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17-Honda-CRF450R right-750x458The 2017 CRF450R is all new-from-the-ground-up. A new Unicam engine offers increased power and torque across the rev range, thanks in part to an ultra-direct downdraft air intake, steeper valve angle and twin exhaust system with smoother routing. The chassis boasts new geometry and packaging that results in a more concentrated, lower center of mass, helping to get the power to the ground, maximize stability and improve cornering performance. The lighter aluminum frame has a narrower cross-section and a lighter, extruded aluminum rear subframe. The motorcycle is equipped with a coil-spring 49mm Showa A-Kit fork, while the rear suspension comprises a lighter swingarm assembly and a shock with a lower mounting position. Dunlop Geomax MX3S tires come standard, and the CRF450R is the first mass-produced motocross bike ever to come with a titanium fuel tank. The weight is said to be 233 pounds, which is the same as last year. The chassis lost weight, while the spring forks added. Electric start is available as an option for around $650, although that does not include the battery. The same electric stater comes standard on the 2017 CRF450RX

Engine/Drivetrain

Downdraft intake layout increases power by reducing resistance, improving air-charging efficiency.

New combustion chamber with higher compression ratio, decreased valve angle for greater efficiency.

Use of finger rocker arm allows increased valve lift while retaining compact Unicam layout.

Coils on valve springs have oval cross-sections to allow low engine height.

New port layout with straighter flow for increased efficiency.

New piston with improved combustion efficiency.

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) on piston pin, rocker arm reduces friction, increases durability.

New, compact dual muffler with more-gradual pipe bends for smoother exhaust flow.

Shallower clutch assembly with fewer, thicker plates for narrower engine width.

Kick start standard, with electric start available as an accessory.17-Honda-CRF450R naked-left-750x497

Chassis/Suspension

New layout allows improved traction through concentration of mass, lower center of gravity.

New, lighter sixth-generation aluminum twin-spar frame with revised geometry; allows improved cornering performance through reduction of torsional stiffness (lateral stiffness is unchanged).

New, lighter swingarm assembly with increased vertical and lateral stiffness.

New rear-suspension location lowers center of gravity.

Narrower cross section (down 30mm at radiator shrouds).

Aluminum rear subframe with extruded gussets for lighter weight.

Showa fork is now 49mm (up 1mm), with coil springs replacing air system.

New, lighter titanium fuel tank.

Kill switch/ignition-map-adjustment switch combined into one unit for reduced weight.

Dunlop Geomax MX3S tires.

Plastic bodywork with smoother layout and film-insert graphics for improved appearance and durability.

New front fender shape allows more-efficient air path to radiator.

17-Honda-CRF450RX right-2-750x4562017 HONDA CRF450RX

As a brand-new model, Honda’s CRF450RX boasts most of the features of its motocross-directed sibling, but in a package that’s designed for closed-course off-road riding and racing. Among the features that distinguish it from the CRF450R are a smoother ignition map and standard electric start (with kick-start backup), while chassis differences include off-road-focused suspension settings, a revised cylinder-head hanger and changed wheel hubs and axles. The CRF450RX also comes with off-road-appropriate components like a larger plastic fuel tank, forged-aluminum side stand, 18 inch rear rim and Dunlop Geomax AT81 tires, making it the ultimate weapon for events like those in the GNCC series.end bike test


01The Yamaha Factory Racing Team delivered a lap-perfect performance today to take their second consecutive Coca-Cola Zero Suzuka 8 Hours victory, the first consecutive two-win run for Yamaha since 1988. The YART Yamaha Official EWC Team came out fighting and also delivered, keeping the pressure on to the end to secure fourth in the sweltering Suzuka heat. GMT94 Yamaha proved their racing spirit, overcoming multiple challenges to bring it home in 14th position and wrap up the Japanese Endurance World Championship round.

Having dominated almost every practice and qualifying session leading up to today, Yamaha Factory Racing were at the front of the traditional endurance running start for today's Suzuka 8 Hours. As temperatures rose over 30 degrees it proved to be a real endurance event for the team. All Japan JSB1000 Champion Katsuyuki Nakasuga was the starting rider, sprinting to his YZF-R1 to ride the first hour. Swift to his machine, he was third into the first corner, then dropped slightly to start the first full lap in fourth. As Nakasuga found his feet he was quick to start climbing back to second, tucking in less than two tenths of a second behind rivals Team Kagayama. The 2015 Suzuka winner settled in, keeping the gap to two tenths or less and the pressure high until taking the lead on the last chicane before heading in to lap 18. From there he was untouchable, building a lead until he came in at the end of the hour to hand the bike over to teammate Alex Lowes.02An impressive 17-second pit stop saw the British rider hitting the track in first place and picking up where Nakasuga left off, lapping under the 2'09 mark to stretch the lead even further. By the time he came in to hand the #21 machine over to Pol Espargaró, Lowes had built a lead of almost 20 seconds. The MotoGP rider continued his teammates' pace, upping the pressure even further to be the only rider on track lapping under the 2'10 mark. By the time Nakasuga had returned to the track an hour later the lead was nearly one and a half minutes and growing.

The team continued to be untouchable on track, delivering a masterclass in team endurance riding to stretch themselves further and further into the lead. Espargaró took one more stint, riding two hours in total and Nakasuga a further one to make three. Come the seventh hour it was the responsibility of Lowes to make the final push, riding into the darkness to seal the team's second consecutive Suzuka 8 Hours victory in stunning form. All three riders consistently outperformed the field for the duration of the eight-hour race, rightly earning the cheers from the nearly seventy-thousand fans in attendance as the clocked ticked down to zero. Lowes crossed the line a massive two minutes and 17 seconds clear of second place. Local hero Nakasuga also took the honour of delivering the fastest lap of the race with a stunning 2'08.411 on lap 105.03The YART Yamaha Official EWC Team’s Broc Parkes was the chosen man to take the first hour as the most experienced rider on the team. The Australian was quick to take off from his seventh place start position, moving up to fifth with no trouble. A flurry of activity saw him drop to seventh before handing the reins over to teammate Kohta Nozane.

The young Japanese rider proved an inspiration, holding his own in this and a further two, one-hour stints to keep the YART Yamaha not just in the top seven, but climbing to sixth before handing the bike over to teammate Takuya Fujita. The third rider didn't let the team down, keeping up a decent pace before switching back over to Parkes and Nozane to share the rest of the race between them. The two proved an inspiring combination, battling hard to reach fourth place and holding it to the line. The win brings YART up to third in the Endurance World Championship standings with a total of 60 points.04GMT94 Yamaha's Suzuka 8 Hours experience proved to be more challenging than their fellow Yamaha teams with multiple setbacks arising to thwart their top-ten ambitions. David Checa was the first man to ride, but was forced to return to the pits in the opening laps with a technical failure on the rear wheel. A quick repair and it was then the turn of Niccolò Canepa to take up the challenge with the team having lost around 40 places. The young Italian, Checa and third teammate Lucas Mahias all fought like lions to bring the GMT94 YZF-R1 back into the game, pushing all the way back to just outside the top 20. Unfortunately, a further electrical issue causing a loss of lights ate more valuable time but in true fighting spirit they never gave up, pushing even harder to finally cross the line in 14th position. Their results bring them valuable championship points, putting them sixth in the overall standings on 52 points.

Results

1. #21 Yamaha Factory Racing Nakasuga/Espargaro/Lowes 218 laps
2. #87 Team Green Yanagawa/Haslam/Watanabe +2m 17.883s
3. #12 Yoshimura Suzuki Tsuda/Brookes/Haga +1 lap
4. #7 YART Yamaha EWC Team Parkes/Nozane/Fujita +4 laps
5. #32 Moto Map Suzuki Waters/Aoki/Konno +4 laps
6. #17 Kagayama Suzuki Kagayama/Uramoto/Kiyonari +5 laps
7. #01 Eva RT Kawasaki Deguchi/Izutsu/Nigon +5 laps
8. #22 SatuHati Honda Team Asia Pratama/Wilairot/Zaidi +6 laps
9. #18 Mistresa ATS Honda Nakatsuhara/Kobayashi/Sekiguchi +6 laps
10. #090 Teluru RT Honda Akiyoshi/Cudlin/Ohkubo +6 laps
14. #94 GMT94 Yamaha Checa/Canepa/Mahias +8 laps05

end bike test


2016 YAM MW125P EU W STU 012The Yamaha Tricity 125 has a unique urban character that adds distinction to any modern day police fleet. It's light weight and compact dimensions make for easy-riding and agility throughout city traffic. It features two large front wheels, specifically designed for enhanced stability on the road and for confident driving on various road conditions, even over slippery tram rails.  It's the best way to move in urban areas, 7 days a week. 

The fuel-injected 4-stroke 125cc engine delivers a quick, responsive performance to help stay ahead of traffic, while its powerful set of three discs and Unified Braking System delivers powerful and predictable braking, enabling police officers to be able to react quickly to any situation.2016 YAM MW125P EU W STU 015

The Tricity 125 Police allows for full police equipment installation, plus it comes with a large double seat and ample storage space that's big enough for one full-face helmet as well as smaller items - for extra on-the-job comfort and convenience.

The Tricity 125 police equipment kit consist of:

  • Rear carrier with 39L Top Case including brackets and locks
  • LED light signaling, with a rotating or flash option
  • A pair of front blue lights
  • A pair of 5-tone sirens
  • Electronic control unit
  • A control board
  • Brackets for relay and fuses
  • Neodymium loudspeakers

Upon request, Yamaha can also provide custom-made police stickers.  These are not included in the standard kit.

This innovative, new addition offers your police fleet extra agility, stability and comfort, all with the same trusted reliability and practicality that Yamaha has been known to deliver since 1987.2016 YAM MW125P EU W STU 017end bike test


The 2017 Fireblade will get an advanced Bosch IMU and ABS system

An Ohlins semi-active suspension setup will be part of the package

The next generation Honda Fireblade will be lighter by around 8 kg

While the Fireblade has shown its signs of ageing in recent times, Honda has been working extensively in developing the new generation CBR1000RR that will be introduced globally in 2017. With Fireblade enthusiasts waiting patiently, new details related to the bike have emerged online that shed more light on what can be expected from Honda's civil litre-class motorcycle that is expected to get dramatic upgrades in its latest avatar. The styling will be more evolutionary and possibly similar to the Light Weight Super Sports concept, which forms the basis for the upcoming CBR250RR, whereas the features will make the Fireblade more competition ready, not to forget WSBK worthy as well.

00The list of upgrades is impressive on the 2017 Honda CBR1000RR inclusive of more power, an all-new rider aid package, electronic semi-active Öhlins suspension, all of which gets better with a massive weight reduction over the outgoing generation. Sources close to the development of the new Fireblade in the road and racing departments suggest that Honda has worked extensively to make the bike more competitive with rivals and a weight loss of around 8 kg has helped make the bike sharper than ever. That said, the civilised road manners that the CBR1000RR are said to have been retained on the new generation version as well.

Furthermore, power is likely to be upgraded in the vicinity of 180-190bhp, as opposed to the outgoing Honda CBR1000RR's 175bhp output. Additions like a huge ram-air system with a new headstock air intake, a redesigned airbox, a revised fuel-injection system and reduced internal engine friction will aid in boosting power. The airbox modifications are also important given the fact that it will be lucrative when it comes to on track performance.01

Another major upgrade on the new generation Honda Fireblade will be the new Bosch electronic control system replacing Honda's C-ABS in a bid to save weight. The Bosch 9.1 AMP ABS unit weighs a mere 3.5 kg, when compared to the C-ABS that weighs a hefty 10 kg, while also offering more precisely tuned safety tech like traction control, anti-wheelie system, cornering ABS and much more. There will also be a Bosch electronics package on the new Fireblade that will be equipped with an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). Already seen on competitor litre-class motorcycles, the unit measures six axes of movement and then works out the best way of keeping the bike under control. The IMU will also work in tandem with the Bosch ABS system to exercise better control along with the Öhlins semi-active suspension.

Speaking of which, Ohlins has been working with Honda to develop the suspension system for the 2017 CBR1000RR and the unit is said to be a more advanced version than the one found on the Ducati Panigale 1299 S, the first bike to get the feature. One can expect similar fixed and semi-active setting to be available on the Honda. The electronically control suspension works with the IMU to keep the bike stable under hard braking and acceleration by electronically adjusting the front and rear steering damper. The system also responds to the road and rider inputs.02end bike test


THE TRITON POWER TOOLS/GLOBAL ASP, SOUTH AFRICAN VETERAN TEAM SUPPORT BY CRADLEY KAWASAKI IN THE UK HAS BEEN FINALISED FOR BRITISH MXDX WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP IN SEPTEMBER AT THE FAMOUS FARLEIGH CASTLE CIRCUIT

Around 700 entries from all eight classes have been acknowledged by the organisers of the international MXDN event, at Farleigh Castle staged for all international veteran riders who can only enter on and ride pre 1989 motorcycles.vet04

The South African team for this historic event has been finalised consisting of  World Champ Grant Langston, 55 year old Ex SA National Motocross Champion and Springbok Tony Riddell, 46 year old Ryan Hunt Springbok and Protea award winner and past previous Pro Veteran winner plus international rider GP, multiple SA national champion and SA National rider Andre David who was based in the UK for a number of years competing in the British MX2 and MX1 Championship, the British 2 stroke series and numerous international events in Europe

Triton Power Tools/Global ASP South Africa team also supported by Cradley Kawasaki in the UK will enter all the major classes and will be looking for overall title wins, they all know and have raced at the famous Farleigh Castle track over the years.  “It’s tough and demanding track and all of us have ridden it and know it well, but racing the older pre 1989 machines will be a handful to what we are used to riding but that’s the rules for the MXDN,” said Ryan Hunt. “We have a pretty strong team and should come away with some good results.”

The system has been changed for this year’s event, with just the three EVO Classes; 125, 250 and 500 each entry will only accept machines that fall into this category. The other five classes include the EVO riders over 50 years old, Twinshock over 50, Twinshock Under 50, Super Evo and Pre 83 125 combined with Pre 85 four strokes.vet0001

Event supremo, Dave King made the announcement this week and is delighted at having the sponsorship deal announced with the John Banks Group and the Bickers Action retail giant, ahead of the entries all coming in. He has been at it again and his international rider shopping list for the 2016 event is looking promising. Big names that Dave is currently negotiating with are Champions Kurt Nicoll, Darryl King, South African World Campion Grant Langston, Jeff Emig, Jamie Dobb, Brian Jorgensen, Werner De Wit, multiple, national and international South Africa riders Ryan Hunt, Tony Riddell, Andre David plus event favourites Doug Doubach and John Dowd.

“Over 550 entries have now been put into the system already for the MXDN event with foreign and international team entries still coming in, we are expecting our normal 700 entries again this year, “said Dave King event organiser MXDN.end bike test


Husqvarna Motorcycles has today officially unveiled their complete line-up of all-new enduro models at the historic brand's homeland in Huskvarna, Sweden.

Embodying Husqvarna's pioneering spirit, each of the enduro machines has been redesigned from the ground up for 2017. Featuring the most advanced technology they set the benchmark in terms of handling, power, weight and aesthetics.

Introducing completely new design, reduced weight, best-in-class handling and dynamic ergonomics, Husqvarna's 2-stroke TX 125, TE 250 and 300 and 4-stroke FE 250, 350, 450 and 501 models offer the ideal blend of functionality and Swedish-inspired style.

All 2017 models are equipped with new lighter and more compact engines, with the 4-stroke range featuring unique traction control system as standard. Fitted within redesigned frames the engines offer class-leading performance that's specifically tailored to ensure a next level enduro riding experience.

Designed to blaze new trails, excel in all conditions and deliver a next-level enduro experience the 2017 Husqvarna enduro range represent the next step for the historic brand's offroad motorcycle range.

MAJOR CHASSIS UPGRADES

Husqvarna's 2017 enduro models feature new frames, which ensure increased rider comfort and confidence. Manufactured to the highest standards by WP Performance Systems, the lighter frames offer 20% higher torsional rigidity for improved stability and agility, while longitudinal stiffness is reduced by 30% for improved suspension functionality.

Remaining unique to Husqvarna, the composite subframe has been redesigned to fit the new chassis. Made with 30% carbon fibre, the subframe is 1 kg lighter than the previous part. All 2017 Husqvarna models have CNC machined triple clamps with an offset of 22 mm fitted as standard. Completing the chassis package the new swingarm has a specifically machined rear axle that allows for the chain adjuster markings to be seen from above.

A major update in the suspension department is the all-new WP Xplor 48 front forks. Featuring an open cartridge layout with a spring in each leg and split damping functions, all adjusters - including an innovative pre-load adjuster as standard - are situated on top of each fork leg.

At the rear WP's new DCC linkage shock is 0.36 kg lighter than the previous version.

Positioned 6 mm higher than on Husqvarna's motocross bikes, new self-cleaning footpeg mounts prevent dirt build-up. Along with the new ODI lock-on grips and adjustable throttle assembly (4-strokes), they ensure an improved riding experience.

High quality Brembo callipers and controls combine with GSK discs to deliver optimum stopping power. The rear brake features a 24 mm piston (26 mm on previous models) and a 10 mm longer rear brake lever for better control while braking.

The airbox has a new design with precisely positioned inlet ducts aimed at preventing air deformation and ensuring maximum airflow and protection. The filter cage now features a simple fail proof mounting system for safe and accurate filter installation.

With futuristic new bodywork all models feature Swedish-inspired design and striking blue and yellow colours.

HUSQVARNA MY17 ENDURO CHASSIS HIGHLIGHTS

=>New frame with optimised geometry

=>WP Xplor 48 front fork designed specifically for enduro

=>Three-piece subframe made from composite materials

=>Swingarm design optimised for easy chain adjustment

=>Completely new bodywork with modern colours & graphics

=>Self-cleaning footpeg mounts

=>Longer rear brake lever

=>ODI lock-on grips

=>New airbox design

ALL-NEW 2-STROKE MACHINES

From the lighter TX 125 to the class-leading TE 300, Husqvarna's 2017 enduro models introduce a new era in 2-stroke technology. All engines have been redesigned from the ground up. Lighter and more compact, they feature a completely new construction that focuses on mass centralisation. Updated pistons are designed to match the reworked cylinders, while new crankshafts and counter balancer shafts significantly reduced vibrations.

A major upgrade across the 2017 2-stroke range is the new 38 mm flat slide Mikuni TMX carburettor. Providing an even smoother and more controllable power delivery the new Mikuni carburettor is less sensitive to temperature and altitude changes.

One of the most significant upgrades for 2017 is the lightweight electric start system, which is now placed and well protected under the engine on all the TE models. The system can also be fitted to the TX 125 as an optional extra, available from Husqvarna Accessories.

A complete new exhaust system on the TX 125 is designed to match the specific characteristics of the new engines to deliver top-level performance. The larger displacement TE models have a new header for optimum durability.

For the smaller displacement TX 125 the gearbox is completely redesigned. All the updates have brought massive reduction in weight across Husqvarna's 2017 2-stroke range.

HUSQVARNA MY17 ENDURO 2-STROKE MODELS HIGHLIGHTS

=>Completely new 2-stroke engines

=>New piston (TX 125)

=>Updates on power valve systems

=>Counter balancer shaft for reduced vibrations

=>New 38 mm Mikuni TMX carburettor

=>Electric start system placed under all engines (kit for TX 125)

=>Completely new exhaust system (TX 125)

=>New exhaust header (TE 250 & TE 300)

=>Redesigned gearbox (TX 125)

=>Massive weight gains

4-STROKES THAT REACH NEW HEIGHTS

For 2017 all of Husqvarna's 4-stroke enduro machines feature redesigned engines that reach new standards in terms of performance and reliability. Focused on providing enduro specific and rider-friendly power characteristics, all engines are lighter and more compact. Fitted as standard, unique traction control system allow further adjustment of engine characteristics to perfectly suit rider preference and track conditions.

In repositioning major engine components Husqvarna Motorcycles' engineers have managed to further enhance both the performance and handling of these new bikes. The 2017 Husqvarna FE models feature reworked cylinder heads, updated cylinders and new crankshafts, which ensure optimum durability and guarantee long service intervals of 135 hours.

The Keihin Engine Management System (EMS) on all 4-strokes is specifically designed to be smaller, lighter and faster at processing data. It integrates selectable engine maps via the switch on the handlebar as well as traction control. Combined with the new gear sensor, power delivery is tailored for each gear.

An all-new Keihin 42 mm throttle body sees its injector placed to provide an even more efficient flow of fuel to the combustion chamber.

All 4-stroke models are also fitted with updated header pipes and shorter mufflers, which are now placed 50 mm closer to the engine. The redesigned enduro-specific gearbox now has a gear sensor that allows for specific engine mapping for each gear.

All the latest updates in the 2017 FE engines have brought significant weight savings, ranging from 0.7 kg to 1.7 kg.

HUSQVARNA MY17 ENDURO 4-STROKE MODELS HIGHLIGHTS

=>New engine design focusing on mass-centralisation

=>Increased power & torque across the range

=>Traction control system as standard

=>Standard map switch

=>Faster data processing Keihin EMS

=>Gear sensor allowing for specific engine maps

=>Revised injector positioning

=>New header pipes, shorter mufflers

=>New crankshafts

=>Longer service intervals of 135 hours

=>Massive weight savingsend bike test


4Y6QFGVOFIX3OOF83T3CYamaha Historic Racing Team's Giacomo Agostini, Christian Sarron and Hubert Rigal revved the hearts of many motorcycle fans on July 2nd-3rd at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium for the 'Biker's Classics', the biggest classic bikes meeting in Europe.8DZBI6EP5I540VQXW6FE

The interest in classic bikes only increases, and the great attendance to last weekend's Biker's Classics 2016 event in Spa-Francorchamps proved it. The show is the biggest attraction dedicated to iconic motorcycle models in Europe, with 30.000 visitors admiring more than forty years of Yamaha motorcycle racing history with the famous TZ models.

For this 14th edition of the Biker's Classics Giacomo Agostini, Christian Sarron and Hubert Rigal were present on the track, but before taking to the track, the magnificent historical Yamaha machines were exhibited in front of the pit box to delight the spectators. The show put on by Yamaha was not only aimed to commemorate the past, its goal was also to spark interest among the next generation and inform them on Yamaha's racing heritage.

22CK74SYU5O4LG6LTX6Gend bike test


2016-ducati-desmosediciFor those of you who think a “motorcycle should look like a motorcycle” rather than a hybrid with an airplane, we have good news. Wings on MotoGP race bikes will be illegal beginning with the 2017 series, according to a ruling made by the Grand Prix Commission this past weekend.

The ban on wings resulted from the failure of the MSMA (Manufacturers Association – consisting of the race bike manufacturer representatives) to reach an agreement on rules for the future use of wings in the MotoGP class. As with everything else in Grand Prix, it is possible that wings could be approved for future use if the ruling bodies have a change of heart.

Ducati might be the biggest loser here, as it has used wings longer, and perhaps more effectively, than the other race teams.end bike test


2016 YAM XSR700ADHOC EU CUSTOM STA 005Yamaha's Yard Built Platform returns to Spain for a special build just in time for summer with Ad Hoc Café Racers. The partnership has delivered a rough and tough take on the XSR700, truly a street tracker for any challenge.

Ad Hoc's David Gonzalez is no stranger to customising Yamaha motorbikes. The Barcelona based custom builder has already received international recognition for his work with the XJ650 and XJ750, stripping and re-working the classic machines before finishing with just the right amount of powder-coated, one-off pieces to make a mark. For the Yard Built XSR700 'Otokomae', David has created a street tracker with style, a tough, mean custom with bold colours that really stands out from the crowd.2016 YAM XSR700ADHOC EU CUSTOM DET 001

"I really like this crazy style David has created," commented Yamaha Motor Europe Marketing Coordinator Cristian Barelli. "The tough 'street tracker' feel really fits well with the XSR700 and the paint job is something totally unique. He made sure to follow our golden rule of no cutting or welding to the frame of the bike, so it really does prove with this build that you can customise your XSR to really stand out from the crowd without any major fabrication work. The custom detail is very well crafted without compromising the rideability of the XSR700, keeping the fun factor!"

To get the Ad Hoc look, David started at the front, adding a number of genuine Yamaha parts from other models. These included an MT-09 stem and handlebar set, front forks, disc brakes, brake master cylinder and clutch from the YZF-R6 and front light and bracket from the MT-01.2016 YAM XSR700ADHOC EU CUSTOM DET 002

Borrani rims and Michelin rubber keep everything the right way up and the original fuel tank remains, cleverly hidden by a custom shell built in four modular parts. The radiator was painted black to blend with the engine block and the air filter box has been removed and replaced with power filters to open up central space.

The standard XSR700 exhaust is removed in favour of a rather more aggressive sounding full SC Project system and a rear subframe is custom made to bolt on, allowing access to tools and battery. Ride height gets a lift by 15mm with a Gears Racing shock and a custom seat is added with high quality cowhide. At the front clever fork sleeves incorporate the front turn signal and the bike is finished with old school blue and yellow Yamaha Racing colours, given a modern, light-hearted twist to stand out.2016 YAM XSR700ADHOC EU CUSTOM DET 005

The Yard Built XSR700 Otokomae makes a bold statement for the custom argument, a real street tracker with attitude.

 For more info on Ad Hoc Café Racers visit: www.adhocaferacers.comend bike test


2017 SUZUKI RM-Z4502017-Suzuki-RM-Z450-Studio

The 2017 Suzuki RM-Z450 returns with the technology, features and proven performance heritage that make it the choice of champions. A robust yet compact 449cc liquid-cooled four-stroke engine features Suzuki fuel-injection designed especially for motocross use. Racers can choose from different fuel couplers included with the bike to easily tune the system’s fuel mapping trackside, no tools needed.

The RM-Z’s Suzuki Holeshot Assist Control system (S-HAC) lets the rider choose one of three modes for the best launch from the starting gate, helping any rider earn the holeshot. Derived from the factory race bikes, the system’s unique modes deliver specific performance depending on the rider’s skill and the gate conditions.

The RM-Z450 uses the Showa SFF-Air suspension to deliver reduced weight, increased inner tube diameter, and increased damper rod/piston size. The SFF-Air is made of three chambers, and riders easily change the spring rate with an air pump instead of changing out the coil springs.

2017 SUZUKI RM-Z2502017-Suzuki-RM-Z250-Studio

The 2017 RM-Z250 received critical praise following all the updates it received for 2016, including the Suzuki Holeshot Assist Control (S-HAC), a selectable launch mode system that helps riders launch from the starting gate no matter the gate conditions.

This RM-Z250 also features the KYB PSF2 Pneumatic Spring Fork that delivers improved performance, simplified tuning adjustments, and reduced weight compared to the traditional spring fork. With no coil spring, this fork uses a larger damper cylinder for greater response and more stable performance, plus a weight reduction. The bike’s KYB shock absorber is connected link style to the swingarm via re-shaped cushion rods and spacers. The nitrogen-charged, piggyback style shock features a new top-mounted integral adjuster system for easy adjustment of the high- and low-speed rebound, and high- and low-speed compression damping force adjusters.

Razor-sharp handling is an RM-Z strongpoint, and this bike’s frame delivers improved control through braking bumps, has a lighter feel, and maintains the RM-Z’s cornering mastery.

2017 SUZUKI RM852017-Suzuki-RM85-Studio

Just like its larger siblings, the RM85 delivers class-leading handling for both experienced racers and rookie riders. The bike’s 84.7cc liquid-cooled two-stroke engine produces smooth power at any rpm, with an emphasis on low to mid-range performance. Power is delivered through a six-speed manual transmission.

The RM85’s Showa 37mm inverted front forks are completely adjustable for rider weight, style and ability, and offers 10.8-inches of travel. The Showa rear shock absorber, with large diameter shock body, is calibrated to produce a plush feel and increased resistance to bottoming, and provides 10.9-inches of wheel travel.end bike test


 

 

 

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