The mid-line RF-1000 model has been Shoei's best-selling helmet since its inception back in '03, and for good reason. When you combine excellent function with superb quality at a reasonable price, the customers will follow. So it was logical to expect that the RF-1000's successor would be a sensible evolution of its solid and refined design. Why mess with success?

Lately there's been quite a stir about electric bikes in the media. Several small-scale manufacturers are offering on- and off-road production models for sale. The Isle of Man hosted the TTXGP, a one-lap race for electric and hybrid motorcycles. And the FIM recently announced the addition of a race series for electric bikes in 2010. Over the past few years, technology for batteries and electric motors has made significant advances, to the point that a setup offering decent performance and range can fit into a motorcycle chassis. The result is often touted as a zero-emissions answer to our escalating transportation and energy woes.inline_mediumwraptextrightElectric bikes like the Brammo Enertia TTR, which finished third in this year's TTXGP at the Isle of Man, show potential but also the need for much further development.25427045/features/146_0912_electric_hybrid_motorcycles146_0912_01_z+stop_watch+electric_motorcycle.jpgTrue

The 600cc sportbikes have always been the biggest sellers for the big four Japanese manufacturers. Not only are they less expensive than the larger displacement bikes, they are also cheaper to insure, maintain and even though they don't have the same horsepower or torque as the 750cc or 1000cc bikes, they are plenty fast. During the '90s, the 600s were cranking out 85-90 horsepower and running very low 11-second quarter mile times. With top speeds in the mid-150 mph range and a 0-60 mph time of 3.2 seconds, the Honda CBR600 was the dominant bike in the middleweight class. It is estimated that Honda sold over 50,000 600cc bikes from 1987-1993, making it the most popular-and arguably the most influential-600cc sportbike ever made.inline_mediumwraptextrightHonda CBR600F231007670/features/146_0912_1991_1998_honda_cbr600_f2_f3146_0912_01_z+great_sportbikes_of_the_past+honda_CBR600F2.jpgTrue

Recommended Suspension Settings

These tables show suggested suspension settings for each bike. You can also use the tables to find which issues of Sport Rider each bike was tested. For more information on suspension, check out the Suspension Tuning Guide.

:: Aprilia ::
Biggest news on the Aprilia front is that the vaunted RSV4 literbike finally makes its way to U.S. shores. Our Euro correspondent Alan Cathcart was the only rider to obtain a dry-weather riding impression at the world press launch earlier this year ("Reborn Return", July '09), and if his initial feeling on the Aprilia is any indication, the bike will be worth the wait. The 65-degree, 999.6cc V-four-powered machine has been generating raves on the other side of the pond, with other Euro journalists swooning over the Aprilia's incredibly agile handling and superb power characteristics. As per the usual modus operandi, Aprilia will be importing two versions of the RSV4: the "standard" R model, and the limited production "Factory" edition. The Factory will come equipped with Öhlins suspension front and rear, forged aluminum wheels, carbon fiber fenders, and multi-adjustable chassis setup, including steering head rake angle, swingarm pivot height, and engine mount position (all via replaceable inserts). The standard R version will come minus all the aforementioned premium pieces, and presumably come with the usual Sachs rear shock/Showa front fork suspension componentry. Current MSRP for the standard R model will be $16,499, while the Factory version will only be available in very limited quantities, and retail for $20,999. Aprilia will also be bringing in the Mana 850 GT ABS (basically the Mana 850 with a half-fairing and anti-lock brake system) for $10,599. New '10 models for Moto Guzzi (both Aprilia and Moto Guzzi are owned by the Piaggio Group) include the Stelvio 1200 ABS (an adventure tour machine using the four-valve V-twin engine from the Griso) for $15,990, and the retro-styled V7 Café Classic for $8990.inline_mediumwraptextright26659228/features/146_0912_new_bikes_2010146_0912_01_z+new_bikes_2010+aprilia_RSV4.jpgTrue

Back during my racing days, learning to handle all mechanical tasks on your own motorcycle was a necessity. Unless you were lucky enough to have someone skilled in such tasks who was willing to wake up at early hours, work their knuckles to the bone in often less-than-ideal conditions, all while being immersed in fuels and chemicals that are now on the EPA's banned list and doing it all for peanuts, becoming adept at bike maintenance was obviously crucial to success. Not to mention just making the grid.

While the ergonomic triangle of a sportbike-and sometimes sheer laziness-makes it difficult for us to use our lower bodies to help with various riding aspects, there are many ways in which using your legs and torso can help you ride quicker, smoother and safer. Performance riding requires that you use all the tools in your skills toolbox, and lower-body use is key in several ways.

Pitpass
The world of business is filled with avid sportsmen, and the world of sports is filled with enthusiastic businessmen, but it's rare to find an individual who embodies the best of both worlds. Terry Vance is one of those people.

Harley-Davidson announced that following the company’s recent decision to discontinue the Buell motorcycle product line, Erik Buell, Chairman and Chief Technical Officer of Buell Motorcycle Company, will leave the company to establish Erik Buell Racing, an independent motorcycle race shop.

When three-time AMA champion Josh Hayes talks, people listen. Especially when Hayes is talking at the Yamaha Champions Riding School this past September. As a guest instructor, Hayes gave everyone as much help as he could, both on the track and off, and was kind enough to field questions from the students during the lunch break. To take a peak into the mind of an AMA front-runner, watch the two-part series here and here.

In this, the second part to Josh Hayes' Q&A session from the Yamaha Champions Riding School at Miller Motorsports Park, Josh talks about the satisfaction of beating the champ and the competition next year. With seven-time champ Mat Mladin out of the picture, Josh's chances next year seem brighter than ever.

In this first of a two-part series, Yamaha factory superbike racer Josh Hayes fields questions from the Yamaha Champions Riding School students. Through his years of racing experience he's seen it all and has the scars to prove it. So follow along and see what it's like to ride like a pro.

As Pirelli gains more knowledge and experience as the spec tire manufacturer for the World Superbike Championship, that technology continues to trickle down to its street-oriented production rubber for sale to the general public. The latest example of that racing development is the company’s new Diablo Rosso Corsa tire that was unveiled at the Milan EICMA show.

Despite cash-strapped parent company Harley-Davidson looking to sell it off in order to raise much-needed capital (this after recently purchasing ownership rights late last year), MV Agusta looks to be back at full strength with a flurry of new models for 2010, the latest of which is the all-new F4 1000 R that was unveiled at the Milan EICMA show. In an apparent move toward allowing the bike to be legally campaigned in the World Superbike Championship, MV Agusta has returned the F4 to its previous-generation 998cc displacement with an all-new engine that is much lighter and compact, yet nearly as powerful as its 80cc-larger predecessor. Although using the same basic hybrid chromoly steel lattice/cast aluminum sideplate frame design, the new chassis is both stronger and lighter than its forerunner.inline_mediumwraptextrightThe new F4 1000 R will also come in a menacing black/flat black paint scheme.The new F4 1000 R will also come in a menacing black/flat black paint scheme.31296540/news/146_0911_2010_mv_agusta_f4_1000_r_unveiled_at_milan_eicma146_0911_01_+mv_agusta_f4_1000_r_unveiled_at_milan_eicma_show+.jpgTrue

Ducati has finally pulled the wraps off its new heavily-redesigned Multistrada 1200 at the Milan EICMA show, and it’s fair to say to that the new bike is a far cry from its previous incarnation. Powered by a slightly modified version of the same liquid-cooled 1198cc V-twin Testastretta engine used in the company’s superbike lineup, the all-new Multistrada 1200 most interesting calling card is its advanced electronic engine (and in the case of the 1200 S model, suspension) control that transforms the new Ducati into four distinctly different motorcycling personalities.

It's finally here. Available in Europe for a year, KTM has finally decided to bring its RC8R superbike stateside. The higher-spec version of its original RC8, this is the Austrian company's future entry into World Superbike, deciding to continue its development in the domestic series. Of course, the obvious difference between this and the original RC8 is the bump in power thanks to its larger 1200cc engine. In addition, it also shed some weight and went through a few more refinements. Read all about it in the March, 2010 issue, but for now read Associate Editor Siahaan's first thoughts about the bike in his latest blog.inline_mediumwraptextrightFor 2010 the KTM RC8R makes its way to the states and it brings with it what we've all wanted: a larger 1200cc engine.25868432/news/146_first_ride_2010_ktm_rc8r2010 KTM RC8R.jpgTrue

America was well-represented in the final MotoGP event of the 2009 season at Valencia, Spain, with all three American riders finishing in the top ten. Monster Tech 3 Yamaha’s Colin Edwards solidified his ranking as the top non-factory rider with a fourth-place finish that—combined with fellow Texan (and soon to be teammate) Ben Spies’ finish in front of Repsol Honda’s Andrea Dovisioso in the race—garnered Edwards fifth place in the final championship standings. Ducati Marlboro’s Nicky Hayden overcame practice difficulties and put in one of his best rides of what has been a difficult season, finishing fifth in the race, a couple of seconds behind Edwards. Newly-crowned World Superbike champion Ben Spies was given the opportunity by Yamaha for a wildcard entry to the Valencia MotoGP event, and he made the most of it. Spies methodically and patiently came to grips with the Yamaha M1, qualifying in ninth place, and then waiting during the first few laps of the race until he was sure the Bridgestone tires were warm enough to push ahead and start picking off riders. The former three-time AMA Superbike champion finished a very credible seventh.

The final race of the 2009 MotoGP season had some surprises in store, with the first one occurring before the race even began. Ducati Marlboro’s Casey Stoner inexplicably highsided in the third corner on the warm-up lap, damaging his Desmosedici too heavily to continue; his fourth non-start of the season not only meant that Repsol Honda’s Dani Pedrosa was assured of third place in the championship, but also that Fiat Yamaha’s Jorge Lorenzo could race without having to worry about his second place being threatened as well.

It was once again more of the usual suspects in final qualifying for tomorrow’s MotoGP race in Valencia, Spain, with Ducati Marlboro’s Casey Stoner basically dominating the one-hour session by vaulting to the top of the leaderboard in his first stint and never relinquishing that position for the duration. Homeboy Dani Pedrosa gradually improved his pace on the Repsol Honda in the last half of the session to oust Fiat Yamaha’s Jorge Lorenzo from second spot, while recently-crowned MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi was forced off the front row by Pedrosa’s late charge (Rossi's fourth place was still good enough to earn him the BMW M3 prize for the BMW M Award Top Qualifier of 2009). Monster Tech 3 Yamaha’s Colin Edwards once again proved his “best of the rest” speed by qualifying just behind Rossi, with fellow American Nicky Hayden finding some more improvement to qualify right behind Edwards. LCR Honda’s Randy De Puniet was running well and sitting in fourth place, but a crash late in the session forced him to sit and watch as he dropped down the leaderboard to seventh spot. But the one rider who everyone was obviously watching was newly-crowned World Superbike Champion (and now MotoGP rookie) Ben Spies, and the Texan certainly didn’t damage his increasingly superlative reputation (as well as the increasingly unreasonable expectations of many) by qualifying in a solid ninth spot after only three hours’ time on the Yamaha M1.

It was the usual suspects up front in the first free practice of the final MotoGP race of the 2009 season at Valencia, Spain, with Ducati Marlboro’s Casey Stoner once again easily ripping off quick lap times from the get-go, and planting himself firmly in the top spot as the only rider to dip into the 32s while running about 10 laps less than everyone else. Fiat Yamaha’s Jorge Lorenzo quickly established himself as next in the pecking order, swiftly dropping into the low 33s but not quite able to make that step beyond like Stoner. His Spanish compatriot Dani Pedrosa was also running well on his Repsol Honda, but trailed a few tenths behind Lorenzo for the duration of the session to land in the third spot.

Newly-crowned MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi eased into the fourth spot on his Fiat Yamaha M1 and looked fairly relaxed and unhurried (as to be expected for someone who has clinched his ninth world title) despite running off the track in turn one late in the session. Monster Tech 3 Yamaha’s Colin Edwards looked to be stuck in the high 34s for most of the session, but found some improvement as the practice was ending and ended up seventh. Ducati Marlboro’s Nicky Hayden continued his struggles with the Desmosedici, as it appeared only a superhuman effort on his last lap of the session could drop his times into the 34s; he ended up 10th. Meanwhile, newly-crowned World Superbike Champion Ben Spies took his time getting accustomed to the Yamaha M1, slowly but surely dropping his times with each lap to finish just outside the 34s and ending up in 15th spot.

AMA Pro Racing officials announced the 2010 race schedule for the AMA Pro Superbike Championship, with a nine-race listing (with “negotiations ongoing for a 10th race”) that is notable for the lack of AMA races at the Red Bull USGP at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Also missing is Heartland Park in Topeka, Kansas, but the very sparse spectator turnout at this year’s event probably made that cancellation decision an easy one.

If there is one rider who remains dear to the hearts of Ducati, it's three-time World Superbike champion Troy Bayliss. The affable Australian has won world titles on three different generations of the Ducati flagship superbike (in '01 aboard the 996R01, in '06 riding the 999R F06, and finally last year astride the 1098R F08), making him truly unique among the riders who have won championships for Ducati. This history with the brand has earned Bayliss legendary status within the company, something that isn't taken lightly by the Italians.

Although it had been one of the worst-kept secrets in racing, Ducati finally made a formal announcement today that MotoGP project director Livio Suppo (above) was leaving the team. Rumors have been swirling for weeks in the scandal-mad Italian press that the long-time MotoGP manager was being forced out in order to pave the way for Valentino Rossi to ride for Ducati when his current Yamaha contract expires at the conclusion of 2010 (some were even wildly speculating that Rossi would renege on the final year of his Yamaha contract to make the switch, an idea that was quickly squashed by the nine-time World Champion). Whether that speculation will prove to be true obviously must wait, but Suppo didn't have to wait in the unemployment line; he has been quickly snapped up by rival manufacturer Honda as marketing director for HRC's MotoGP racing activities.

In a tribute to his ’09 World Superbike Championship that the American garnered in his rookie year, Yamaha unveiled a special paint scheme for Ben Spies’ YZR-M1 that he’ll be using at the final ’09 MotoGP event in Valencia, Spain. Spies clinched the title at the final race of the World Superbike season last weekend in Portimao, Portugal, and after signing a two-year extension to his contract with Yamaha in September, the company is already preparing him for his debut season in MotoGP by obtaining a wildcard entry for the final event. Spies will be joining fellow Texan Colin Edwards on the Monster Tech 3 Yamaha team in 2010, but for the final ’09 race, Spies will be racing in a separate team using Sterilgarda livery replicated from his World Superbike mount.inline_mediumwraptextrightYamaha unveiled a special paint scheme for Ben Spies' Yamaha M1 wildcard ride at Valencia.25815974/news/146_0911_yamaha_motogp_ben_spies_special_paint_scheme_valencia_wildcardYamaha unveils special paint scheme for Ben Spies' Yamaha M1 wildcard ride at Valencia.jpgTrue

As motorcycle technology advances at a rate previously unheard of, all of us here are always looking for ways to improve our riding (and our writing for that matter). Knowing what we know about modern sportbikes and its evolution, there's one aspect to them that many overlook: the rider. Riding styles have also evolved over time to accommodate ever improving machinery, and while there's certainly more than one method to ride a motorcycle quickly, now there's a school that recognizes and breaks down two-wheeled dynamics and formulates a curriculum to take advantage of what modern machinery can do. Oddly enough, the name behind this school built its reputation on four wheels. That name of course is Skip Barber, and the Skip Barber Superbike School Powered By KTM (www.skipbarbersuperbikeschool.com).