:: Suzuki ::
GSX1250FA ::
Although this model was announced at the Bol D'or 24-Hour endurance race in France, it's a pretty good bet it will make it to U.S. shores. The GSX1250FA is basically the Bandit 1250S, but with a full fairing replacing the Bandit's half-fairing. Engine and chassis are basically identical to the 1250S. Headlights for the GSX-R-esque front end are vertically stacked, and the windscreen is tall enough to work with the standard-style handlebars. The GSX1250FA also comes standard with ABS; accessories include hard bags and top case, taller windscreen, and much more.
Bandit 1250/1250-ABS ::
The naked versions of the Bandit 1250S were also unveiled in France, but their importation to these shores is less sure, based upon previous Suzuki models' sales records of this genre. The naked 1250S looks to have a Gladius-style headlight, but all else looks identical to the Bandit.
:: Yamaha ::
YZF-R1 LE :: Banking on the increasing popularity of Valentino Rossi and MotoGP in the U.S., Yamaha will be releasing an R1 LE (Limited Edition) for '10 replete with Fiat Yamaha MotoGP team livery. The graphics are basically the same as the MotoGP team bikes, with sponsor logos, Rossi's famous "46" number on the nose fairing, and "The Doctor" stickers on the windscreen; there is also a replica of Rossi's signature on top of the fuel tank. Mechanically, however, the R1 LE is identical to the standard model-so that means no Öhlins suspension and forged aluminum wheels as with the previous R1 LE edition in '06. But the flip side to that omission is that the price is much more reasonable, with the '10 R1 LE listing for $14,500. The standard model will be available in Raven, Pearl White, and Team Yamaha Blue/White motifs with a starting MSRP of $13,290.
:: YZF-R6 ::
For 2010, the R6 gets a remapped ECU and a new 100mm-longer muffler for increased power. Yamaha officials are claiming that the new modifications have brought back the power lost with the '09 model that were caused by the more restrictive EPA noise regulations (our '09 R6 test bike was down six horsepower from our '08 test unit on the dyno). The 2010 YZF-R6 will be available in dealerships nationwide beginning January 2010 with an MSRP of $10,490. Available color schemes will be Raven, Pearl White and Team Yamaha Blue/White.