It’s not expensive to buy, the press love it, it’s nexpensive to maintain, low insurance group and very economical to run…………. What’s not to like???
The original Kawasaki ER6n was a bike that just kept on gaining in popularity year after year that it was produced. For 2009 there is an all new Kawasaki ER6n with new styling, new chassis and better finishing. The journalists seem to love it. Read the rest of this entry »
It might have produced less than 50bhp . and had a top speed of not much more ‘W^ than 100 mph (I6lkm/h). but for many riders Yamaha’s brilliantly raw. racy RD350LC was the high-performance bike of the 1980s - or any other decade, come to that. Certainly, few machines can have brought so much fast and furious enjoyment to so many people, so cheaply, as the liquid-cooled two-stroke twin that Yamaha unleashed in 1981.
The LC’s pedigree was impeccable, as it was a descendant of the string of outstanding air-cooled strokers with which Yamaha had established an unmatched reputation for middleweight performance. Models such as the YR5. RD350 and RD400 had kept the tuning-fork logo to the fore through the 1970s, while on the racetrack Yamaha’s all-conquering air-cooled twins had been superseded by the liquid-cooled TZ250 and 350. with equally spectacular results.
For all the Race Developed nature of this latest in the RD series, the LC’s 347cc engine owed more to that of the RD400 roadster than to the TZ350 racer. The water jacket maintained a constant temperature and allowed the engine to be in a higher state of tunc without loss of reliability. Liquid cooling also helped make the 47bhp motor cleaner and quieter than its air-cooled predecessor; important for environmental reasons although not enough to satisfy US emissions regulations.
Race-bred monoshock
The LC’s other race-developed feature was its cantilever rear suspension system, which featured a single shock unit mounted diagonally under the seat, instead of the RD400″s twin shocks. Chassis layout was otherwise conventional, with a twin-downtube steel frame, non-adjustable front forks, slightly raised handlebars, attractively rounded styling and a twin-disc front brake.
One ride was enough to get most speed-happy motorcyclists addicted to the Yamaha’s exuberant performance. Below 6000rpm it was ordinary; starting easily (with a kick), idling reliably and feeling docile. Then the motor came to life with a scream through its twin pipes, and a burst of acceleration that was as thrilling as it was sudden. With its rider’s chin on the tank the LC was good for 110ph (177km/h), but it was the fierce way it got there that made this bike so special.
The Yamaha really handled, too. Its forks were slightly soft, particularly when the powerful front brake was used hard, and the front end could feel decidedly twitchy when the bike was accelerating out of a bend. But the frame was strong, the rear suspension worked well and the LC could be flicked around with the ease and precision of a race-bred machine weighing just 3311b (150kg) with fuel.
All in all the RD350LC was a magical motorbike: fast, reliable (at least when standard), agile, reasonably practical, tuneable, raceable, and most of all brilliant fun. Over the years it was updated several times, notably in 1983 to produce the RD350 YPVS, whose exhaust power valve added mid-range power; and three years later with a full fairing to create the RD350F2. All shared the same key assets: irresistible performance and unbeatable value for money.
Source of review: Fast Bikes by Roland Brown
Yamaha R1-Z 250 cc 2 stroke
BORN TOO LATE (or too early) to be sucked into the wicked cult of LC? Bored by adolescents in their late twenties banging on about “YPVS” and “Chelsea Bridge”? Thankful that the infernal stink-wheel has croaked its last? Well, guess what, LC is alive and bitchin’ and living in Japan as the R1-Z.
To recap: in 1980 Yamaha introduced a two-stroke parallel-twin which shook Europe’s stodgier bikers to the core. The RD25O/350 LC was unashamedly based on racing TZs and was Rapid a racer for the street. Anarchy followed. Read the rest of this entry »
First ever Japanese full-dress V-Twin tourer.
Designed for those riders who set their sights beyond the horizon, the new VN1700 Voyager offers everything needed for comfortable long-distance touring with or without a passenger.
Kawasaki’s first full-dress V-Twin, the new Voyager is equipped with a large front cowl and windshield, as well as leg shields for superior protection from the wind and elements. Ample storage care of a rear Read the rest of this entry »
Introducing a new series of 1700cc V-Twin cruisers.
For 2009, Kawasaki is proud to introduce its newest series of big V-Twins. The VN1700 series, successors to the VN1600 models, all featuring powerful 1700cc engines, confidence inspiring handling and trademark Kawasaki craftsmanship.
The new engine design is similar to that of the mighty VN2000, but features a SOHC rather than OHV arrangement. Its increase in displacement and long-stroke design ensure both torque and horsepower gains over the VN1600 models. New features include Kawasaki’s first fully electronic throttle valve system, a new 6-speed transmission with overdrive, and belt final drive like the VN2000 and VN900 models.
The new lightweight chassis is more compact than that used on previous models. Chassis design and suspension settings result in light handling while maintaining good straight-line stability.
Bodywork and engine covers were completely redesigned. Like on all Kawasaki Cruisers, meticulous attention to detail and exquisite craftsmanship result in a motorcycle that turns heads whether parked in front of a café or cruising down the highway.
The VN1700 series is comprised of three models: VN1700 Voyager, VN1700 Classic Tourer and a VN1700 Classic. Variations in tuning and equipment mean there is a VN1700 model for all Kawasaki Cruiser fans.
Brief overview:
VN1700 Voyager: Kawasaki’s first V-Twin “full-dress” tourer features all the comfort features, equipment and optional accessories necessary for long-distance two-up touring.
VN1700 Classic Tourer: Cruise control, large windshield, hard panniers, passenger floorboards and luxury backrest enable comfortable two-up touring. Ideal for overnight or weekend tours with a passenger.
VN1700 Classic: Whether looking to ride around town or to escape the city for the day, the Classic offers a great V-Twin pulse, effortless handling and timeless looks.
New Z series in attention grabbing two-tone treatments
Being two of the first models to be introduced for 2009, the popular Kawasaki sports naked bikes Z750 and Z1000 will feature stunning fresh new colours, which make them even more noticeable on crowded city streets. Read the rest of this entry »
Precise control for maximum excitement.
An evolution of the 2007 Ninja ZX-6R, the 2009 model takes the performance of its track-oriented Read the rest of this entry »
Sharper style. Even easier. Move fun.
The new ER-6n takes the key concepts of its highly acclaimed predecessor - fun, easy to ride for a wide range of riders. Top-class styling - and brings them to the next level. Read the rest of this entry »
Valentino Rossi has challenged Troy Bayliss to a Superbike duel, says a report in a Spanish motorcycle magazine.
According to Spanish weekly Solo Moto, Rossi challenged Bayliss to a race after the Australian won top rider honors at the 2008 Caschi d’Oro Award in Italy, Rossi’s native land. Bayliss, the 2008 World Superbike Champion, won the top rider award, presented by Italian magazine Motosprint based on reader popularity, over MotoGP Champion Rossi, World Motocross Champion David Philippaerts and 250cc Grand Prix Champion Marco Simoncelli.
Solo Moto reports that the newly retired Bayliss has accepted Rossi’s challenge and the two champions will face each other at the March 14, 2009 World Superbike stop at the Losail circuit in Qatar. Bayliss would ride his familiar Ducati 1098 F08 against Rossi on a Superbike-spec Yamaha R1.
Neither rider nor their respective teams has confirmed Solo Moto’s report, but a match-up featuring the reigning MotoGP and WSBK champions would be a remarkable race, especially featuring riders with resumes as impressive as Rossi and Bayliss.
SDR200 on Yamaha 200 cc single-2-stroke motorcycles. It was manufactered and sells approximately 1986 to 1987. Although it was for the Japanese domestic market only a few examples of how to escape the gray imports. Its characteristic features are its small size, and chrome grille similar to that of the Ducati Monster.
