Jeff Nickell of Nickell's Custom Bike Designs in Lodi, California
Builder's Website: Nickell's Customs
Paint: Steve Fernandes
Suzuki Burgman 400 Sport Concept
The Suzuki Burgman 400 Sport Concept. Cooler than an Eskimo supermodel prancing around in only her underpants in the middle of winter in Iceland...
Take an ordinary Suzuki scooter, with a 35bhp single-cylinder 400cc engine, continuously variable transmission and 200 kilo dry weight. Doesn’t sound like these may be the basic ingredients for the wildest scooter ever, eh? And yet, beneath the fancy paintwork, that’s exactly what the Suzuki Burgman 400 Sport Concept is – a normal scooter with firmed-up and lowered suspension, uprated brakes, stickier tyres and GSX-R-style graphics. And we are absolutely, totally, completely, truly, deeply and madly in love with it. Sure, go ahead, laugh at us. We don’t care. We WANT this scooter. Please, Suzuki, do build this one. Please, please…
The maddest, wildest, coolest scooter ever!
BMW F800R 2009
The 2009 BMW F800R. We do wish BMW had worked a bit harder on the styling...
After all the hype, Photoshop-specials and endless speculation, the BMW F800R is finally here, for real. The 2009 BMW F800R is powered by BMW’s 798cc parallel twin, which makes 87bhp at 8,000rpm and 86Nm of torque at 6,000rpm. And BMW will also make learner-friendly versions, with the power and torque limited to 25bhp and 55Nm.After the amazing K1300R, the F800R looks a bit… tame? Anyway, the bike weighs 204kg with all fluids, rides on 17-inch wheels, has conventional suspension (43mm non-USD fork at the front, monoshock at the back) and chain final drive, Brembo brakes (twin 320mm discs at front, single 265mm disc at the back), conventional switchgear (those BMW-spec turn-indicator switches are gone!) and optional ABS. We only wish BMW had worked a bit harder on the bike's styling...
BMW F800R Chris Pfeiffer replica announced
BMW have launched their limited edition (only 68 units will be built) Chris Pfeiffer replica F800R. Chris is a multi-time world and European stunt riding champ who uses BMW motorcycles for his stunts.The Chris Pfeiffer replica F800R will come with a blue/white/red paintjob and a sticker kit which you fit yourself. The wheels are painted black (rear) and white (front), which is how it is on Pfeiffer’s own stunt bike. The headlamp mini fairing has been dropped for a stripped-out look, an Akrapovic street legal end-can is fitted as standard as indicators are LED items.
The bike will be available in Europe from early-2010 though prices are yet to be announced.
Suzuki 2010 unveiled Model
Suzuki GSX1250FA
Suzuki have released pics of the 2010 GSX1250FA, a sports-tourer based on the GSF1250 Bandit, but with a full fairing and racier ergonomics. The bike is fitted with the same 1255cc inline-four, suspension components and steel tube chassis as the Bandit, but the GSX-R-style nose, fairing and exhaust system are different. ABS is optional and specially designed hard luggage is available from the factory.
To be honest, we don’t like this bike very much. It looks like a dated, hodge-podge, parts-bin special. The new Bandit looks so much better. Anyway, the Suzuki GSX125FA is expected to cost a bit less than 10,000 euro (US$14,600) and will be launched early next year.
Suzuki have released pics of the 2010 GSX1250FA, a sports-tourer based on the GSF1250 Bandit, but with a full fairing and racier ergonomics. The bike is fitted with the same 1255cc inline-four, suspension components and steel tube chassis as the Bandit, but the GSX-R-style nose, fairing and exhaust system are different. ABS is optional and specially designed hard luggage is available from the factory.
To be honest, we don’t like this bike very much. It looks like a dated, hodge-podge, parts-bin special. The new Bandit looks so much better. Anyway, the Suzuki GSX125FA is expected to cost a bit less than 10,000 euro (US$14,600) and will be launched early next year.
The 2010 Suzuki GSX1250FA, for those who want a touring-spec Bandit
We're sure it's a competent machine, but did they have to make it look so dull?
The 2010 Suzuki GSF1250 Bandit. Big, naked, uncomplicated. Easy does it...
Suzuki GSF1250 Bandits
Suzuki have released first pics of the 2010 GSF1250 Bandit, which is fitted with a revised, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve, 1255cc inline-four. Styling changes include a new headlamp and taillamp, new exhaust and minor changes to the bodywork. The suspension is adjustable for preload and seat height can be lowered by 20mm, via adjustable shims. ABS is optional.
Sure, it isn’t exactly the most high-tech motorcycle in the world but the naked GSF Bandit is probably just right for those who want a big, standard-style bike with comfortable ergonomics and daily-use reliability. The bike is priced at 8,249 euros (US$12,000) and will be available in Suzuki showrooms early next year.
Suzuki have released first pics of the 2010 GSF1250 Bandit, which is fitted with a revised, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve, 1255cc inline-four. Styling changes include a new headlamp and taillamp, new exhaust and minor changes to the bodywork. The suspension is adjustable for preload and seat height can be lowered by 20mm, via adjustable shims. ABS is optional.Sure, it isn’t exactly the most high-tech motorcycle in the world but the naked GSF Bandit is probably just right for those who want a big, standard-style bike with comfortable ergonomics and daily-use reliability. The bike is priced at 8,249 euros (US$12,000) and will be available in Suzuki showrooms early next year.
Honda announced New 2010 Model
Honda CB 1000R
Metallic beige paint and C-ABS. What more could you possibly ask for
The 2010-spec Honda CB1000R remains unchanged mechanically – apart from new colours, there are no other changes on this bike. If you’ve always wanted a bike with C-ABS and metallic beige paint, you can have one now. The bike looks good as ever and for an all-around blend of practicality and performance, the big CB would be hard to beat.
Honda CBR 600RR
The 2010 Honda CBR600RR continues as before, with no mechanical or cosmetic changes. C-ABS is still available as an option (an absolute must-have, in our opinion) and a new paint scheme is available, that incorporates a woman’s face in a stylised, high-contrast pattern. We’d much rather stick to the very cool red-white-and-blue or all-black paintjobs though, thanks very much. Available accessories for the 2010 CBR600RR include a black-tinted windscreen, colour-matched seat cowl, colour-coordinated racing stickers, lots of carbonfibre parts and a special ECU calibrated for C-ABS circuit usage. Pricing and availability details for the new Honda CBR600RR to be added here soon.
Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade
The 2010-spec Honda CB1000R remains unchanged mechanically – apart from new colours, there are no other changes on this bike. If you’ve always wanted a bike with C-ABS and metallic beige paint, you can have one now. The bike looks good as ever and for an all-around blend of practicality and performance, the big CB would be hard to beat.
Honda CBR 600RR
The 2010 Honda CBR600RR continues as before, with no mechanical or cosmetic changes. C-ABS is still available as an option (an absolute must-have, in our opinion) and a new paint scheme is available, that incorporates a woman’s face in a stylised, high-contrast pattern. We’d much rather stick to the very cool red-white-and-blue or all-black paintjobs though, thanks very much. Available accessories for the 2010 CBR600RR include a black-tinted windscreen, colour-matched seat cowl, colour-coordinated racing stickers, lots of carbonfibre parts and a special ECU calibrated for C-ABS circuit usage. Pricing and availability details for the new Honda CBR600RR to be added here soon.Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade
Yamaha announced New 2010 Model
Yamaha FZ1
The 2010 Yamaha FZ1 gets new colours and revised ECU mapping
Yamaha have announced the 2010 FZ1 and the big news here, again, is new colours and revised ECU mapping for improved throttle response in the low to mid-rpm range. Otherwise, the FZ1’s engine, chassis and suspension remain unchanged over the previous year’s model. The new FZ1 is priced at US$10,290 and will be available from February 2010.
For more details and a full list of the 2010 FZ1’s specs and features, visit the Yamaha website here
Yamaha FZ6R
For more details and a list of the 2010 FZ6R's features and specs, visit the Yamaha website here have the non-intimidating, leaner-friendly FZ6R and the 2010 version has just been announced. Nothing seems to have changed over the earlier model but, of course, new colours and graphics are available. Prices start at US$7,390.
For more details and a full list of the 2010 FZ1’s specs and features, visit the Yamaha website here
Yamaha FZ6R
The Yamaha FZ6R gets new colours and graphics for 2010
For more details and a list of the 2010 FZ6R's features and specs, visit the Yamaha website here have the non-intimidating, leaner-friendly FZ6R and the 2010 version has just been announced. Nothing seems to have changed over the earlier model but, of course, new colours and graphics are available. Prices start at US$7,390.Yamaha YZF RG6
The 2010 Yamaha R6 gets a longer exhaust muffler and revised ECU settings
The 2010 Yamaha R6 gets a longer exhaust muffler and revised ECU settings
Valentino Rossi : To improve at 29, you have to struggle!’
Valentino 'The Doctor' Rossi, the greatest, most talented motorcycle racer ever
Autosport recently interviewed Valentino Rossi, who’s currently leading the 2009 MotoGP world championship by 30 points. If Rossi wins the championship this year, it will be his seventh premier class world title. The Doctor is the only man who’s won world championships on 500cc two-stroke and 990cc and 800cc four-stroke motorcycles.
While Rossi is, without a shadow of doubt, the most talented motorcycle racer in the world right now, even he’s finding it harder to win these days. ‘I think this year the level is incredible. It is very high, especially the first four. First four are potentially world champion level. Because me, Lorenzo, Stoner and Pedrosa have enough performance in the throttle and the head to win the MotoGP championship,’ he says, speaking to Autosport.
‘The bikes are very fast – Yamaha, Honda and Ducati are very strong – so this creates a high level of championship,’ says Rossi, who adds that younger riders like Casey Stoner and Jorge Lorenzo have made him work harder in order to keep winning. ‘It is a great, great motivation for trying to improve. Like with Stoner in 2007 and 2008, I have to make a step. I have to make a clear improvement and to make an improvement at 29 years of age, you have to work and struggle a lot, and make something more than in the past,’ he adds.
‘He [Jorge Lorenzo] is my team mate, with the same bike, so it means more concentration, more time dedicated to try and win. It is difficult. It is bad when you lose, but it is a lot, lot more exciting when you are able to win,’ says Rossi, who recently expressed disappointment on Yamaha retaining Lorenzo’s services for 2010. According to Rossi, each team must only have one main rider who’s battling for the championship. With Lorenzo also a part of the Fiat Yamaha team, Rossi says his inputs towards developing the YZR-M1 also, ultimately, help Lorenzo, which isn’t fair according to The Doctor.
Moving on, Rossi talks about how things have changed for him, in racing, over the last few years. ‘Usually you don't make all the race at 100%. Especially in those years, it was more about tactics, battle and afterwards push,’ he says, and adds that now he has to push at 100% for each and every race.
‘If you make all the race at 100% you crash for sure. But now the races change a lot. The rhythm is very fast from the beginning, from the first lap. The start is important, because with these bikes it has become more difficult to overtake. So now is very close to staying at 100% for all the race,’ says the man who has, till date, beaten every single man he’s raced against.
While Rossi has already signed on to stay with Fiat Yamaha in 2010, he’s free to do what he wants after that. He has hinted that he may or may not stay with Yamaha after 2010. If things don’t go his way at Yamaha, Rossi says he may either go to Ducati or he might even set aside his love for racing motorcycles and go to F1 or WRC.
Whatever he chooses to do after 2010, we’re sure there will be no dearth of options for one of the greatest motorcycle racers ever. Whatever The Doctor does, wherever he goes, we’re sure he’ll just keep winning.
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