These charts contain quarter-mile time and speed, roll-on times, and top speeds for each bike. You can also use the charts to find the issues of Sport Rider each bike was tested.

These charts contain fuel consumption data, measured rear-wheel horsepower and torque, and measured wet and dry (no fuel) weights. You can also use the charts to find what issues of Sport Rider each bike was tested.

Aprilia | BMW | Buell | Ducati | Honda | Kawasaki |
Laverda | Moto-Guzzi | Suzuki | Triumph | Yamaha |

As part of Sport Rider's annual literbike shootout that will be on the newsstands very soon, we strapped the latest '08 models on our own Superflow dyno to see how they all measure up power-wise. Immediately apparent is the new Honda CBR1000RR's midrange power advantage, as well as the new Kawasaki ZX-10R's top-end edge over the others. Will either be enough to come out on top of the most competitive literbike class in decades? Stay tuned...

As the oldest European manufacturer currently still producing motorcycles, Moto Guzzi has a storied racing history steeped in innovation that has anchored the turbulent Italian motorcycle industry throughout its history. And just as with other legendary European manufacturers such as BMW and Ducati, Moto Guzzi has always been associated with a particular engine configuration: in this case, the transverse, air-cooled, 90-degree V-twin with shaft drive. Although this engine was developed relatively late in the company's history (the first V-twin appeared in 1967, yet Moto Guzzi was created in 1921), it has become the motoring icon for the venerated Italian marque.

It's never easy to reinvent an iconic model in your product lineup, especially one that underpins the entire profitability of your company. Just ask Porsche about the 911. Or BMW about the Boxer. Or better still, ask Ducati, which has already been through this before with the introduction of its dynamically superior but controversially styled 999. Not easy, is it?

First Look
When manufacturers launch a new model they aren't wholly literal, but Yamaha tried: Various scribblers were assembled on the aircraft carrier USS Midway, anchored in San Diego Harbor, for a tour and a tech briefing. Although we were given a full explanation of the Midway's steam-powered catapult-capable of launching a 65,000-pound F-14 Tomcat from a dead stop to its 180-mph flying speed in 238 feet-we were not allowed to spark up the fire rooms, build steam and try it out ourselves. Dang.

In 2004 Suzuki introduced that year's new GSX-R600 at the Circuito Internazionale Santamonica in Misano Adriatico, Italy. The track, used for World Championship Grand Prix racing until 1993 and traditionally on the World Superbike calendar, was highlighted by a unique series of four left-hand bends, each faster than the previous. While the first corner of the four, the Curva del Carro, was taken in second gear, each got progressively faster until the final bend-feeding onto a long back straight-was wide open in fifth gear on the little GSX-R. Easy. Fast. Fun.

New and Updated Ducati Motorcycle Models

KTM's arrival on the sportbike scene with the lean, mean RC8 1190 was worth waiting for. Ever since the Austrian company unveiled the prototype RC8 V-twin sportbike at the Tokyo Show in October 2003, we've been waiting for the finished product. The final production machine features the same distinctive styling from designer Gerald Kiska but with an all-new engine that raises capacity from the showbike's 990cc to 1148cc. The chance to ride the end result at the Ascari Race Resort near Ronda in southern Spain confirmed that this small but perfectly formed contender is indeed an exciting package unlike any other in the marketplace.

When the original CBR600RR made its debut in '03, it initially appeared to have the all the ingredients for success. A completely new, more compact engine, a trick chassis with innovative rear suspension, underseat exhaust-the new CBR seemed ready for prime time.

It's a tricky gig, building a sport-touring bike. On the one hand you've got to design in enough "sport" to keep the fun factor high. But on the other hand, the bike needs comfort and amenities to satisfy the "tour" part of the equation. We gathered five sport-tourers and went for a two-day, 600-mile flog--and then some--to find which bike best combined the two halves into a perfect whole.

It's a dilemma many sportbike riders face every year. With autumn comes sneak peeks at the flashy new models, followed by riding impressions in the magazines and show bikes to drool over and sit on each winter. Spring arrives, and those sexy new bikes are calling your name from the local dealer's floor. You want that new bike, but maybe-just maybe-you should hang on to Old Yeller for another year. With the money saved, you could buy some upgrades and make your bike stand out from the crowd; heck, with the right mods, your old sled could even be better than the new version. The new bike's siren call lures you to the dealer, but your current bike is such a trusty steed... What to do?

Dyno charts for most sportbikes tested by Sport Rider since 2000.
For more information about dynos and interpreting the charts,
check out Dyno-Might-How to get the most out of your dyno runs.

The Ducati project continues with the development and testing of theexclusive V4 engine.

Officially presented to the "Ducatistapopulation" in May during World Ducati Week 2004, the development of the Desmosedici RR project is continuing. In fact, for the last few weeks the new desmodromic 4-cylinder L engine that will be used for the first real MotoGP Racing Replica has been on the test bed of the Ducati R&D department for the first reliability and durability tests.

Ducati 1098 vs. Honda CBR1000RR vs. Kawasaki ZX-10R vs. Suzuki GSX-R1000 vs. Yamaha YZF-R1

New & Updated KTM Models

OVERVIEW

New & Updated Bimota Motorcycle Models

DB6 Delirio Completely redesigned exhaust system Reduced weight Improved ergonomics New agressive look $29,400 More...

DB6 Delirio Click image for more info

OVERVIEW

It was all happening so fast, yet the clarity was pure. Mary Spies remembers the long, ugly crash--her 19-year-old son, Ben, hitting the wall at better than 180 mph on the Daytona International Speedway tri-oval when his rear tire exploded during a Dunlop tire test last October. She recalls thinking the worst, though when he jumped up immediately after coming to a stop, she was confused. "Are humans like deer?" she wondered, "You shoot them they keep running?" She saw her son apparently waving his arms, and wasn't sure what to think. "I was just basically melting. I thought I was on fire," Ben Spies remembers.

As soon as Kent-o got back from riding the R1 at Laguna we couldn't wait to get to the dyno. Here are the results as well as a couple of downloadable wallpapers from the bike's introduction at Laguna Seca. Check out SR's full test of the 2007 Yamaha YZF-R1 in the March 2007 issue.

FEATURES

• Powerful 90 degree V-twin, 8 valve, Dual over head cam engine.
• 2 into 1 sport exhaust system tuned for mid range performance.
• Six speed constant mesh, easy shifting transmission.
• Multi plate, wet manual clutch.
• Modern perimeter frame chassis.
• Front dual disk brakes, rear single disk, light weight cast aluminum wheels, wide profile radial performance tires.
• Compression and pre load adjustable 41mm "inverted" front fork.
• Super bike style handle bars.
• Pre load adjustable rear mono shock.
• Analog style gauges, rear passenger hand rails and convenient under seat storage. Bungee hooks and helmet hooks provided.
• MSRP $5,599.00 plus freight and dealer prep.

FEATURES

FEATURES