even better controlled power, lower fuel consumption, and less emissions.

INJECTION / ENGINE MANAGEMENT

The electronic Keihin engine management with twin throttle valves regulates the modern electronic fuel injection system on the 2013 KTM RC8 R, focussing on maximum power with predictable power development and spontaneous responsiveness with precisely controllable throttle response.

PISTONS

The forged piston structure on the RC8 R, borrowed from Formula 1, results in a high loading capacity, despite the extremely short and lightweight design. This minimises the reciprocating weight and optimises the responsiveness and free-revving nature of the engine.

CRANKSHAFT

The smooth shape of the crank webs on the latest KTM RC8 R results in low-loss running of the crank drive; the modified weight distribution of the crankshaft and a newly dimensioned alternator rotor improve the smooth running of the engine. Together they optimise the load change behaviour of the engine.

INJECTION / ENGINE MANAGEMENT

The electronic Keihin engine management system with twin throttle valves regulates the modern electronic fuel injection system on the RC8 R, focussing on maximum power with predictable power development and spontaneous responsiveness with precisely controllable throttle response.

SWINGARM

The intricately made light alloy swingarm makes a significant contribution to the outstanding traction of the RC8 R. The position of the swingarm can be adjusted by means of an eccentric on the lever linkage. In this way, compression can be minimised and squatting prevented when accelerating out of corners.

LINKAGE

The progressiveness of the linkage provides the shock absorber with refined responsiveness and still with sufficient reserves at peak loads. The position of the swingarm can be adjusted to the rider’s riding style and weight on the easily accessible eccentric adjuster on the linkage, and squatting on acceleration prevented.

SHOCK ABSORBER

The sophisticated internal mechanism of the WP shock absorber on the RC8 R completely isolates the rebound damping from the compression stage, so that they can each be adjusted independently of one another. The compression damping can also be set for high speed and low speed. The suspension set-up range extends comfortably to racing conditions.

TELESCOPIC FORK

The high-quality upside-down fork from WP Suspension can be adjusted separately for preload as well as for compression and rebound damping of the suspension. Their adjustment ranges extend from country road comfort to tough racing conditions. In addition, a WP steering damper keeps the forks on track, even under extreme conditions.

SETTING OPTIONS

The 2013 KTM RC8 R not only offers extraordinarily relaxed ergonomics for all its supreme sportiness, but also more ergonomic setting options than any other series production superbike. Footrests: two heights, each with two positional variants. Foot levers: variable lever operating angle and lever length. Seat: two heights. Hand levers: variable. Handlebar: two heights and two angles.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine Design	2-cylinder, 4-stroke, spark-ignition engine, 75° V arrangement, liquid-cooled
Displacement	1,195 cm³
Bore	105 mm
Stroke	69 mm
Performance	129 kW (173 hp)
Starting aid	Electric starter
Transmission	6-speed, claw shifted
Engine lubrication	Dry-sump lubrication with 3 rotor pumps
Primary gear ratio	40:76
Secondary gear ratio	17:37
Cooling system	Liquid cooling system, continuous circulation of cooling liquid with water pump
Clutch	PASC™ Anti-hopping clutch / hydraulically operated
Ignition system	Contactless, controlled, fully electronic ignition system with digital ignition timing adjustment
Frame	Tubular space frame made from chrome molybdenum steel, powder-coated
Forks	WP Suspension Up Side Down
Shock absorber	WP Suspension Monoshock
Suspension travel front	120 mm
Suspension travel rear	120 mm
Brake system front	Twin-disc brake with radially mounted four-piston brake calipers; floating brake discs
Brake system rear	Single-disc brake with two-piston brake caliper; fixed brake disc
Brake discs - diameter front	320 mm
Brake discs - diameter rear	220 mm
Chain	5/8 x 5/16” X‑Ring
Steering head angle	66.7°
Wheelbase	1,425 mm
Ground clearance (unloaded)	110 mm
Seat height (unloaded) lower subframe position	805 mm
Seat height (unloaded) upper subframe position	825 mm
Total fuel tank capacity approx.	16.5 l Unleaded premium fuel (95 RON)
Weight without fuel approx.	184 kg

Read more: http://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles/motorcycle-reviews/ktm/2013-ktm-1190-rc8-r-ar147967.html#ixzz2b9RWtJsx

2013 Honda CBR1000RR

The Honda CBR1000RR is one of the sportiest models developed by the Japanese manufacturer. Though, even if the bike is one of the most capable models in its class, Honda still wanted to make a few upgrades.

Honda’s engineers wanted to obtain a perfect mix between power, handling, riding quality, and overall build quality, and we’ll have to admit that the result is quite fascinating.

The 2013 Honda CBR100RR is propelled by a 999cc liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder mated on a six speed transmission. For first class performances the Honda CBR100 RR is also packed with a modern slipper clutch which assures full power transmission with smooth shifting and a light clutch pull at the lever.

Honda offers the motorcycle in two versions, one with Combined Anti-Lock Braking System (C-ABS), the first ever on a production Superbike. The 2013 Honda CBR1000RR is offered with a starting price of $13,800.

Hit the jump for more information on the Honda CBR1000RR

Press release

Honda Electronic Steering Damper

The compact second-generation HESD helps maintain predictable high-speed handling and low-speed maneuverability. Way more sophisticated than a simple fixed-rate damper, it’s one of the keys to the CBR1000RR’s extraordinary handling.

LCD Instrumentation

The CBR1000RR’s full-screen LCD instrumentation includes a lap timer, trip and fuel-consumption computer, five-level customizable shift indicator, gear-position indicator and peak-rpm memory function.

Combined ABS Brakes.

The CBR1000RR’s Combined ABS (C-ABS) system is the first of its kind on a Superbike. Even the most critical motorcycle testers rave about how well it works. Find out what the experts have to say about this revolutionary feature.

Twin-Spar Aluminum Chassis

Four-piece aluminum frame design balances strength, rigidity, and lightness. Wrapped tightly around the engine, the structure helps centralize the CBR1000RR’s mass for more responsive handling—some of the best anywhere on two wheels.

Dual-Stage Fuel Injection

Two sets of injectors per cylinder for both low- and high-rpm performance. Instantaneous high-rpm response, along with great low-rpm metering and clean running.

Layered Fairing

There’s no mistaking the 2013 CBR1000RR, thanks to its Layered Fairing bodywork. Lean, mean, more aggressive from front to back, it’s a real attention getter, even when it’s standing still.

Assisted Slipper Clutch

Superbikes can deliver a great deal of backtorque through the driveline, upsetting handling. Not the CBR1000RR. Its Honda-designed Assisted Slipper Clutch is the same type used on our MotoGP bikes. The design does away with the need for heavy clutch springs ensuring full power transmission with smooth shifting and a light clutch pull at the lever.

Gull-Wing Swingarm

The CBR1000RR’s braced aluminum "gull wing" swingarm is deliberately long. That helps deliver improved traction and gives the rider excellent chassis feedback.

BPF Front Suspension

The CBR1000RR’s front suspension uses a Big Piston Fork (BPF). The 43mm Showa fork is smoother and more responsive, and gives you excellent front-end feedback.

Unit Pro-Link Rear Suspension

The CBR1000RR features premium suspension front and rear. In the back, the Unit Pro Link design uses a Balance Free Rear shock that uses a double-tube design for smoother and more accurate response.

12-Spoke Wheels

With their consistent rigidity and balance, these sharp-looking 12-spoke cast aluminum wheels work with the BPF fork to enhance suspension feedback to deliver real handling improvements.

Specifications

Engine Type	999cc liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder
Bore And Stroke	76mm x 55.1mm
Induction	Programmed Dual Stage Fuel Injection (PGM-DSFI) with 46mm throttle bodies, Denso 12-hole injectors
Ignition	Computer-controlled digital transistorized with 3-D mapping
Compression Ratio	12.3:1
Valve Train	DOHC; four valves per cylinder
Transmission	Close-ratio six-speed
Final Drive	#530 O-ring-sealed chain
Front Suspension	43mm inverted Big Piston fork with spring preload, rebound and compression damping adjustability; 4.3 inches travel
Rear Suspension	Unit Pro-Link Balance Free Rear Shock with spring preload, rebound and compression-damping adjustability; 5.4 inches travel
Front Brake	Dual radial-mounted four-piston calipers with full floating 320mm discs
Rear Brake	Single-caliper 220mm disc
Front Tires	120/70ZR-17 radial
Rear Tires	190/50ZR-17 radial
Trail	96.0mm (3.8 inches)
Wheelbase	55.5 inches
Seat Height	32.3 inches
Curb Weight	439 pounds (Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel ready to ride.)
Fuel Capacity	4.7 gallons, including 1.06-gallon reserve
Miles Per Gallon	41 MPG
Available Colors	Red, Repsol Edition,White/Blue/Red

Read more: http://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles/motorcycle-reviews/honda/2013-honda-cbr1000rr-ar148235.html#ixzz2b9R59Kfj

2013 Triumph Daytona 675

On balance, even better to ride. The previous Daytona 675 certainly is a tough act to follow. So just how did we improve on it? The all-new triple motor is more compact, and more powerful, which allowed us to re-design the frame to be smaller, lighter and narrower than before. That, combined with a bigger airbox, new swingarm, lighter wheels and new, sharper, bodywork means we’ve succeeded in making the new Daytona 675 more agile, more responsive, and more forgiving than ever before.

To ensure the new Daytona 675 had the perfect balance of power and performance, we looked at every component. From the motor to the frame to the wheels to the lights, even to individual nuts and bolts, we made them lighter, stronger, smaller, smoother. We did whatever we had to do to make this bike, above all bikes, perfect.

Engine

The daytona’s triple engine is completely new. The cylinder block is now solid aluminium with ceramic coated liners, making the whole unit inherently stronger. This allowed us to increase the torque and engine speed, giving you more power. Amazingly, we could achieve all this whilst maintaining an overall narrow and compact package. Power is up from 125ps to 128ps and from 73nm to 75nm.

By increasing the rev limit to 14,400 rpm, with a larger bore and shorter stroke, the engine is now even more responsive to rider input. Peak power is now at 12,600rpm running up to that new redline, and with more power delivered more smoothly throughout the rev range – roll the throttle and you’ll be rewarded with instant drive. To give the motor more air to breathe, we increased the size of the air intake and channelled the airflow through the headstock, so we can force even more air in and create more power.

The new engine now operates with twin injectors per cylinder, which are both compact and provide more accurate fuelling. Revised mapping has helped boost the torque throughout the rev range. But we’ve also made this daytona engine cleaner and therefore more fuel-efficient . A more powerful triple engine, revving at higher speeds, demanded the highest specification valves. We chose titanium for the new daytona 675. Not only are they stronger, they’re lighter and have been reshaped to provide a smoother gas flow , resulting in performance boosts throughout the rev range.

Mass centralisation

The closer to the centre a bike it carries its weight, the better handling the bike will be. By relocating the silencer to under the engine, rapid direction changes are now more fluid and more controlled. Rider input is rewarded with an incredibly controlled response.

Suspension

Front and rear kyb suspension is, of course, fully adjustable. Both front and rear suspension have the added advantage of separate low- and high-speed compression damping adjustment, making the daytona as forgiving on the road as it is focused on the track. The daytona 675r goes one step further, boasting race-spec öhlins suspension, front and rear.

Brakes

Nissin radial calipers on the front, give amazing stopping power and confidence-inspiring feel through the lever. The rear nissin caliper is lighter than before, helping to reduce the unsprung mass, which further improves handling and agility.

Wheels and tyres

Something as simple as reducing the weight of the wheels can have a dramatic effect on handling. Lighter wheels reduce unsprung mass and minimize the gyroscopic effect of a spinning wheel. This makes it easier to turn the bike in and hold a line through the corner. We’ve put race-derived pirelli supercorsa tyres on to give you the grip to match the potential lean angles.

Specifications

Engine type	Liquid-cooled, 12 valve, DOHC, in-line 3-cylinder
Capacity	675cc
Bore/Stroke	76.0 x 49.6mm
Fuel System	Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection with forced air induction and SAI
Exhaust	Stainless steel 3 into 1 system with valve in secondary and under engine silencer
Final Drive	O ring chain
Clutch	Wet, multi-plate, slipper.
Gearbox	6-speed, close ratio
Oil Capacity	3.6 litres (1.0 US gals)
Frame	Front - Aluminium beam twin spar / Rear - 2 piece high pressure die cast
Swingarm	Braced, twin-sided, aluminium alloy with adjustable pivot position
Wheel	Front: Cast aluminium alloy 5-spoke 17 x 3.5in
	Rear: Cast aluminium alloy 5-spoke 17 x 5.5in
Tire	Front :120/70 ZR 17
	Rear: 180/55 ZR 17
Suspension	Front :KYB 41mm upside down forks with adjustable preload, rebound and high/low speed compression damping, 110mm travel
	Rear :KYB monoshock with piggy back reservoir adjustable for preload, rebound and high/low speed compression damping, 130mm rear wheel travel
Brakes	Front :Twin 308mm floating discs, Nissin 4-piston radial mono-block calipers (Switchable ABS model available)
	Rear: Single 220mm disc, Nissin single piston caliper (Switchable ABS model available)
Instrument Display/Functions	LCD multi-functional instrument pack with digital speedometer, trip computer, analogue tachometer, lap timer, gear position indicator and programmable gear change lights and clock, coded key immobiliser, TPMS ready and switchable ABS (where fitted).
Length	2045mm (80.4in)
Width (handlebars)	695mm (27.3in)
Height without mirrors	1112mm (43.7in)
Seat Height	820mm (32.3in)
Wheelbase	1375mm (54.1in)
Rake/Trail	22.9º/87.2mm
Fuel Tank Capacity / Efficiency	17.4 litres (4.6 US gals)
Wet Weight (ready to ride)	184kg (405lbs)
Maximum Power	128PS / 126bhp / 94kW @ 12500rpm
Maximum Torque	74Nm / 55ft.lbs @ 11900rpm

Read more: http://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles/motorcycle-reviews/triumph/2013-triumph-daytona-675-ar159683.html#ixzz2b9QgwQQB

2013 Honda CBR500R ABS

What’s New
The CBR500R is an all-new motorcycle and the sportiest model in Honda’s new 500 range. It was made to meet Europe’s new A2 license tier for new riders, which specifies both a maximum power output (47bhp) and a power-to-weight ratio. It was also designed to be extremely affordable, both to buy and own.
It’s no coincidence then that the 471cc, liquid-cooled parallel-twin develops precisely 47bhp. That motor only revs to a relatively low redline of 8,500rpm, where it develops that peak power. Max torque of 32lb-ft arrives at 7,000rpm. On paper, that may not sound like the most flexible motor ever, but it’ll actually pull fairly strongly from 1,500rpm or so, all the way up to the limiter.
That engine is housed in a fairly basic, tubular steel frame, suspended by non-adjustable, 41mm, right-way up forks and a preload adjustable, Pro-Link monoshock.
So far, so humble. The kerb weight (including a full tank) isn’t particularly light, either, at 425lbs.
Aside from the ABS (a $500 option), there’s no new tech features or surprises. It’s a motorcycle, plain and simple. But a brilliant one. Why?

The Ride
Every year since I moved to America in 2006, I’ve made riding from LA to Laguna Seca an annual ritual. Sure, the race is fun to watch and it’s a good place to catch up with old friends, but really, it’s just an excuse to take in some of the best riding roads in the world alongside a few buddies. Typically, I try and take something that fits a conventional idea of fun — an Aprilia RSV4 last year, a GSX-R1000 before that.
The route typically remains the same too. Cruise up to Ojai on the 33, take that to the 58. By the time that dumps you back out on the 101, we’re usually tired and hot, so we cruise up the 101 to Carmel Valley Road and arrive in Monterey exhausted and sore. But also satisfied, because those are three of the most scenic and challenging riding roads around. 33 is all high-speed sweepers, 58 is 2nd gear hairpins. Carmel Valley doesn’t have lane markers, but it does have bumps and blind corners; lots of them.
The Monday after the race, I like to head down the PCH through Big Sur, passing hoards of poorly-ridden sportsbikes while enjoying the view and, this year, headed over Nacimiento Fergusson road for the first time. That’s more single-lane hairpins, these covered in sand and loose rocks.
All in, it’s one of my favorite motorcycle trips of the year and a chance to let my hair down and go fast on fast bikes. Believe it or not, but I actually had more fun riding this little CBR than I have on any other bike yet.
33’s high speed sweepers should have proved a major challenge for a slow, basic bike. Climbing up the TopaTopa mountains, they’re typically one of the rare opportunities to use a liter bike’s full power on the road. Could 47bhp enough to make them fun? Well, that limited power output is complimented by fairly limited suspension, so it was fun. Full throttle, peg scraping, knee down fun, all at about half the speed I’d normally be travelling.
58? More of the same. Turning onto it, I’d hoped to hang with a group of fast guys on powerful sport tourers a Hayabusa and even an old Yamaha GTS1000, but they left me for dead on the road’s long, straight beginning. In 6th, the little Honda redlines at 102mph.



By the time I’d reached the corners, I was on my own and, again, spent most of the ride grabbing huge handfuls of throttle, then trying to take enough lean out in corners that hard parts wouldn’t drag. The CBR’s ground clearance is fairly limited, displaying a centimeter or so of unused rubber on both edges of the rear tire, even after removing the peg feelers, then dragging the pegs through almost every corner.
Stopping to grab knee down shots, a group on a 2013 Honda CBR600RR, Ducati 848 Evo and 900SS passed. The girl on the CBR was a friend who’d been asking about the 500, so I pulled on my helmet, hopped on my bike and chased all three of them down, passing each through subsequent corners. I was flat out with a huge smile on my face, they were a long, long, long ways from their bike’s limits.
And that difference — to and beyond the CBR500R’s full capability compared to maybe a third of the CBR600RR’s — is what makes riding the smaller, cheaper bike so much more fun. The 500 makes 71bhp less, the 500 is 15lbs heavier, the 500’s suspension is far less capable. But riding it on the street, that simply means you get to use full throttle, you get to use full lean, you get to ride the bike absolutely as hard as it will go, in safety, often while staying under the speed limit.
Then there’s the 500’s other benefits. All in, this trip totaled 780 miles. All in, I spent $46.18 on fuel, averaging 54mpg. That’s pretty good considering the type of riding described above.
Also unlike previous years, I also arrived in Monterey without any numb limbs and without back spasms. The little CBR is also the most comfortable CBR, with low pegs, a large, flat seat and a spacious cockpit. It’s also the only CBR with enough space for large luggage.
Yesterday’s ride back down Big Sur wasn’t the flat-out, high speed blast it’s been in previous years. It was cold and foggy, so we just cruised along at a reasonable pace. The CBR’s upright riding position afforded excellent views and it remained calm and confident, even in sketchy conditions. Turning up through Nacimiento Fergusson, the extreme agility created by the narrow, 160/60-17 rear tire made the tight road and limited traction easy, too. A larger, faster bike would have been ponderous there.
But perhaps the best illustration of the diverse capability of the CBR500R came at the very end of the trip. A tractor trailer had flipped on the 101 near Topanga Canyon Blvd, blocking all four lanes and halting traffic completely. Even after riding all the way back from Monterey, I was sharp and mentally acute enough to navigate 20 miles or more of totally stalled freeway traffic with the same ease as I’d had anywhere else on the trip. The CBR500R is as good in tight traffic as it is dragging knee as it is cruising down the highway.
And it would have been just as easy and fun in any of those places or on the entire trip for a new rider as it was for me. Taking that into account, this is the most diversely capable, fun bike that Honda makes.



The Good
All-day comfortable, even for tall riders like me.
Crazy fun, even at safe, legal speeds.
Extremely fuel efficient.
Flexible, responsive motor. The top speed is governed by gearing, not a limiter, so it pulls strongly up to 100mph.
Extreme agility makes navigating snarled traffic or very tight back roads super easy.
The ABS brakes are so unobtrusive, you won’t know they’re there until you come to a sharp, confident halt in bad conditions. They remain sensitive enough to trail to an apex, with your knee on the ground.
Heavy on paper, but you’ll swear it weighs 75lbs less as soon as you swing a leg over it; that weight is totally hidden.
Very confidence inspiring, encouraging you to push as hard as possible.
Looks like a much more expensive bike than it is.
Powerful highbeam works well at night on back roads.
Clear instruments instantaneously convey speed and revs.
A helmet lock positioned so your helmet rests upright, on the center of the rider seat.



The Bad
A little extra ground clearance wouldn’t go amiss.
A taller screen will add comfort on long journeys.
No external temperature gauge.
Stock tool kit includes only an allen wrench and fuse puller.
Preload collar impossible to reach without specialized tool (not included).

Thanks. http://rideapart.com

2013 Honda CBR1000RR C-ABS

The 2013 Honda CBR1000RR is mechanically identical to the 2012 model, itself a facelift of the version first released in 2008. Unlike most of its superbike competition, it’s not equipped with any electronic rider aids, with the notable exception of optional Combined ABS, and is behind all other liter bikes on horsepower. Can it still compete?
Photos: Adam Waheed
What’s New
Well, not much. For 2013, the CBR1000RR is available in a new red/white/blue Tricolor or the Orange/Blue/Red Repsol-replica. Plain black and red remain unchanged.
The 2012 facelift sounds minor — new fairings, new suspension, new wheels, revised fueling and brakes — but actually ends up being totally transformative. That suspension is now Showa’s top-drawer stuff; you’ve seen BPF forks on other bikes, but this is the first-ever use of the company’s twin-tube rear shock. Very similar to the Ohlins TTX36 (as fitted to bikes like the $22,995 Ducati 1199 Panigale S), it eliminates the possibility for damping-destroying cavitation, aiding traction as you put the power down out of corners and eclipsing all Japanese rivals on quality.


New clocks are easy-to-read and comprehensive.

Fueling was altered to make the transition from off to on throttle less abrupt. Wheels are new 12-spoke items said to be more “consistently rigid.” Pad changes should make the brakes more progressive while feedback from HRC’s endurance racing has lessened the amount of front brake applied by the rear pedal on the C-ABS model. That change was made after racers asked for the ability to use that rear brake to control power delivery on corner exits.
The rest is fairly standard Japanese liter bike formula. At 175bhp, CBR’s inline-four is less powerful than all other liter bikes, but is actually ahead of the 180bhp Yamaha R1 on power-to-weight; the Honda weighs just 439lbs (wet) to the Yamaha’s 454lbs figure.
The Ride
So much talk around superbikes centers on numbers, yet the reality of riding them couldn’t be less about that. On the road, peak horsepower is far less important than a fat mid-range. On the track, peak horsepower is far less important than suspension and tires. And it’s away from the spec sheet pissing contests where the CBR1000RR excels.
Initially, that new suspension feels like it’s going to be too soft. But with higher quality damping than anything this side of the fanciest Ohlins equipment, the Honda is free to be compliant while also exhibiting exceptional control. The suspension easily absorbs bumps, yet holds a line like something sprung much more stiffly.
Those revised brakes — this is the C-ABS model — are also noteworthy. Power and feel are both huge, with no discernable interruption to either aspect caused by the anti-lock system. We’ve ridden the standard model back to back with C-ABS and the only difference is an incrementally softer lever on the anti-lock equipped bike. Modern ABS is a major boon to even the most highly-skilled rider, allowing the full use of the bike’s massive maximum braking ability in complete safety, every time, in every condition. ABS does not remove any ability to trail the brakes hard on corner entry and the combined braking system, which sees the rear pedal operate a small amount of front brake, is not detectable in use.
The result of all that suspension and brake stuff is truly excellent communication between rider and bike. At all times you’re totally aware of what each component is doing. Communication means confidence means better informed, faster, safer riding everywhere.

Another benefit of the new shock is easily-accesible adjusters.

The new rear shock is a stand out component, working more effectively than many TC systems at seeking out grip while on the throttle, exiting a corner. We prefer rider assistance electronics on most new bikes, but on the Honda it feels as if no help is necessary, power slides are rare and, when they do occur, are immediately communicated to the rider and easily controlled as a result.
What’s Good
The CBR1000RR excels at fast, sweeping corners where its stability, full mid-range, powerful top-end and shear confidence make it flow down the road with real conviction. On the road, that compliant, controlled suspension is revelatory over all but the roughest surfaces. On the track, you can trail later and power on earlier than on bikes fitted with cheaper components.
C-ABS combined with radial four-piston calipers and 320mm discs are some of the most powerful, user-friendly, safest brakes out there. Rain or shine, road or track, they’ll stop you over and over and over.
Ergonomics are a good halfway house between outright performance and road practicality. Your ass is still up, your wrists still low and the pegs still high, but an all-day ride won’t land you in a chiropractor’s office.
The motor never wants for power, whether your flowing through the mid-range or bouncing off the rev-limiter. In the real world, user friendliness is better than just a big number.
Subtly handsome looks combine well with solid colors to create a bike that immediately evokes performance without erring into adolescence.
What’s Bad
Despite revisions designed to fix the problem, on/off throttle movements are still abrupt and can upset the bike. Aftermarket fueling control can fix this, but shouldn’t be necessary on a new bike in 2013.
While the CBR transitions between corners rapidly at higher speeds, 1st and 2nd gear corners and very tight transitions at low speed can feel slightly ponderous.
The Price
This is where the Honda really comes into its own. Starting at $13,800 for non-ABS and $14,800 for C-ABS, it’s $490 cheaper than the R1, $499 cheaper than the Kawasaki ZX-10R and on par with the GSX-R1000, but has much nicer suspension than all of those bikes. It’s our favorite non-european superbike, the cheapest of which is the BMW S1000RR, which starts at $15,050.


On track at Infineon on an identical bike.

The Verdict
Applying labels like “user friendly,” “comfortable” and “confidence inspiring,” might sound insulting to a superbike, but in reality, those traits are exactly what makes a motorcycle fast. It’s the only Japanese superbike that currently comes with suspension of sufficient quality to facilitate truly fast riding on street or track while also besting its Japanese rivals on practicality. That, combined with Honda build quality, reliability and the huge dealer network makes the CBR1000RR the no-brainer decision if you’re shopping for a superbike made by the big four. Spending up to an Aprilia, BMW or Ducati nets you a fancier badge and advanced electronic rider aids, but only equivalent quality suspension and similar outright performance.

Thanks. http://rideapart.com

2013 Yamaha FJR1300A

Over the past decade, sport-touring has been on a bit of a roll. And the one bike, more than any other, responsible for getting that ball rolling was the FJR1300. When it burst on the scene here in 2002, the FJR proved wonderfully capable of both carving up the backroads and cruising the open roads, doing it with one of the stoutest engines on two wheels and a full complement of features geared for moto-touring, all for a manageable price through a large dealer network. Not coincidentally, sport-touring soon metamorphosed from a remote niche to a 
mainstream category. In the process, the FJR won
 Cycle World’s Best Sport-Touring Bike
 award in 2002 and 2004.
Since then, the spotlight has gradually shifted to other sport-tourers that continued to push the frontiers of technology and performance while the Yamaha remained largely status quo. But the FJR is mounting a comeback. For 2013, Yamaha has gifted the 1300 with a makeover that, while well short of a full redesign, is extensive enough to breathe new life into the old girl.
A perfect example is the engine, even though it is fundamentally unchanged. According to our new Dynojet 250i dynamometer, the dohc, 1298cc inline-Four pumps out virtually the same peak horsepower (124.9 at 8200 rpm) and torque (89.3 foot-pounds at 6700) as before. But small dimensional changes to the throttle bodies and the exhaust system’s internals are designed to improve rideability. Plus, the new bike has a two-position “Drive-mode” that allows the rider to select either Touring (softer throttle response and more-gradual power delivery) or Sport (completely unrestricted power) on the fly. The ’13 model also includes a standard traction-control system that can be switched off with one push of a button.



Much like the engine, the aluminum frame also is unchanged but has revised suspension hung at both ends. The spring and damping rates were upped for better chassis control, particularly with a passenger and the saddlebags (the same hard detachables as on previous FJRs) fully loaded. The fork is adjustable for rebound and compression, but all damping takes place only via new internals in the right fork leg; both legs do, however, have spring preload adjusters. The ABS and linked braking that have been standard on FJRs since 2006 are retained.
Visually, the FJR has more-aggressive styling with a new fairing that features “cat’s eye” headlights partially surrounded by a ring of white LED running lights, with tall, thin turnsignals, also LEDs, integrated into the leading edge of the bodywork. The fairing has new side vents that can be easily adjusted to divert engine heat either toward or away from the rider. The adjustable windscreen also was
redesigned and works with an under-shield air-vent system to reduce buffeting. We found that with the shield fully raised, anyone under 5-feet-10 sits in a fairly calm, quiet zone; taller riders feel only minor buffeting.
In the cockpit, an all-new instrument cluster has a digital speedometer, an analog tach and an LCD screen that can be tailored to display the rider’s choice of the usual trip/mileage data or other information such as the adjustment range for the standard heated handgrips. The seat is essentially the same two-piece combo as before, including the two-position-adjustable rider’s section. The seat is almost all-day comfortable, usually causing a little squirming after six or seven hours on the road. The ’13 FJR also retains the three-position-adjustable handlebars used on previous models.
None of these 2013 upgrades could be considered sweeping changes, but their overall effect is very favorable. Even though the engine slams out the same gobs of diesel-semi torque as always, for example, its throttle response is sharper than ever, likely the result of those small throttle-body and exhaust-system modifications, along with refined EFI mapping.



Whatever the reason, twisting the right grip with Drive-mode in Sport is answered with a primal growl from the drivetrain and an instantaneous forward thrust that could put a huge grin on the face of the most avid Yamaha hater. Even in top gear, the acceleration often is stronger than what some bikes can manage in any gear. This means you can execute fast passes without shifting the five-speeder out of top gear and complete ultra-smooth blasts through the twisties in just one or two gears without ever nearing the 9000-rpm redline. Touring mode takes the snappiness out of the throttle response but still delivers strong, steady acceleration.
So, too, is the handling improved, thanks to the suspension revisions. The stiffer spring rates allow a few more degrees of cornering clearance than on previous FJRs, yet the ride qualities are better, front and rear. The result is a nice balance between stability during fast cornering and comfort when droning along the superslab. If slammed through a corner really aggressively on any kind of uneven pavement, the FJR will move around just a bit, but never to an unsettling degree. The BT-023F tires that Bridgestone designed just for the FJR provide excellent stick in corners, allowing the rider to develop a comforting sense of confidence.
At 673 pounds with its 6.6-gallon gas tank topped up, the FJR is almost 20 lb. lighter than its closest competitor, Kawasaki’s award-winning Concours 14, and it has a lower center of gravity. Those two factors join forces to help the FJR feel lighter and easier to flick into a corner, especially with the rider’s seat in its 1-inch-lower position. When you then consider the nature of the Yamaha’s tractor-pull engine (despite its 54cc displacement disadvantage, it makes just 8 fewer peak hp than the Concours 14 but exactly the same peak torque, and it actually generates more torque below 4000 rpm), you end up with a bike that is easier to ride, fast or otherwise. And at $15,890, it’s $309 less expensive.
So, yeah, the FJR in recent years gradually dropped behind the lead pack, but detail improvements for 2013 have helped it get back in the hunt. It now has an electronics package comparable to that on some other sport-tourers, including cruise control, and suspension upgrades seem to alleviate one of the biggest gripes voiced by some FJR owners: insufficient cornering clearance. And then there’s that motor…
Until we can conduct a complete test of the new FJR1300 or include it in a comparison, we won’t know exactly how it stacks up against the other sport-touring rigs. It will be a whole lot of fun finding out.

Thanks. www.cycleworld.com

2014 Aprilia Tuono V4 R ABS

Lean and mean in its original hornet-yellow-and-black paint scheme, the 153-horsepower Aprilia Tuono V4 R won “Best Superbike” honors in Cycle World’s Ten Best Bikes in its debut year. Based on the RSV4 Factory ABS tested this past May, the 2014 Tuono V4 R ABS will surely be the most advanced version of this stunning naked Italian sportbike that Aprilia has produced thus far.
This new Tuono shares its highly advanced electronics suite—arguably the best tuned and most effective in production today—with the more powerful, fully faired RSV 4 ABS. This is a further evolution of the Aprilia Performance Ride Control (APRC) and, in addition to the “ride-by-wire” multi-map engine-management program, now includes a complete array of electronic supports for the rider that will make the Tuono even more enjoyable while delivering an extra margin of safety.
The list starts with Aprilia Traction Control (ATC), whose eight levels of action can be adjusted on the go via a selector next to the left-hand grip without shutting the throttle. Software operating logic has been improved to the point that it can sense and take into account speed and lean angle around a given corner and then modulate tire slippage. Response is said to be more linear, and the system can control slip in high-speed corners without killing torque delivered to the rear wheel out of slow turns, where the rider can more easily deal with slides.

Aprilia Wheelie Control (AWC), is three-way adjustable and recalibrated to better control high-speed wheelies without hurting ultimate performance. Aprilia Launch Control (ALC) is intended for track use and is also three-way adjustable. Aprilia Quick Shift (AQS) is possibly the best production software to assist extremely fast shifting without shutting the throttle.
Bosch’s latest ABS 9PM ECU teamed with the equally advanced Brembo M 4-32 Monobloc radial-mount front-brake calipers and twin 320mm discs complete the Tuono’s electronics suite. ABS is tunable on three levels to optimize action according to riding conditions: Track, Sport and Rain.
Engine output has been increased from the previously claimed 167 horsepower to 170 at 11,500 rpm and 82.2 foot-pounds of torque at 9500 rpm, with a flatter curve through the rev range. This slight increase in power and better torque delivery come from revised cam timing, a more efficient exhaust system and 20mm-taller throttle bodies. In addition, flywheel mass has been increased to make power delivery even smoother and more tractable. As for the chassis, like the Sachs shock, the new 43mm inverted Sachs fork is fully adjustable via conventional means—no electronics here.
Despite its more advanced electronics, the Tuono V4 R ABS is not a videogame. It is a piece of further honed, great motorcycle engineering. Price in Italy is 16,100 euros.

Thanks. www.cycleworld.com