Okay, it’s not a parallel twin and it’s not even a 650, but the new XS-V1 Sakura is a new prototype from Yamaha unveiled at the Tokyo motorcycle show. It’s purely a styling homage (and why not – despite Editor ‘arris’s love for the things – the XS650 was wobbly and vibratory … a bit … Continue reading Yamaha homage to the XS650
At the recent Honda Canada press gathering to discus the new 2008 models, we were given an update on how their CBR125R bike and starter package was doing. According to Honda Canada’s Warren Milner (the driving force behind getting the bike into Canada), sales have been better than expected with the initial load of 1,500 … Continue reading CBR125R "a great success"
For 2008 the Rocket III will now also be available in touring format with such touring necessities as detachable hard bags, quick disconnect screen slimmer tank, twin exhausts and a large, single headlight. But that’s not all that’s been changes, there’s a new frame, wheels (narrower) and suspension (std instead of USD forks and revised … Continue reading Triumph Rocket III goes touring
Earlier on in the season Honda dropped a potential bomb on their existing dealerships by announcing their intention to move towards a single-line dealership model. That being an “everything Honda under one roof”, where you’ll not only find bikes, but cars, ATVs and general power equipment too. At the recent media meeting they clarified their … Continue reading Honda single-line dealer updates
Uh? Yes, it sounds like a whole load of tripe, but what the new system will allow us to do is update news items on a daily basis, enabling the readership to see what is happening now, not last week and you’ll even be able to search for specific news items. It’s also part of … Continue reading Welcome to the new News!
VARADERO XL1000V Veradero is Honda’s V-Strom. The Varadero is an “adventure-touring” styled bike in the mode of a V-Strom, BMW GS, etc., and although it has been a runaway hit in Europe for years, this will be its first appearance in North America. Power is via a fuel-injected 998 cc V-twin – a variant of … Continue reading Varadero and CBF1000 for 2008
Mark at the recent Shannonville finals. Credit: Rob MacLennan Mark had been a well-liked and respected member of the motorcycle community for his entire business life and was a dedicated member of the 125 cc GP racing community for most of the last three decades. Known at the track for a never-say-die attitude and … Continue reading RIP Ontario racer Mark White
Stoner leads Hayden, Rossi, Capirossi in Oz. Credit: motogp.com The only rider who could stay with Stoner was 2006 world champion Nicky Hayden on his factory Repsol Honda, but just before half-distance his engine started to tighten up, then a huge puff of smoke signaled an unusual engine failure (a dropped valve was diagnosed) … Continue reading MotoGP Philip Island results
Rossi and Stoner took the Oz-portunity at Philip Island’s Moto GP party to show off new helmet designs. Rossi’s AGV leans heavily on hand-painted aboriginal art, with the sun and moon symbols prominently displayed. Stoner’s new Nolan features a cartoonish kangaroo riding a Duck.
Rene times his entry into Zambia well and catches a lunar rainbow over the Victoria Falls and a hippopotamus with a lettuce crown …