Sexy Bikes Babes 2 - Asians

Kawasaki ZX-6R (2000-2002)

Kawasaki’s new-for-2000 ZX-6R got a new swingarm, a revised rear shock and engine internals and a facelift – not good enough to compete with Yamaha’s stunning R6 on the track nor Honda’s new ally-framed CBR600 on the road. In 2002 it got a beefier 636cc motor, which made it a much improved road tool.

The carb-fed, 16v four cylinder motor still sounds mega, with the gruff airbox roar that makes caning these Kawasakis so addictive. It’s fast, too, ripping to over 160mph out of the box. But the icing on the cake is its flexibility – it’s hard to believe it’s packing just 599cc. The gearbox should behave itself – if it’s less than slick and positive try another bike. In 2002 essentially the same bike was released with a 636cc motor bringing even more road-friendly performance.

Thankfully Kawasaki introduced suspension grease nipples on the J-series ZX-6Rs, so the shock has a better chance of retaining some of its performance than previous efforts. The revised geometry makes for improved cornering and the machine feels considerably lighter than before.

BMW F 800 GS

The heavily rumored and long-awaited F 800 GS is a new Adventure Touring or Enduro model in the BMW Motorrad lineup. BMW is presenting the motorcycle as "a worthy successor to the totally successful F 650 GS with its single-cylinder engine". In typical BMW fashion, the bike is completely ready to go and can be outfitted with a huge number of accessories, which are described below.

The new bike is claimed to be off-road capable, with its sturdy appearance reminiscent of the very popular BMW R 1200 GS and its features like long spring travel, which should indicate what it can do off-road. The signals the bike gives off are clear yet diverse: fun to ride on the street and stamina on journeys even when the destination can only be reached by gravel tracks.

BMW claims a high level of stability combined with playful handling are features for the new F 800 GS, along with a strong chassis and impressive engine performance for maximum riding enjoyment.

The inline two-cylinder engine comes from the well-known F 800 model series, but beyond this, the F 800 GS has been completely redesigned. A completely new frame and new wheel suspension with new spring-shock absorber elements are used, for example, which, BMW claims, "will surpass the expectations of even the most demanding Enduro riders."

Superbike Preview

This is a short preview of the 2006 AMA Superbike DVD. Looks some pretty good AMA road racing action.

Sexy Bikes Babes

Ducati 1098

Ducati’s new 1098 has been one of the most talked about bikes this year. It’s the world’s most powerful twin-cylinder motorcycle with the highest torque-to-weight ratio of any sports bike and I couldn’t wait to ride it. Not only does the beautiful 1098 take giant steps away from the controversial styling of the current 999, it’s expected to snatch the superbike bike crown away from the competition with real conviction. I’d been excited for week.

Well, I have to report that the press launch left me breathless; sadly it also left the Ducati gasping for air. Some numpty decided Kyalami in South Africa would be a good location to let the world’s press ride the new bike. It’s a stunning track – sadly, it’s also 1,800m above sea level, which means the air is thinner, which means less oxygen, which means less power. How such a significant factor could’ve been overlooked is anyone’s guess, but up here the Testastretta Evoluzione V-twin engine loses 20bhp and suddenly Ducati’s ‘super-powerful’ 1098 can’t offer any more power than a 999 at sea level.

And so the suspense lingers on. There’s no question in my mind that the 1098 will eventually prove to be a very serious contender as the best superbike in 2007. And in truth, even in Kyalami, the bike has more than enough power for most bikers but nevertheless, it was stifled and didn’t feel anywhere near as brutal or raw as I’d hoped and expected, despite pulling strongly to the 10,700rpm red line. As well as the standard 1098, I also had the opportunity to ride the plusher S model.

Aprilia Falco SL 1000

Launched two years after Aprilia’s RSV Mille, the Falco used the same 60º V-twin engine used in the RSV range. Since not every rider wishes to ride a committed sports machine like the RSV Mille, the Falco offers a more relaxed sports-touring ride. Its 998cc engine has a lower stat of tune, producing 9kW (12bhp) less than the RSV Mille. But despite the lower power output and relaxed riding position, the Falco’s chassis is a highly specified as the RSV. Showa upside-down forks and a Schas rear shock are both fully adjustable, and the Brembo brakes are rave-spec items. In some ways, the Falco has rather fallen between the two stools of the firm’s RSV and Futura. The RSV is more suitable for track work, while the Futura is a better tourer.

About SL 1000 Falco:

Top speed: 256km/h (160mph)

Engine type: 998cc I/c 60º V-twin, eight-valve, DOHC

Maximum power: 88kW (118bhp) @ 9250rpm

Frame type: twin spar aluminium/magnesium alloy

Tyre size: front 120/70 17, rear 180/55 17

Final drive: chain

Gearbox: 6 speed

Weight: 190kg (418lb)

Moto Guzzi Norge 850

Moto Guzzi has released some limited information on the new Norge 850 touring bike. The motorcycle is very similar to the new Norge 1200 in many ways.

The "Norge" name for both the Norge 1200 and the Norge 850 is in honor of a 4000 mile test ride from Mandello del Lario to Lapland in northern Norway that Moto Guzzi undertook with their first shaft drive swingarm design. This was a monumental enterprise, considering the disastrous condition of European roads at that time.

But in four weeks, the destination was reached. The elastic frame of the early Moto Guzzi motorcycle with rear suspension was so successful that it was introduced in production machines and the G.T. was named "Norge" in memory of that unprecedented feat. This is why Moto Guzzi decided to name the first "Gran Turismo" of the new era the "Norge".

The Norge 850 has the same "elegant and dynamic" design of the 1200 version, with excellent ergonomics and comfort and short wheelbase to make it competitive even in the traffic. Moto Guzzi says that both the Norge 850 and the Norge 1200 are "dynamic and responsive ... a modern Gran Turismo which makes flexibility its main strong point as it crosses city centers and boundless distances with the same ease".

If more information becomes available, we'll post it here; in the meantime, enjoy these photos of the new Moto Guzzi Norge 850.