With a revamped website for 2010, Ducati has burst into the new year with its new Multistrada model, which has already created plenty of talk since it was first seen live at the EICMA show in November. We’re putting it on our best bikes for 2010 list, even if it’s not quite a stunning superbike model.

The Ducati Multistrada won best bike at the EICMA show, and whether due to the strength of the local market presence or not, for an Italian bike, Italy is always a good place to start. I’m still not quite convinced by the four-bikes-in-one philosophy, but then I haven’t ridden the Multistrada and so can’t say whether this design will work or not.

Whether switching the various mapping modes of Sport, Touring, Urban and Enduro, will meet their various purposes to the full, we can’t deny the Testastretta 1198 cc engine or its four-valve technology. Ducati has thrown a lot at its new Multistrada, and it’s provided a new element in the mix of bikes available for 2010, that has grabbed our attention more than the new MV Agusta F4, or the BMW S1000RR. Would it be on your list or not?

Continue reading: Best bikes for 2010: the all-in-one Ducati Multistrada

0 comments

The verdict on the new Norton Commando 961 SE is that it’s an “invigorating machine”. Depending on your ride style and the kind of bikes you like, that statement might appeal or not. It’s important to note however, the purpose behind this bike. It had to be something traditional, based on good machinery, and not the latest cutting edge, superbike technology.

It seems that the performance matches the looks - the Commando 961 SE is an attractive-looking bike and the ride feel is what you’d expect when you first see it. What I can’t believe is how agile the 961 SE looks, and we learn from the video from the guys at MCN that it is very comfortable and natural to ride, given the light, slender style.

Despite concentrating on a retro bike, Norton hasn’t budgeted on top-notch modern components. The Ohlins at the front is just stunning, it has Brembo brakes and the wheels are carbon fibre. The parallel V-Twin engine handles marvellously, and overall the verdict is that this is a job well done. See after the jump for MCN’s first ride of the Norton Commando 961 SE.

Norton Commando 961 SE

Continue reading: Norton Commando 961 SE first ride

0 comments

The 2010 Buell range is still up for purchase if you want to get your hands on some of the last Buell’s to be made, at least at this stage. While it’s hard to accept that Buell will become another part of motorcycling history, at the moment there are no plans to keep the brand alive or find future alternative strategies.

The Buell Lightning XB12Scg was the last Buell off the production line on October 30. It is equipped with the V-Twin Thunderstorm engine at 1203 cc with 103 hp and about 113 Nm of torque, and a dry weight of 180 kg. It has six-spoke cast alloy wheels, underslung exhaust, alluminium frame and rear swing arm, and Buell Zero Torsional Load brakes with eight-piston caliper.

I’m a little bit cynical about Harley Davidson’s decision to keep the Buell brand but shut down production altogether. The idea is that in doing so, Harley will protect the Buell brand in the long term and give assurances to current and future owners for the next ten years that these people can still get their Buell serviced and get spare parts, too.

2010 Buell XB12Scg

Continue reading: Last Buell 2010 range available: Buell Lightning XB12Scg

0 comments

The debut of the new Ducati Multistrada 1200 at the EICMA has been confirmed, after we first reported the Multistrada countdown site, giving Ducati the opportunity to monopolise media attention at the show. In the end, just because Honda and Yamaha won’t be present, doesn’t mean the rest of us can’t have some fun!

The EICMA runs from November 10th to 15th at Milan’s “Fiera” and Ducati will be in hall 18, showing off the Multistrada which will be presented to the public for the first time ever. The bike is set to be a mix of sports ride with versatilility and comfort, and of course, quintessential Ducati style.

The Multistrada name translates to “many roads”, which is just what the spirit of this bike is about. It’s designed to be an all-road terrain bike with top notch Ducati technology and performance which adapt themselves to the individual needs and riding style of the owner. While Honda has the head-start on sports touring models with its VFR1200F, the Ducati Multistrada 1200 is designed to include touring elements as well as being a supersports model that is flexible enough for daily use as well as some soft-offroading in the form of an enduro-road model.

Continue reading: New Ducati Multistrada has Testastretta motor: presentation at EICMA 2009

0 comments

The 2010 Yamaha YBR125 is a nifty-looking machine with a few updates for the new year, keeping it an adaptable bike for agile city riding. 2010 sees the YBR125 fitted with a newly designed muffler and tank covers for greater protection.

The YBR125 first appeared in 2005, and still has its reliable 125cc, four-stroke engine with five-speed gear box. It has met with success, with more than 75,000 units sold. It now includes modifications to make it more comfortable and passenger friendly, with additional grab handles. Technical details are after the jump.

Continue reading: 2010 Yamaha YBR 125

0 comments

John McGuinness won a record breaking 2009 Dainese Superbike TT yesterday and celebrated his 15th career TT win on the Isle of Man.

McGuiness did three laps of the six, averaging more than 130mph, setting a new lap record of 130.442mph on his second lap and also setting a new race record of 1h 46m 7.161s and winning 18.11 seconds clear of HM Plant Honda team-mate Steve Plater and almost 34 seconds ahead of third place Guy Martin.

The winner’s garland was presented to McGuinness by reigning MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi.

Source | iomtt

0 comments

Need a motorcycle race fix and tired of rewatching your old race videos? Try checking Speedbox.Tv on Boxing Day, December 26th and catch the entire day of racing in live streaming for NZ $9.95 at the New Zealand’s Wanganui legendary Cemetery Street circuit also known as the Southern Hemisphere’s Isle of Man

This year the classes are, F1 Supers, 600 Supers, Formula Three, BEARS (British, European& American Racing), Post Classics, SuperMotards, Formula One and Classic Sidecars, and the popular feature race the “Robert Holden Memorial”. For more info log on to www.speedbox.tv

Source | roadracingworld

0 comments

The Yamaha MT-01 2009 model is available in the new colour of Midnight Black with KODO design and a new red graphite air conductor unit.

The Sport Roadster is equipped with a twin cylinder, V, 1670cc engine, with the incredible torque that is feature of the previous model.

Following is an MT-01 gallery, including some images of the MT Performance accessory range.

Continue reading: 2009 Yamaha MT-01

0 comments

Hyosung is a Korean company that manufacturers motorcycles at cheaper prices, and for 2009 is updating its Comet GT650R model.

As seen on the company’s US site, the 2009 model will finally have electronic ignition and immobiliser alarm, along with some new graphics and a higher seat (heightened by 30mm). The front brake calipers are now radial.

The GT650R from keeps its 2008 engine of a 647cc twin cylinder, four valves and twin cam system with maximum power at 79hp at 9000 rpm. The weight is about 193kg and maximum speed is about 220km/hr. The price is 6,300 euros.

Source | Bikes in The Fast Lane

0 comments

This is a great video from the guys at MCN (and we’re a little jealous), of a group bike test that they complete on a European motorcycle road trip. They examine the Harley Davidson XR1200, putting it up against a Ducati GT1000 and Moto Guzzi’s 8v 1200 Griso. Their conclusion? The XR1200 is not a benchmark sports bike.

The second video below is all in Italian, but gives you a close-up look at the Harley XR1200. From Tor Sagen, at Raptors and Rockets, and shown on MotoTV, the racing version comes off well, with the conclusion that fun is guaranteed.

Continue reading: Video: Harley XR1200 test

0 comments