JBL Kawasaki ZX 10R

2011 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R Unveiled

2011 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R has been unveiled yesterday at the Cologne Intermot show, offering updated technology and looks. The 2011 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R is one of the shows most eagerly-awaited supersports bikes, which will also be on display in Birmingham from 27 November. The actual output of the 2011 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R is not known yet, but it’s rumored to revolve around the 200 hp mark.

The 2011 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R will feature a new advanced traction control system with three selectable power modes, to suit various road conditions and riding styles. The manufacturer says the new 2011 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R is based on its new World Superbike racer, which has to mean some serious performance for the new model. The 2011 Kawasaki Ninja price list has not been announced yet.

Powering the 2011 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R is a 998cc, 16-valve, DOHC, liquid-cooled inline-four engine, capable of developing 197 horsepower (or 207 horsepower with ram air in full effect). 2011 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R features:

* S-KTRC, Sport-Kawasaki Traction Control
* Advanced, predictive traction control system, allowing maximum drive and traction under a wide variety of conditions.
* KIBS, Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System
* Completely new engine with 3 different power modes, more power and a different character, allowing you to have more time at full throttle. Engine contains cassette transmission and slipper clutch.
* All-new aluminium twin-spar frame for increased control, feedback and cornering stability.
* Big Piston Front fork (BPF) for a smoother pitching motion and increased damping performance under heavy braking. Easy to adjust to personal preference.
* Horizontal Back-link rear suspension for better road holding, smoother action, and other benefits.
* Completely revised engine-chassis package for about 10 kg weight reduction
* New instrumentation which can be set to Normal Mode or Race Mode
* Environmental friendly feature: ECO Ride Indicator, indicating favourable riding conditions to minimise fuel consumption.

Ducati 1098 delivered in the USA

Ducati North America announces today the arrival of the Model Year 2008 1098 Superbike in North American dealer showrooms. The 160 Horsepower, 381 pound motorcycle was released in 2007 and quickly won numerous awards, including the coveted Cycle World "10 Best" and the "Best of the Best" award, given by the Robb Report.
The accolades awarded by the press matched the showroom buzz; with numerous Ducati dealers reported having deposits on their entire year's allocation before the first bikes even arrived.
As a result of the strong reception and the need to fulfill customer demand, Ducati North America has accelerated the arrival of the 2008 model to North American dealers.
"We are extremely proud of the 1098 Superbike and the success it has brought us," said Michael Lock, CEO of Ducati North America. "It is an incredible machine, and is well deserving of what it has achieved both in the showroom and with the press."
The 2008 Ducati 1098 and 1098 S are available now in authorized North American Ducati dealer showrooms and carry a MSRP of $15,995 and $19,995 respectively. Additional information, including detailed technical specifications and Ducati dealer locator, can be found at www.ducatiusa.com .

Ducati 848 Comparison

2008 Ducati 848 Specifications:
Engine: 848cc L-Twin, Desmodromic, 8 valves
Bore x Stroke: 94 x 61.2mm
Compression Ratio: 12:1
Horsepower: 118.3 hp @ 10,200 rpm
Torque: 63.6 lb-ft @ 8100 rpm
Weight: 417.5. lbs w/fuel
Power to Weight Ratio: 0.28 hp per lbs
Front Suspension: Showa 43mm fork, 3-way adj.
Rear Suspension: Showa shock, 3-way adj.
Tires: Pirelli DSP 120/70R17, 180/55R17
Wheelbase: 56.3-in. Rake: 24.5 deg. Trail: 97mm
Seat Height: 32.6-in.
Fuel Capacity: 4.1 Gal. Measured MPG: 34.1 mpg
Exhaust dB at 5000 rpm: 92
MSRP: $13,495

Hopping aboard the Ducati 848 reveals the exact same riding geometry as its big-bore superbike bro. If you're a self-proclaimed 1098 fanatic like me the seating position will be both familiar and comfortable. If, however, you're not endowed with a lengthy torso sitting on the Duc will be a bit of a stretch.

"The 848 feels like its born and bred for track duty," says Editorial Director Ken Hutchison. "Just like, and I mean just like the 1098, the bars are really low and the foot pegs really high. It's a bit of a stretch for me but for the racetrack its perfect. When you're sitting on the bike your always in full attack mode."

And that's fine on the racetrack. Because when you're riding the Ducati like it or not you're going to haul ass. The 848's riding ergos work in unison with its phenomenal chassis and stump-pulling engine to make fast laps come with relative ease.

"The front end inspires significantly more confidence than most other bikes and it makes the 848 an excellent weapon for turning fast laps," comments Hutchison. "It seemed easier to get a quick lap on the Ducati because you could run it in hot and still scrub off some speed with the front tire. Fortunately the fork has profuse amounts of feel - allowing you to push it harder than you would on the GSX-R."

"It feels like its on rails," says our guest tester and MotorcycleUSA resident IT guru Joe Wallace. "The Ducati takes a little more aggressive riding style to get it to turn in but once its carving its totally in its element."

True. The Ducati certainly requires more input from the rider to initiate a turn, making it feel a bit cumbersome through B-Willow's Esses section. But once the Duc is turning it's as stable as Warren Buffet's investment portfolio, however, its solidity can quickly be compromised under acceleration out of a bumpy corner due to its lack of a steering damper.

You see, just because the 848 has a smaller engine doesn't make it any less expensive to manufacture. This means that some components need to be removed in order for it to reach its $13,495 price point. And unfortunately the damper is one of the parts getting axed.

"It can certainly getaway without the steering damper," says Hutchison. "However, if you put a real aggressive turning tire on the bike like a Dunlop it could make the bike a bit too twitchy."

On the streets the lack of a steering damper can be noticeable, particularly when accelerating hard on an uneven stretch of road. Pair that with the super aggressive ergos, small 4.1 gallon fuel tank, thinly padded seat and almost useless rear-view mirrors and day-to-day life with the Ducati can get old pretty quick.

"If you're just going for quick blast in and around the city then the Duc's fine, no problem," says Hutch. "The seat gets a bit hot in traffic though and getting the Duc off the line takes more finesse with the clutch than the Suzuki. It's certainly better than the 1098's dry clutch (the 848 uses a hydraulically-actuated wet clutch). If you're considering doing a riding stint longer than 100 miles, you probably should think about riding something else."

And that something else is the Suzuki. The last few renditions of the GSX-R have developed a reputation for comfort and this year's version continues to impress. Climb aboard and you feel like you're sitting within the motorcycle rather than perched atop like on the Duc. Extend your arms out and you'll be surprised by how well within reach the handlebars are. You'll also be amazed by just how slim it is-especially for an Inline-Four. And although you won't notice this immediately--after a gas tank or two your derriere won't be numb in protest. Another clever touch is that the foot controls can be moved up and down or forward and aft in a 14mm range, allowing the rider to customize the riding position. In fact, the GSX-R is so comfortable that all you would need is fit some decent luggage and you've got yourself a capable 170-mph sport-tourer!

Complementing its intuitive riding position is a chassis that is well sorted at any speed. Despite our man Wallace having never ridden the GSX-R before, he found himself comfortable and quickly up to speed at the 28-turn Reno-Fernley circuit.

Ducati North America

 

Ducati North America is proud to announce the newest addition to its model range, the 848 Nicky Hayden Special Edition. The special edition 848 will be unveiled tomorrow at the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

In honor of Fourth of July, Ducati is celebrating American World Champion Nicky Hayden with a special USA themed 848. This US -exclusive model will be unveiled at 4pm Saturday July 4 on Ducati Island at the USGP with Nicky Hayden and Ducati CEO Gabriele Del Torchio.
It will be on display the remainder of the weekend for fans to view, and available at Ducati dealers July 7th in limited numbers.