Welcome to the Review section!
YAMAHA
Yamaha have always had an extensive choice of bikes for all sectors
of the market and as you would expect, the build quality and sheer
riding pleasure these bikes provide ensure that Yamaha remain one
of the premier motorcycle manufacturers in the world.
Take their Supersport YZF-R6 for example. Their latest 2006 model
features unique and stunning performance from a 600cc – 130
horsepower engine. It also features some intriguing technology in
the Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T) which is the latest thing
in advanced throttle control. There are few Supersport bikes that
can match the all round versatility of this machine whether on the
road or track.
Yamaha’s ‘Street’ range features the new FZ1. They
claim it to be a squat, muscular powerhouse that will take your breath
away, every time that you ride it. Its styling concentrates mass around
the engine giving it a slim-line rear end and stubby mid-ship silencer.
This produces both stylish good looks and superb controllability.
The FZ1 also gets an all-new aluminium frame which provides the optimal
balance between torsional, lateral and vertical stiffness for a great-handling
and a responsive ride.
The all-new XVS1300A Midnight Star is brimming with class and technology.
This 2007 Cruiser model is beautifully crafted and has an easy handling
chassis as well as a high performance liquid-cooled 1300cc V-twin
engine. The
Midnight Star has it all and is available from December 2006.
The FZ1 Fazer Sports model is four motorcycles in one: a sports bike,
a weekday commuter, a tourer and evening cruiser. This all-new 1000cc
Fazer is the epitome of Yamaha sports bike engineering. It is nicely
balanced and is blessed with astonishing all-round performance. It
features a re-tuned R1 engine with a huge mid-range punch fitted in
a race-developed Deltabox frame. The Fazer's muscular design and looks
matches its powerful performance.
The new Sports Touring FJR1300A offers first class travel. It combines
touring comfort with sports performance as well as a touch of real
class. Its fuelinjected 1300cc engine delivers massive amounts of
useable grunt while the light aluminium fame provides assured cornering
combined with true sports handling.
The Adventure XT660R’s fuel-injected 660cc has loads of mid-range
torque and seriously rugged handling for tarmac cruising or off-road
riding. Its punchy four-stroke motor and motocross-style handlebars
make light of the city traffic or the rural tracks. The choice is
yours! This versatile machine offers flexibility when you want it
either on the daily commute or weekend off-road adventure.
In the Torque Sports sector the new kid on the block is the MT-03.
It has instant, throbbing low-down power delivered from its
fuel-injected 660 cc single-cylinder engine and a totally new sports
chassis concept engineered for serious street sports riding. The Yamaha
range of motorcycles has something for everyone.
The real problem that most riders experience is having to choose only
one.
Harley Davidson and Buell are iconic all-American motorcycles that
remain true to their heritage despite the advances in technology and
design that has fashioned the development of the motorcycle industry
in other parts of the world. Their 2007 models are already launched
and we feature a selection here. The new 2007 XL883 Sporster represents
the ethos of Harley Davidson. It delivers style in bucket loads yet
is a true muscle machine despite its affordable price tag. It features
a narrow frame with a very potent V-Twin engine that generates bags
of power just when you need it. The range also features Custom and
Low models with either an 883cc or 1200cc engine. The 1200cc range
also features a Roadster model.
For some classic 1970s custom style, the 2007 Dyna Super Glide Custom
has few peers. Covered in head to foot with gleaming chrome fitments,
this latest model was born to impress in both looks and performance.
Other models in the Dyna range include the Street Bob, Low Rider and
Wide Glide. The 2007 Fat Boy Softail has been designed and built from
scratch. It features a big new twin cam 96B engine matched to a smooth
six-speed gearbox along with trademark slabs of solid cast aluminium
disc wheels. The ultimate stylish Harley Davidson statement. Other
models in the 2007 range include Night Train, Custom, Deluxe,
pringer Classic and Heritage Classic.
The Streetfighter is at the core of what Buell is all about. It features
pure sports-muscle performance, broad, seamless power delivery and
superior handling. Upon closer inspection, you’ll find nothing
but premium components and lightweight materials. The Lightning models
also feature neutral ergonomics with wide bars and naturally-positioned
foot-pegs that enable you to ride confidently and aggressively. The
new Ulysses XB12X can be ridden like a sports bike - fast through
corners, through the mountains and across big country in great comfort.
The Ulysses is highly capable on rugged terrain but it is truly at
home on tarmac. This is one strong handling motorcycle that delivers
all round performance wherever you take it. The Firebolt owes much
of its handling superiority to the ultra short wheelbase and a steep
21 degree steering head angle. Nimble and precise, the Firebolt settles
into a corner with ease using its fully adjustable front and rear
suspension. The combined result is a bike that seems almost telepathic,
effortlessly responding to its rider’s commands.
Harley Davidson and Buell motorcycles are more a way of life than
a consumer product. Having reviewed the latest models with their unique
style and attention to detail it is easy to understand why these machines
command such respect and reverence from their adoring owners.
HONDA AND SUZUKI
Honda and Suzuki are both renowned for producing high quality motorcycles that regularly feature as the most popular and sought-after bikes on the market. They cover all sectors of the market and we feature a selection of their latest models here.
Honda’s Fireblade has been setting the standards in the Supersports sector of the market for years. The latest CBR1000RR Fireblade has not only established a new standard for competitive performance, but also for practical daily riding. It features a new 998cc liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder engine that is shorter and more compact giving better stability and quicker handling. It also features a RAM air and dual sequential fuel injection for improved performance.
The latest American built Honda VTX 1300cc cruiser redefines its sector. It's a stunning machine delivering effortless, rumbling power with masses of torque. This comes from the all-new 1,312cc liquid-cooled 52-degree V-twin engine that looks
just as good as it sounds. It has been designed to deliver low-end and mid-range torque for relaxed cruising on the wide open road but there is also plenty of top end speed to leave the pack for dead.
The CBR1100XX Super Blackbird features many of Honda's most innovative technologies all integrated into a sleek aerodynamic Supersports Tourer. This bike portrays an image of high performance coupled with style and verve. The Super Blackbird is a union of power, performance, comfort and practicality, and makes the ideal companion for a rapid cross-country adventure. The latest Supersports Suzuki GSX-R1000 offers more power with more torque, less weight and better aerodynamics that its predecessor. This bike has long been the favourite on the track and in its latest guise looks set to remain in to slot. Its new
engine has a full 998.6cc displacement with a new cylinder head and valve train. Digital SDTV fuel-injection and engine-management systems produce seamless throttle response, improved combustion efficiency and increased low-rpm torque.
Suzuki's new DL650 V-Strom Adventure Sports model is a mid-range bike that delivers versatility in and around town as well as sporty on-road performance. It features a low seat height, wind protection as well as outstanding touring comfort
and range. The versatile 645cc V-twin engine has a proven design but is specially tuned for the V-Strom 650 with an emphasis on low-end and mid-range performance.
The new Suzuki 650cc Bandit Master is a master of all trades combining the bestloved characteristics of the popular Bandit 600 with added power. The 656cc engine is tuned to deliver broad, responsive power across a wider rpm range. Styling has been brought right up to date, making the K5 Bandit as desirable as it is useable. For smooth, efficient performance, comfort, convenience and sporty looks, there is no other choice.
With either marque you’ll always find exactly what you are looking for. Both ranges are acked with exciting machines.
All rights reserved © 2006 Johnston Press Digital Publishing
