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Yamaha YZF-R1Weight: 206kg (wet, claimed) Power: 182bhp (claimed) Price: £9500 (est)

Suzuki GSX-R1000Weight: 203kg (wet, claimed)Power: n/a Price: £9000 (est)

Honda FIREBLADEWeight: 210kg (with C-ABS) Power: 175bhp (claimed)Cost: £9500 (est)

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Racers for the roadNew R1 and GSX-R1000 look to the race track in a bid for litre bike top spot

HONDA FIREBLADE

YAMAHA and Suzuki are using their racetrack knowledge in a bid to topple the all-conquering Honda Fireblade from the top of

the superbike class.The 2009 YZF-R1 and GSX-R1000 K9

are all-new bikes for next year and both have taken race-developed engine and chassis designs to battle with the Blade – which underwent an extreme weight saving revision for 2008. Grip is the key issue tackled by both Yamaha and Suzuki – the bikes’ engines and chassis have evolved to put more power through the back tyre.

The R1 is the more radical of the two – the distinctive fox-eye nose and sharp shape is still there but even those tradi-tional styling cues have morphed and evolved way beyond the original 1998 R1 (or even last year’s bike).

The biggest news is the ‘cross plane’ crankshaft which gives a linear and almost V4-like delivery according to Yamaha insiders who have ridden the bike. The innovative layout is derived from Valenti-no Rossi’s MotoGP YZR-M1, and is the closest road bike yet to a true big bang layout, although the pistons still fire indi-vidually.

The crank pins have been spaced apart by 90° to reduce what is called ‘inertial torque’ – a brief spike in torque caused by two conrods hitting the top or bottom of their stroke at the same time. When the crank pins are aligned the problem is magnified, but the Yamaha gets around the problem by spacing out the spikes which results in smoother power delivery and more grip.

The GSX-R sticks with slightly more traditional technology, but the changes have come directly from the factory World Superbike race team, with Suzuki looking to claw back its rivals’ increasing advantage on the world stage.

The engine has had a complete redesign in order to make the bike more compact, which creates more room for a longer swingarm without extending the wheel-base (the bike is 10mm shorter, despite gaining 33mm on the swingarm). This allows racers to get the power down hard-er and faster without spinning or wheelying.

Both bikes have a brand new fork design – the R1 sticks with a conventional car-tridge damping system, but instead of both forks dealing with compression and rebound forces the mechanism is divided between the fork legs. One leg has a mechanism that controls the rate of com-pression but would spring back

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Suzuki has taken technology from its WSB bike for the latest GSX-R1000

unhindered on its own, whilst the other side is only controlled on the return stroke.

The idea is that by giving each compo-nent one task instead of two, the forks have finer adjustability for setting the bike up on track.

Suzuki has looked to suspension experts Showa to provide a solution derived from superbike racing experience. The Big-Piston Forks use the fork leg as the cartridge for the piston (3.5 times bigger than a conventional piston) to move in, and the result is that the fork fluid has a smaller variation in the speed it has to pass through the damping mechanism, giving more precise damping control at all speeds. Kawasaki has a similar system on its 2009 ZX-6R.

Repsol race colours are an option on the 2009 Blade – as are advanced ABS brakes

THE REIGNING class champion hasn’t changed much for 2009 beyond the addi-tion of Honda’s electronically controlled ABS system.

That’s not a problem, because a year on from its launch the Fireblade is still jaw-droppingly fast, easy to ride and competent all-round.

Compared with the previous Fireblade, the 2008-2009 model is smaller and light-er as part of Honda’s work to make it the most effortless 160bhp bike you’re likely to ride.

The riding position and feel of the bike is almost like a 600 – hop from the CBR600RR and you struggle to tell the difference until you open the throttle, where you’re rewarded with grunt from any point in the rev range.

The C-ABS version is likely to enhance the ease of use – the system is more advanced than traditional ABS as it is designed to offer minimum interference on a hard ride, and also distribute brake force between the front and rear. Honda claims ‘pulsing’ at the lever is also elimi-nated as there’s no direct fluid link between the brake levers and the calipers – an electronic servo regulates braking pressure instead.

‘The C-ABS system won’t interfere with a hard ride’

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‘One fork leg does rebound, the other does compression’

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Kawasaki ZX-10RWeight: 208kg (wet, claimed) Power: 188bhp (claimed) Cost: £9000

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NEC2008SHOW GUIDE

‘The R1’s cross plane crank is derived from Rossi’s bike’

If you’re after a traditional, hard-edged sportsbike the ZX-10R is the machine for you

KAWASAKI’S redesigned ZX-10R might have lost out in group tests, but if you’re after a traditional 1000cc head-banger it’s still the bike to have.

On MCN’s track test the ZX-10R and Fireblade gave identical lap times, but where the Honda circulated in a calm and unflustered manner, the Kawasaki felt more like a real racer. It’s by no means unusable though – you have to respect the monster power and it’s hardly a tourer, but MCN’s Adam Child has ridden his through all weathers over long distance without any major gripes.

KAWASAKI ZX-10R

8 ❘ MCN SUPPLEMENT NOVEMBER 26, 2008 NOVEMBER 26, 2008 MCN SUPPLEMENT ❘ 9

Streetfighter’s a knockout!Ducati has taken the bodywork off its 1098 to create the most radical naked around

BUELL AND BMW’S NAKED POWERHOUSES

DUCATI’S new Streetfighter is one of the major attractions at this year’s NEC, having already been named best bike at the

prestigious Milan show. A picture speaks 1000 words. Just look at it.

The 155bhp, traction-controlled Streetfighter is based on Ducati’s world championship-winning 1098 superbike. But unlike other naked sports bikes that promised so much but were then watered down, the new Ducati is virtually identi-cal to the 1098 – but without the bodywork. The engine hasn’t been de-tuned, it’s exactly the same as the sports bike. However, the naked bike is slightly down on power due to the re-routed exhaust and lack of pressurised ram air.

The Streetfighter is also Ducati’s first road legal bike to be fitted with traction control – a similar system to that used on its £24,000 1098R. As with the R model, the Streetfighter retains the Ducati Data Analysis datalog function. This allows you to plug a memory stick under the seat and record up three and a half hours of riding.

Suspension-wise it runs the same chassis as the 1098. This means fully-adjustable Showa kit front and back, with the addi-tion of Ohlins on the pricier S model.

TRIUMPH SPEED TRIPLE RHowever, jaw-dropping as the Ducati Streetfighter may be, at an estimated £11,000 for the standard model it’s too pricy for most. So those with tighter budgets seeking something naked and highly acclaimed should check out Tri-umph’s Street Triple R.

The Triumph was launched at the Isle of Man earlier this year, (MCN, September 17). It’s fair to say our man was impressed: “There’s no better test of a sporty bike than a lap of the Isle of Man TT circuit, and the Street Triple R passed with flying colours.” Chassis-wise the R has been sharpened compared to the standard model. Triumph has done this by giving the R model a longer shock and shorter forks, making the bike much more aggres-sive. Both ends are also fully adjustable and produced by Kayaba. Another change is the addition of radial brakes. The Nis-sin four piston radial calipers are taken directly from the 675 Daytona.

The 675cc engine is unchanged from the standard Street Triple. Peak power is still impressive at 107bhp at 11,700rpm, making it only a claimed 16bhp down on its super sports brother the Daytona.

‘The Streetfighter is the first Ducati road bike to get traction control’

Suspension is top notch Showa and the engine is untamed. See it in the metal at the show

BMW’s K1200R is now a 1300, making it the most powerful road legal, standard, naked bike on the market. With a stagger-ing claimed 173bhp and 103ftlb of torque, and no fairing, you’re going to need strong arms.

Suspension will be controlled and altered electronically, as on the old bike,

using BMW’s ESA system. However, the new second generation system will enable the rider to choose from a wider selection of settings. BMW ASC anti-spin control will also be available as an optional extra. Like the HP2 Sport the 1300R will come with a gear shift assist as an optional extra. This is just like a race bike with a quick shifter, which means you’ll be able to change up without closing the throttle.

BMW K1300RPrice: £10,000 (est) Power (claimed): 173bhp Weight (claimed): 217kg

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BUELL’S 1125CR is essentially a naked, streetfighter version of the firm’s 1125R sports bike which initially received heavy criticism. Happily, all the problems of the sports bike have been addressed on the 1125CR – as MCN discovered on the world first test. The company has played around with the injectors and ignition which has made a significant difference.

The suspension is fully adjustable front and rear, featuring quality Showa compo-nents at both ends. There’s just a single brake disc up front but it’s a huge 375mm rim mounted disc in usual Buell fashion.

BMW’s new K1300R has a 173bhp four cylinder engine… but no fairing, so hold on tight!

BUELL 1125CRPrice: £7995 Power (claimed): 146bhpWeight (claimed kerb): 170kg

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‘K1200R is now a 1300 making 173bhp’

A radical front end gives sharp handling

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NEC2008SHOW GUIDE

STYLED nearly identically to the 696 Monster, released earlier this year, the new air cooled 1100 Monster is another stunning bike from the Italians. The Desmodromic valve, 90° V-twin motor pushes out a claimed 95bhp which is slightly down on the competition, but it makes up for that by producing more torque. Both the Showa forks and Sachs rear shock are fully adjustable. The S ver-sion will be arriving shortly with full Ohlins suspension.

MCN rode the 1100 back in October

Ducati MONSTER 1100Price: £7800 Power (claimed): 95bhpWeight (claimed): 169kg

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MCN’s Trevor Franklin was raving about the Monster after he tested it back in October

and was impressed, reporting: “The new Monster is very, very good, a proper air cooled Ducati.”

Twin exhausts, imposing red frame, sexy single-sided swingarm… utterly gorgeous

Massive air scoops make the1125CRunmistakable

14 ❘ MCN SUPPLEMENT NOVEMBER 26, 2008 NOVEMBER 26, 2008 MCN SUPPLEMENT ❘ 15

Suzuki GLADIUS SFV650Power: 70bhp Price: tbc – estimated £4600 Weight: tbc

BMW K1300SWeight: Power: 175bhp Price: tbc – estimated £10,000

Are you sitting comfortably?Practicality blooms in 2009 from high-spec tourers to entry-level commuters

IF you’ve ever thought practicality and blood-pounding excitement don’t ever come as a package then think again. 2009 will be a year when com-

fort and functionality are coupled with sports bike features, cutting edge technol-ogy and good looks.

And all of this applies to the full spec-trum of machinery; from entry-level novice-friendly 600s to 175bhp hyper-tourers. And no two machines best display this than Suzuki’s all-new Gladius and BMW’s updated K1300S tourer.

SUZUKI GLADIUS SFV650Suzuki’s funky new V-twin takes the place of the massively popular SV650.

Going head-to-head with the major players in the category like the Kawasaki ER-6 and Ducati’s year-old refreshed Monster 696, the Gladius is aimed at new riders and women bikers. It’s got a low

seat height of just 785mm, the same as a CBF600 Honda, and a newly developed slim-lined steel-tubular trellis-like frame. Suzuki has even narrowed the section joining the tank to the seat just to make the twin more manageable for new riders.

It’s not just a new funky sport-styling and tighter body for the Gladius – the 70bhp SV motor might look unchanged but it’s had an internal refresh. The cylin-ders are plated with Suzuki’s nickel-phosphorus-silicon-carbide coat-ing to reduce friction and improve heat transfer, durability and piston ring seal. And the plugs have been upgraded to irid-ium alloy to enhance combustion.

The whole character of the motor has been tweaked, too. The already user-friendly SV motor has been smoothed-out lower down making this a tame and nim-ble beast for new riders and a throttle-cracking hoot for more experi-enced bikers and commuters.

BMW K1300SBMW’s touring rocketship will become one of the most technologically advanced tourers on the market, boasting a multi-tude of gadgets that would keep Bill Gates happily entertained.

As if having a bored out 1293cc engine that churns out 175bhp wasn’t enough from a heavy-weight touring tool, the ‘K’ gets BMW’s own ESAII Electronic Sus-pension Adjustment system. This gives the rider the option of changing the

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More than just a curvy SV650, Suzuki’s new Gladius has been specially designed to suit shorter and less experienced motorcyclists

damping levels from ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’ or ‘Comfort’ at the press of the button and settings for ‘Solo’, ‘Solo with luggage’, ‘Solo and passenger’ and ‘Solo with

passenger and luggage’. It also automati-cally adjusts the damping, effective spring rate and preload. So when you get on the bike it morphs the suspension to accom-modate your weight – it’s all done to make the bike react exactly the same for all rid-ers taking the owner’s weight out of the handling equation.

They aren’t the only advances. You also get the option of ASC, an anti-spin device moderating the power from the engine if the bike senses the rear wheel is spinning and the option of having a quickshifter. It’s the same system as used on the firm’s HP2 Sport allowing you to race shift without rolling off the throttle or engag-

Yamaha XJ600Weight: 211kg (216kg for ABS) Power: 77bhp Price: £5000 (est)

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RETURN OF THE DIVVY

The Diversion is all about comfort and ease of riding but the Fazer engine will make it fun

THE return of the Diversion could be the phoenix rising from the flames for 2009. After being ditched by Yamaha in 2004, the Diversion is making a comeback in 2009 with a detuned Fazer 600 engine

and a sporty face-lift. The reborn Yamaha should go into direct competition with Suzuki’s GSX650F and Kawasaki’s new ER-6 with a similar sport-faired look and ease of riding.

Yamaha has made numerous changes to the engine introducing a revised cylinder head, crankcase, exhaust system, re-designed inlet ports and camshaft and a revised fuel injection all aimed to improve the linear power delivery and improve low and mid-range torque from the liq-uid-cooled four-stroke motor.

It’s a smaller Diversion too, with an all-new steel diamond-type frame that makes for a more-narrow overall machine. There’s also an ABS option using Yama-ha’s tweaked anti-lock system with a less jerky kick-in.

It’s going to be available in three colour schemes – Ocean Depth blue, Graphite and Lava Red. Expect to pay around £5000 when it goes on sale.

‘The SV motor has been made even more friendly’

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ing the clutch – very trick for a two-up touring machine.

Another change involves the indicators. Gone is BMW’s traditional three-button system (one for left, one for right and a third for cancel) in favour of a more con-ventional single switch. Expect the system to find its way across the BMW range, starting with the K1300 series.

K1300R AND K1300GTThere are two other bikes in the K1300 range. The K1300R (see page 8): a naked version of the S – the most powerful naked in BMW’s range. And there’s the full-on

bad boy tourer, K1300GT which uses a slightly detuned version of the same motor giving out a more manageable (but still impressive) 160bhp. Pick your own favourite from the bunch. You’ll find BMW on stand 1C90. Clever suspension and gadgets make the new K1300S the most techno tourer around

‘The new Diversion will be up against Suzuki’s GSX650F’

‘The K1300GT is a full-on tourer that packs 160bhp’

‘The K1300S adjusts automatically to suit the rider’s weight’

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There’s something for all ages – meet race aces, try the bikes and watch amazing stunt riders

NEC2008SHOW GUIDE

CELEBRITIESA VERITABLE army of racers and stars will be visiting the show to sign auto-graphs and meet fans. To find out exactly where they are you’ll have to listen to Tannoy announcements, but here’s your guide to who’s due to turn up on each day.

Friday November 28: Scott Redding; Jonathan Rea; James Whitham; Niall Mackenzie; Charley Boorman; John Reynolds; James Ellison; Leon Camier; Steve Parrish.Saturday November 29: James Whitham; Niall Mackenzie; Charley Boorman; John Reynolds; Steve Parrish; Glen Richards; Troy Corser; Leon Haslam; Ron Haslam (signing his book on the Bikers World Stand at midday).Sunday November 30: James Toseland and his band Crash (12.00 & 2.30pm on Yamaha Stand); Scott Redding; Bradley Smith; Danny Webb; Matt Hoyle; Marco Melandri; James Whitham; Niall Mackenzie; John Reynolds; Steve Parrish.Monday December 1: James Whitham; Niall Mackenzie; Cal Crutchlow; John Reynolds; Steve Parrish. Tuesday December 2: James Whitham; Niall Mackenzie; John Reynolds; Steve Parrish; Chris Walker. Wednesday December 3: James Toseland (12.00 & 3.30pm on Yamaha stand 1E50); James Whitham; Niall Mackenzie; John Reynolds; Steve Parrish. Thursday December 4: James Toseland (12.00 & 3.30pm on Yamaha stand 1E50); James Whitham; Niall Mackenzie; John Reynolds; Steve Parrish.Friday December 5: James Whitham; Niall Mackenzie; John Reynolds; Steve Parrish.Saturday December 6: Scott Redding; James Toseland and Crash (12.00 & 3.00pm on Yamaha stand 1E50); John McGuiness; Steve Plater; Carl Fogarty; Randy Mamola; Guy Martin; Bruce Ansty; Cameron Donald; Connor Cummins; Garry Johnson; Ron Haslam; James Whitham; Niall Mackenzie; John Reynolds; Steve Parrish.Sunday December 7: James Toseland and Crash (11.30am & 2.00pm on Yamaha stand 1E50); Carl Fogarty; James Whitham; Niall Mackenzie; Marco Melandri; John Reynolds; Steve Parrish.

NEW FOR 2008 THE SUZUKI OFF ROAD EXPERIENCE, HALL 4 A CHANCE for accompanied kids aged six and over to have a go on a DR-Z70 or DR-Z125 (their feet must be able to touch the ground). Safety equipment provided, places are first-come-first-served.

THE ARAI ENTERTAINMENT ZONE, INCORPORATING THE BLACK HORSE STAGE, HALL 2THIS stage will feature a variety of enter-tainment including competitions, interviews, games and celebrity appearances. Arai will have their daily ‘Starz’ talk show at 1.30pm with the firm’s sponsored racers talking to Steve Parrish. On Saturday December 6 at 1.30pm there will be an auction of Arai related signed

memorabilia with all proceeds going to MCN’s No1 charity Riders for Health.

THUNDERDOME GAMES ARENA, HALL 3AMAZING manoeuvres by skilled stunt riders, set against a ‘post-apocalyptic’ backdrop. The Thunderdome itself is a 16ft metal cage in which riders perform precision stunts.

DEMO RIDES ZONE, BOOK AT HALL 1LICENCE holders over 21 can test ride the latest 2008 bikes here. Riders will be supplied with all the safety equipment –and taken off the NEC site on to main roads, accompanied by BSM out-riders.Don’t forget to bring both parts of your licence. The book-in desk for the Demo Rides Zone is in Hall 1, next to the Motorcycle Trader Business Bar and Lounge.Bikes available:■ BMW: F800GS; F800ST; R1200GS; R1200GS Adv; R1200RT; F650GS.■ Ducati: Monster 696; Multistrada.■ Harley-Davidson/Buell: XR1200; V-Rod; Electra Glide; XL1200N; 1125CR; XB12XT.■ Honda: ST1300; VFR800; CB1000R; XL700 Transalp; VT750 Shadow.■ Kawasaki: EX250; KLE650; VN900; ER-6, Z750.■ KTM: 990 Adventure; 990 Superduke; 990 Supermoto; 690 Duke.■ Suzuki: V-Strom 1000; V-Strom 650; SV650 S; GSX650F; Bandit 600; DR125 SM; VanVan 125.■ Triumph: Street Triple; Speed Triple; Tiger; Sprint ST; T100; Rocket III Touring.■ Yamaha: FZ1; FZ6 Fazer S2; XT660 Tenere; T-MAX; YZF125R.

OFF ROAD ZONE, HALL 4THE Off Road Zone will give visitors the opportunity to experience off road riding at its best – with a choice of bikes supplied by Kawasaki, and Yamaha. Qualified instructors will ensure you’re fully briefed and have the necessary safety gear and will take you out to the course to develop skills and confidence. Participants must be over 14 and 5’4”.

BSM TRAINING ZONE, HALL 4THE 2008 Show sees the return of the ever popular BSM Training Zone. It offers visitors who are looking to get on

two wheels the opportunity to have a taster ride within the confines of the show. Novices will get the chance to take their pick of the bikes/scooters available (provided by exhibiting manufacturers) and then they’ll get free instruction and advice so they can capably navigate the specially designed indoor circuit.

This can only be booked on arrival at the show.

CAROLE NASH CLASSIC & CLUB ZONE, HALL 3AREMARKABLE examples of early motorcycles and some unbelievable res-torations – kindly supplied by the National Motorcycle Museum.

WALL OF DEATH, HALL 4WATCH with amazement as the performers ride around the inside of the wall on vintage Indian motorcycles. Cost: £2.50 per person.

CLASSIC RACERS ZONE, HALL 3ASEE classic race bikes including: 1985 Rothmans Honda 500 ridden by Freddie Spencer; 1928 Rudge 500 ridden by Gra-ham Walker; 1972 Kawasaki H2R 750 ridden by Art Baumann.

CAROLE NASH CUSTOM XTREME ZONE, HALL 2THE Carole Nash Custom Xtreme Zone will have a host of unique custom bikes on display.

QUAD ZONE, HALL 1THIS will feature a wide variety of machines covering the ever-developing world of quads, ATVs and buggies. From road-legal quads, through work, leisure and sport machines, to championship-winning racers in all categories and for all age groups. KARTING & MINIMOTO, HALL 4VISITORS can race karts and minimotos around the track and compete against the clock or friends.

SUPERBIKE SIMULATOR, HALL 1PREPARE to feel the full force of a cor-nering in the simulator.

MY FIRST HONDA LICENCE, HALL 1Children aged 5-11 can try a restricted 50cc motorcycle on a specially designed indoor circuit, accompanied by trained Honda professionals. Once proficient on the machine they’ll be awarded their first licence – a replica of a real one. This fea-ture can only be booked on arrival at the show.

BMW LOW-SEAT DEMO RIDE, HALL 3 TRY one of six BMWs with lowered sus-pension for a low-seat height – a factory option – including: F800S; F800ST; F650GS; R1200R; R1200GS; R1200RT . Bookings will be taken each day at the BMW Low-Seat Demo Zone. Don’t for-get to bring both parts of your licence if you want to have a go.

■ Saturday November 29, midday: Ron Haslam signs books on the Bikers World Stand. ■ Sunday November 30, 12-2.30pm: James Toseland and his band Crash perform on Yamaha Stand, 1E50.■ Wednesday December 3, 12.00 & 3.30pm: James Toseland to appear at Yamaha stand.■ Thursday December 4, 12.00 & 3.30pm: James Toseland to appear at Yamaha stand.■ Saturday December 6, 12.00 & 3.00pm: James Toseland and his band Crash appear on Yamaha stand. ■ Sunday December 7, 11.30am & 2.00pm: James Toseland and his band Crash appear on Yamaha stand.

Don’t miss a thing!

Meet top biking starsJames Toseland will be putting in several appearances with his band Crash

Ron Haslam will be signing books

Be sure to catch up with British 125 GP winner Scott Redding at the show

Meet actor Charley Boorman at the show

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