New Generation Ninja: 2011 Kawasaki ZX-10R review first impression

This is where the new 2011 Kawasaki ZX-10R and its new S-KTRC system distinguishes itself from previous TC setups. Instead of only reacting to tire slip when it occurs, the ZX-10R’s TC analyzes numerous factors including throttle position (plus the rate of opening), wheel speeds, engine rpm (plus rate of change), gear position, and speed to actually sense and begin formulating a plan of various mapping scenarios before tire slip occurs. And then once tire slippage does occur, the S-KTRC system continues analyzing all...

in italy only : Valentino Rossi book soon on sale

Since this past season wasn’t exactly the best one in memory for Valentino Rossi fans, something has to be done to divert attention and keep their spirits up. Enter the latest biography on the Doctor, written by Enrico Borghi—who was the co-author of the previous “What If I’d Never Tried It” autobiography, and a journalist for the Italian racing weekly MotoSprint—titled “Il Capolavoro”, which translated from Italian...

Kawasaki ZX-10R

The first photo of the 2011 Kawasaki ZX-10R, unpainted and in race trim, ready for testing at Suzuka. Two numbers from Kawasaki: 190bhp, 198kg. Big numbers indeed, compare them to 188bhp and 179kg (dry) of the 2010 model or to the 193bhp and 204kg (wet) of the current king of the superbike hill, the BMW S1000RR.Assuming that the 2011 ZX-10R's 198kg quoted weight is wet, that compares well to the S1000RR, even...

Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade TT Tribute

Honda Fireblade Isle of Man TT tribute bikes have been built to celebrate the success of John McGuinness and Ian Hutchinson – two of the most successful TT racers of all time.Hutchinson broke the all-time record at the Isle of Man TT races in 2010 by winning five in a week with McGuinness being one of the all time greats with 15 TT wins and the first rider to lap the 37.7 mile course at an average speed of...

Brammo Empulse

This is the Brammo Empulse, it's going to turn the electric/Internal Combustion Engine paradigm on its head, forever altering the transportation landscape in America. That's a bold statement, right? Check this out: with tax breaks it's $500 cheaper than an SV650 and has a superior torque-to-weight ratio. It'll reach speeds in excess of 100mph and can travel over 100 miles between charges. Did we mention they plan to...

Roehr eSuperBike / RR is eFaster

The eRoehr eSuperbike is eFaster but also eWay more expensive. It's also based around and existing eChassis, that of the eHyosung GT250R and will only be produced in eLimited numbers. Still, 96bhp and 135mph is eImpressive. There's actually three bikes here, but they all look about identical. The eSuperSport uses a single AC induction motor that makes 48bhp, has 5.8kWh of battery capacity, will hit 100mph,...

Suzuki GSX 1300R Hayabusa in Pearl Mirage White

2011 Hayabusa in Pearl Mirage White With a curb weight of 260 kg (573 lbs), the new Busa is powered by the same 4-stroke, Liquid-cooled, 4-cylinder, 1340cc engine coupled with an optimized 6-speed transmission. Suzuki Clutch Assist System (SCAS) serves as back-torque-limiting system for smooth downshifts and also contributes to a light clutch pull. Moreover, the S-DMS (Suzuki Drive Mode Selector) allows the...