DUCATI 1198R $NA
Engine
L-C 8V 1198 V-TWIN
Seat Height
32.2 IN.
Fuel Capacity
4.1 GAL
Wheelbase
56.3 IN.
Last-minute news from our Ducati source is that the 1098R will return as a very limited edition 1198R-although mechanically the bike will be mostly unchanged. The '09 1198R will only be available as a Troy Bayliss edition, with accordingly colorful graphics celebrating the Australian's victory in last year's World Superbike Championship.
DUCATI 1198/S $16,495/$21,795
Engine
L-C 8V 1198 V-TWIN
Seat Height
32.2 IN.
Fuel Capacity
4.1 GAL
Wheelbase
56.3 IN.
Details are sketchy, but just as we went to press our Ducati rep sent over bare-bones info on the new Superbike models, the 1198 and 1198S. As usual the S model is equipped with Ohlins suspension and forged wheels, but a new addition is a revised DTC system formerly reserved for the R model.
DUCATI FIGHTER/S $14,995/$18,995
Engine
L-C 8V 1099 V-TWIN
Seat Height
TK IN.
Fuel Capacity
TK GAL
Wheelbase
TK IN.
We knew there was a reason the Monster S4R was nowhere to be seen in the '09 lineup. "No details yet" is the word from Ducati, but the Fighter is an all-new 1098-based naked bike that is offered in both standard and high-roller S versions. Expect the S model to sport all the usual extras.
DUCATI MULTISTRADA 1100S $14,495
Engine
A-C 4V 1078 V-TWIN
Seat Height
33.5 IN.
Fuel Capacity
5.3 GAL
Wheelbase
57.6 IN.
The 1100 Desmodue engine is one of our favorites of all time, and it shines in the Multistrada S package, which is graced with hlins suspension, a carbon fiber front fender and carbon fiber cam belt covers. New for this year is the addition of the beautiful Pearl White color scheme shown here.
DUCATI HYPERMOTARD 1100/S $11,995/$14,995
Engine
A-C 4V 1078 V-TWIN
Seat Height
33.3 IN.
Fuel Capacity
3.3 GAL
Wheelbase
56.9 IN.
Simply put, the Hypermotard has no equal down a tight, twisty road. The standard and S models are powered by identical versions of the torquey air-cooled 1100 mill, while the upscale S adds DLC coating to the front fork, radial-mount front brakes, an Ohlins shock and lighter, forged wheels to the chassis.
DUCATI MONSTER 696 $8995
Engine
A-C 4V 696 V-TWIN
Seat Height
30.3 IN.
Fuel Capacity
3.8 GAL
Wheelbase
57.1 IN.
The refined and restyled baby Monster's user-friendly Desmodue engine is more powerful for this year and features Ducati's ATPC slipper clutch. Add in the new Hybrid Trellis frame's low seat height and narrow midsection, and the 696 is the perfect Ducati for new riders, experienced riders looking for urban excitement, and everyone in between.
DUCATI 848 $13,995
Engine
L-C 8V 849 V-TWIN
Seat Height
32.6 IN.
Fuel Capacity
4.1 GAL
Wheelbase
56.3 IN.
Packing a heavyweight punch in a lightweight package, the midsize Superbike in Ducati's lineup made its debut a year ago to rave reviews and returns unchanged for '09. The 848 is much more than a sleeved-down 1098 and features its own unique innovations such as Vacural-cast cases and a quiet-running wet clutch.
DUCATI MONSTER 1100/S $NA/NA
Engine
A-C 4V 1078 V-TWIN
Seat Height
31.9 IN.
Fuel Capacity
3.8 GAL
Wheelbase
57.1 IN.
The new "less is Monster" 1100 is more powerful and weighs almost 18 pounds less than its predecessor, the S2R 1000. Needless to say, it moves to the head of the Monster family. The S model has Ohlins suspension in place of the plain version's Showa fork and Sachs shock and carbon fiber trim to lower weight even further.
DUCATI SPORT 1000 BIPOSTO/S $11,995/$12,995
Engine
A-C 4V 992 V-TWIN
Seat Height
32.5 IN.
Fuel Capacity
3.9 GAL
Wheelbase
56.1 IN.
The SportClassic models may revisit the 70s in terms of style, but not in any measure of performance thanks to modern versions of the stellar Desmodue engine. The biposto version has raised clip-ons while the S model has a removable seat cover, rearset footpegs, lower bars and a caf-racer-style fairing.
FISCHER MRX $7999
Engine
L-C 8V 647 V-TWIN
Seat Height
29.5 - 31.5 IN.
Fuel Capacity
4.6 GAL
Wheelbase
55.0 IN.
The made-in-America, Hyosung-powered MRX receives a number of updates for '09, including an exhaust heat shielding and new ducts in the rear of the seat for improved cooling, a new steering head for improved ram air flow, Woodcraft-designed clip-ons, adjustable footpegs and a ride-height adjuster for the standard Ohlins rear shock.
HONDA ST1300 /ABS $14,599/$15,699
Engine
L-C 16V 1261 V-FOUR
Seat Height
31.1 IN.
Fuel Capacity
7.7 GAL
Wheelbase
58.7 IN.
Throw a Gold Wing and a CBR1000RR in a pot and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally. That was Honda's recipe for the ST1300, which, in typical Honda fashion will purr along for all-day comfort but then surprise you with how well it can get down a twisty road. Optional ABS is expensive but works seamlessly and is a worthwhile addition.
HONDA INTERCEPTOR /ABS $10,999/$11,999
Engine
L-C 16V 781 V-FOUR
Seat Height
31.7 IN.
Fuel Capacity
5.8 GAL
Wheelbase
57.4 IN.
No, it's not a V-five, enough already! While many were expecting this year's Interceptor to grow a cylinder, it returns unchanged for yet another year. No matter, it's still one of the best all-around and sport-touring motorcycles, combining a VTEC-enhanced V-four engine and a sporty-yet-comfy chassis. Available in any color for '09, as long as its black.
HONDA CRF230M $4749
Engine
A-C 2V 223 SINGLE
Seat Height
31.9 IN.
Fuel Capacity
2.3 GAL
Wheelbase
52.8 IN.
Address your inner dirt-riding self with the new-for-2009 CRF230M, which is essentially the off-road, electric-start CRF230F model with low-profile 17-inch street-oriented rubber fitted. Expect outrageously good fuel economy, typical bulletproof Honda reliability, shorter commute times and plenty of back-road adventures in your future.
HONDA CBR1000RR /ABS $11,999/$12,999
Engine
L-C 16V 999 INLINE-FOUR
Seat Height
32.3 IN.
Fuel Capacity
4.7 GAL
Wheelbase
55.4 IN.
Continuing the CBR1000RR's downward spiral-in weight, that is-the third-generation model is the lightest and best-performing yet. Honda's flagship sportbike was all-new for '08 and came within a gnat's whisker of winning our literbike comparison test. It remains unchanged for this year with the exception of optional Combined ABS.
HONDA CBR600RR /ABS $9799/$10,799
Engine
L-C 16V 599 INLINE-FOUR
Seat Height
32.3 IN.
Fuel Capacity
4.8 GAL
Wheelbase
53.9 IN.
Why mess with success? Honda's tiny CBR600RR has won our middleweight smackdown two years running, and the bike receives a handful of updates for '09 aimed at increasing its already class-leading midrange power. Like the CBR1000RR, the 600 will be available with the company's new electronically controlled Combined ABS system.
HYOSUNG GT650S $5699
Engine
L-C 8V 647 V-TWIN
Seat Height
30.7 IN.
Fuel Capacity
4.5 GAL
Wheelbase
56.7 IN.
The middle GT650 model has a half-fairing but is otherwise identical to the R version, with a 43mm inverted fork, single rear shock and two-stage projection-beam headlight. A low seat height, modest price and rider-friendly power make the S model an ideal first sportbike for new riders. All the 650s are unchanged for '09, and the S is available in red or grey
HYOSUNG GT650R $6099
Engine
L-C 8V 647 V-TWIN
Seat Height
30.7 IN.
Fuel Capacity
4.5 GAL
Wheelbase
56.7 IN.
Korean manufacturer Hyosung's top sporting model is this GT650R, which sports a liquid-cooled 647cc V-twin that bears a resemblance to Suzuki's SV650 engine. The R model is clad in full bodywork, while all the 650 models have adjustable rearsets and a unique vacuum fluorescent display dash. Add $400 for two-tone paint as shown here.
HYOSUNG GT650 $5399
Engine
L-C 8V 647 V-TWIN
Seat Height
30.7 IN.
Fuel Capacity
4.5 GAL
Wheelbase
56.7 IN.
The naked GT650 shows off the torquey 650 V-twin powerplant, giving the bike traditional naked styling with a sportbike attitude. The S and R models' two-stage headlights are replaced with a single round lamp, and the GT650 has a standard handlebar in place of the other models' clip-ons for a more comfortable riding position.
HYOSUNG GT250R $3799
Engine
A-C 8V 249 V-TWIN
Seat Height
30.7 IN.
Fuel Capacity
4.5 GAL
Wheelbase
56.9 IN.
The GT250R shares its distinctive styling with the GT650R, and has many of the same high-end features, such as an inverted front fork and adjustable rearsets. Motivation is provided by an air-cooled, eight-valve V-twin that delivers smooth low- and mid-range torque. The GT250R is available in five color options; add $200 for two-tone schemes.
HYOSUNG GT250 $3499
Engine
A-C 8V 249 V-TWIN
Seat Height
31.3 IN.
Fuel Capacity
4.5 GAL
Wheelbase
56.9 IN.
Hyosung's entry-level standard motorcycle has all the features of a full-sized standard, including an inverted fork, big halogen headlight and disk brakes front and rear. Its budget price and user-friendly 249cc powerplant make it a great option for a first bike that will provide miles of fun. Unchanged for '09, color options are red, yellow and black.