From the new Modena circuit, here are out first impressions on the new 2012 Ducati Streetfighter 848. In comparison to the Streetfighter 1198 model, the chassis’ design is completely different: the rake angle has lost 1.5 degrees, going from 25.6° to 24.5° (same angle as the 848 Superbike), while trail has gone from 114 to 103mm.

This is due to the new frame which features a longer back-bone that pushes the load on the upper side of the yoke (looking at the bike from the left side, it looks like the yoke itself has been rotated anti-clockwise). The fork is the same as the Streetfighter 1198, therefore it is longer than the Superbike version. All that gives the front-end good confidence and straightforwardness which ensure maximum fun and excellent handling when leaning in both slow and fast corners.

The engine is very gradual and responsive but at the same time is sweeter and easier to handle than the 1198 version, thanks to the reduced displacement and to 11° distribution scheme (Testastretta) which provides more traction at low revs to the detriment of the performance at high revs. Last but not least, the rear tyre is a 180/70 R17 (Pirelli Diablo rosso Corsa) whose higher shoulder (same size used in Supersport) provides excellent grip while leaning as well as better handling and comfort.

View the full Ducati Streetfighter 848 2012 - Live Test Modena photo gallery

View the full TEST Live Ducati Streetfighter 848 2012 photo gallery

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At the Modena circuit, we’ve carried out a test on the new 2012 Ducati Streetfighter 848. According to Ducati - which is really confident in this model - the new Streetfighter 848 is synonymous with sheer fun, thanks to the sophisticated combination between 848 Testastretta 11° engine and the Superbike-derived frame geometry.

View the full Ducati Streetfighter 848 2012 photo gallery

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We’ve had the opportunity to test ride the 2012 Suzuki V-Strom in Croatia with our guys from Motoblog.it, and here are our riding impressions of the new Suzuki adventure bike. Since it was first leaked, our Italian colleagues have been friendlier towards the new bike than the views expressed on other English websites about the new V-Strom. They view it in an overall context of what the first V-Strom meant when it was first released and that is our caveat to our test ride should it sound overly positive compared with what else you might read on the net.

The Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS first appeared on the market in 2003, following the footsteps of the bigger 1000cc which had appeared about a year earlier. Over the years the V-Strom has emerged as bike appreciated by all sorts of different riders for its riding dyanmics, the right balance between comfort and a sporty ride, and because it struck the right chord between practicality, fun riding, versatility and a reasonable price.

The Suzuki V-Strom found its success through word-of-mouth rather than any particularly competent or fancy marketing campaigns. You only needed to try to one to be convinced that it was a steady, practical bike. Something was still missing, though - more youthful, sparkly looks for instance. A slimmer, sportier profile and less heavy plastic would have helped. Still, the V-Strom has always been one of the best sellers in its segment and finally in 2011 Suzuki has decided to update the V-Strom.

Suzuki V-Strom test ride live pics

Continue reading: 2012 Suzuki V-Strom test ride

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Here are the first couple of pics of our test of the 2011 Aprilia RSV4 R with APRC traction control from Aprilia. As we get ourselves organised, we’ll be bringing you more pics in the future and our riding impressions, but for the moment a word on the APRC. It’s currently the trend to borrow technology from Superbike and spec-up a bike, and the Aprilia Performance Ride Control has eight different traction settings that can be adjusted in relation to the riding conditions, tyres being used, acceleration control and electronic transmission.

After Max Biaggi’s Superbike championship win last year, Aprilia has lost no time in taking advantage of the marketing boost and providing some extra technology on its top-end bike. While many purists would be happy riding the RSV4 Factory APRC on the road, it is designed as a track motorcycle for high performance, although Aprilia says that it’s also designed to be a communicative bike for riders of different levels of experience.

It’s definitely at the height of the superbike game right now, and for those on the market for a new motorcycle, the Aprilia RSV4 R APRC is probably the best choice out there at the moment. The 2011 model gets some other goodies as well, like Ohlins suspension and dedicated livery. We’ll be bringing you our riding impressions in the next couple of days where we find out whether the APRC system lives up to the hype.

Aprilia RSV4 R APRC first test pics from Adria

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This lovely gallery of the Ducati Hypermotard 796 is a set of preview pics from the guys at Motoblog.it, who are currently conducting a test of the new Hypermotard. We’ll be bringing you more details soon, but in the meantime have a look at this nifty, slender Ducati in a background of autumn hues.

Ducati Hypermotard 796 test pics

Continue reading: Ducati Hypermotard 796 live pics from test ride

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What should the ideal city scooter be like? We say agile, zippy, compact and practical. And we found all these qualities in our test of the Aprilia Scarabeo 200 ie. It is one of those scooters you can fall in love with straight away for its elengance and performance, which is truly spectacular for city riding. It’s part of the new Aprilia Scarabeo scooter range.

Compared to the previous model, it has a new look and direct injection, and the style is appreciated when you sit comfortably on the seat. The Scarabeo is the perfect size and everything is under control, especially given the well-designed instrument panel with its analogue-digital features.

A button on the handles allows you to scroll through the LCD functions, including the external temperature (with emergency ice warning) and battery charge. The plexiglas screen doesn’t give off any annoying reflections and is easy to read.

Continue reading: Aprilia Scarabeo 200 i.e. road test

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When we took a test ride of the Vespa GTS 125 Super, we also had the chance to take the Vespa LX 50 4Valvolve out for a spin, and while the difference in the two is notable, the LX 50 really fits its market. The LX 50 4 Valvolve is made for a young public who want a zippy scooter that’s easy and safe to ride, and who want the Vespa style in city riding conditions.

The city terrain and its narrow streets and heavy traffic, is the perfect setting for the LX 50. It’s a good friend in traffic, with its new 50cc four-stroke engine, equipped with four valves that grabs your attention when you take off.

It’s a more powerful model than the previous version and almost has the response of a two-stroke (the distinctive smell is the only thing missing). The engine is the main novelty of this Vespa, which has been designed as a half-way point between the benefits of both a 2T and a 4T.

Test Vespa LX 50 4Valvole

Continue reading: Test ride of the Vespa LX 50 4Valvole

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We took the new Yamaha Majesty 400 for 2009 out for a test ride, to see where scooters are going these days. It can be appreciated for its progression and increase in performance that have seen it establish itself in the 400cc segment over the last couple of years.

Plenty of manufaturers are focusing their attention on this segment, as customers seek greater technological solutions from these scooters. They are positioning themselves as the ultimate compromise between urban scootering and long range touring, while keeping elements of the scooter style.

These kind of scooters should not be overly penalised for their size, and still need to be perfectly manageable with good handling in the traffic. This needs to be combined with stability at high speeds, rider and passenger comfort. The latest Majesty has all this, especially with a wide and well padded seat. Its look is also now more modern and attractive, with an updated frame and colours.

Continue reading: Yamaha Majesty 400 test ride

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We had a test run a few days ago at the Vespa Day Milan of the new Vespa GTS 125 Super. One of our colleagues, back in the good old days, had a magnificant Vespa P200E from 1979, and he can confirm that taking out the new GTS 125 Super still gives you that true Vespa feeling. As we all know, a Vespa is a Vespa.

The Vespa style has always remained more or less what it is today, with only a few touches to modernise the scooter to keep up with current technology and the market. The new GTS 125 certainly makes use of Vespa’s strong points, showing off a classic 60’s style.

The engine is a single-cylinder 125 four-stroke, liquid cooled with the new Electronic Cooling System that guarantees reduced energy use and greater fuel efficiency. The electronic ignition combines to make 4.9 hp at 9,750 rpm.

Test Vespa GTS 125 Super

Continue reading: Test ride Vespa GTS 125 Super

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Peugeot completes its scooter range with this high wheel scooter in the LXR model. The urban scooter is equipped with 16-inch wheels, is made for daily use with a light and compact style and an attractive quality-price ratio. We tried it out in the 125cc version around Milan, and also had a test ride of the 200cc direct injection model.

Both engines are single cylinder, four-stroke with four valves per cylinder and liquid cooled, complying with Euro 3 norms. The braking system has twin 220mm discs, and the whole scooter has a dry weight of 135 kg, with a tank capacity of eight litres.

The Peugeot LXR 2009 will be sold at a price of 2,650 euros, in the 125cc version, while the 200cc version costs 2,900 euros. Colours available are white, blue and dark grey. Optional accessories include rear box storage and high or low windshield.

Continue reading: Test ride of the Peugeot LXR 2009

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