Motorcycle Apex

Here is some good news for all Yamaha fans in India. Yamaha recently announced the formal launch of its motorcycle YZF-R15 targeting mainly the youth in India. The all India launch of Yamaha YZF-R15 bike was held on June 12 in Chennai. Priced at an affordable rate like Rs 97,425 ex showroom, the bike incorporates features that have been introduced for the first time in India. Some of these features are liquid cooled engine, 4 valve fuel injected engine, 6 speed gear box, delta-box chassis, link type mononoss suspension, forged piston and dysil cylinder.

DancewithShawdows site reports that, “The YZF-R15 motorcycle, looks-wise, takes after the Yamaha R1 superbike. The motorcycle is available in two colors, racing blue and black. This is also India’s first motorcycle with a full-fairing in front – considering looks, we can safely call it the best in the market.”

Hyper sport bikes emphasize on top speed and acceleration. These bikes are typically powered by 1100cc engines, weighing around 227kg and attain speeds in excess of 180 mph (290 km/h). The top ones are lined up here…

Honda CBR1100XX Blackbird

Honda CBR1100XX Blackbird was the world’s fastest production motorcycle when it first appeared in late 1996. Blackbird has earned a solid reputation as a powerful, fast, smooth and very reliable sport-touring motorcycle. As an example of its reliability, Dale Wilson rode a Blackbird 1500+ miles a day for seven consecutive days in late spring of 2007, setting a motorcycle endurance record. The Blackbird name is an obvious nod to the Lockheed SR-71 aircraft.

Engine Type: 999cc liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder

Transmission: Close-ratio six-speed

Suzuki Hayabusa

In Japanese, Hayabusa means ‘Peregrine Falcon’, the bird capable of achieving speeds over 200mph or 322kmph. The name has a subtle reference to the competing Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird.

The GSX1300R, powered by a 1299cc inline-4 liquid-cooled engine was capable of doing quarter mile in 10.02 seconds at 143.7 mph. Acceleration was mind-blowing- 0 to 60mph in 3.13 seconds. Following heavy competition, Suzuki revised the GSX1300R for the 2008 model year. The engine size was increased to 1340cc to boost power output. Other notable features include a new 4-2-1-2 exhaust system meets Euro 3 and Tier 2 emission regulations, a slipper clutch, and redesigned bodywork.

The motorcycle in stock form is capable of doing quarter mile in 9.85 seconds at @ 149.7 mph while it can shoot from standstill to 60mph in 2.77 seconds and 180 mph in 18.9 seconds.

Engine Type: 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC

Transmission: 6-speed constant mesh

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14

The Ninja ZX-14 is currently Kawasaki’s most powerful sport bike. It was introduced at the Tokyo 2005 Show. The Ninja ZX-14 is capable of accelerating from 0 to 60mph in 2.5 seconds. Top speed is electronically restricted to 186 mph (299 km/h).

Engine Type: 1352cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, inline-four

Transmission 6-speed

BMW K1200S

The K 1200 S can accelerate from a dead stop to 60mph in just 2.8 seconds. The K1200S features ABS brakes and a few other creative comforts.

Engine Type: Transverse mounted, 1157 cc, liquid-cooled inline 4-cylinder, 167bhp

Transmission: 6-speed

Yamaha FJR1300

Engine Type: 1298cc liquid-cooled inline 4-cylinder; DOHC, 16 valves

Transmission: 5-speed; Yamaha Chip-Controlled Shift (YCC-S)

Are you a fan of the All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) quad bike? Yamaha’s latest Raptor 700R SE is the quad that’ll catch your fancy. It’s just not a modification of the previous 660 version. Yamaha has completely restructured it and made sure there’s absolutely no complaint from the bike rider this time. It’s basically a racing bike that’s suited for every kind of landscape. The Yamaha Raptor 700R will give some top racing bikes a run for their money. Here’s why-

The Raptor 700 scores with its looks and muscle. It has been built for race and total comfort of the biker. I’ll say the Yamaha Raptor is an all rounder. It spells quality and luxury with its ultra wide seats and mind-blowing suspensions. The bike’s controls are very reachable and holding them is quite relaxing. The single cylinder engine of 686cc is formidable with its strength. The goodness of Yamaha’s Raptor stands out greatly when you take the quads to the dunes or on a trail. The unparalleled power in comparison to other ATVs will be obvious to most experienced bikers.

The Raptor 700 isn’t like its predecessor, in the sense that it gives the rider more balance. The Yamaha Raptor 660 gave you a woozy disturbed feeling as soon as you got astride. The present Raptor’s Fuel Injection and the Digital TCI ignition add to the bikes multiple qualities. The fuel injection is good enough to adjust to changes in topography and lessens the jerky movements by a great deal. The bike has twin-piston hydraulic front brakes in addition to the link-type parking brake with automatic adjustment.

I’ve mentioned the suspensions already right? Here’s more about it; it’s one of the best features of Raptor 700. You need to experience to believe the cushioning given in jumpy terrains. It absorbs craters and rocks without giving you an inkling of the road conditions. It may not be a dream wheelie machine, but you can still do a decent stunt with it. It’s great for a debutant bike rider and a pro alike.