Bring the Bling: Ducati Hypermotard 1100S

The Hypermotard 1100S sure does look like it can be a bit of fun to ride...

Pics: Motoblog

For those who might not be happy with the standard Hypermotard, Ducati are now showing the Hypermotard 1100S at the EICMA in Milan. The bike is endowed with a few extras that should, if nothing else, help impress your mates down at the pub. For example, there’s 50mm USD Marzocchi front forks, with DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) coating for reduced stiction, and fully adjustable Öhlins monoshock at the back.

The Hypermotard 1100S also gets Brembo brakes with monobloc calipers at the front, Marchesini forged alloy wheels (which are lighter than the standard items and help reduce unsprung weight…) and Pirelli Diablo Corsa tyres, which are said to offer very high levels of grip. Various carbonfibre bits are used throughout the 1100S, which is only available in red and black. Now all you need to do is learn how to get it sideways like Ruben Xaus…

Also see:
Wunderlich WR2: A lighter, faster BMW HP2...
A lighter, faster, flashier Hypermotard: The NCR Leggera!
First pics: 2008 BMW F800GS and F650GS...
The all-new Ducati Monster 696 released!
Michael Schumacher: MotoGP star!
2008 Aprilia SMV750 Dorsoduro and FV2 concept...
Ducati 1098 power for all-new Bimota DB7!

More 2008 machines. From left: The strange new Honda DN-01 and the Triumph Rocket III Touring. More details on these bikes here and here

Pics and specs: 2008 BMW F650GS

The 2008 BMW F650GS is actually fitted with an 800cc engine...

BMW are now showing the youngest member of the GS family at the EICMA show in Milan – the F650GS. Despite the name, this bike is powered by BMW’s 800cc liquid-cooled parallel twin, which is in a milder state of tune here and probably makes a bit less than the 85bhp of the F800GS. BMW say the F650GS is aimed at motorcyclists who are not looking to venture too far off the road and who may just be looking at an all-around capable motorcycle rather than an ‘adventure bike.’

Compared with its elder brothers, the F650GS is lighter, has a lower seat, better maneuverability, and better fuel economy. The chassis is a basic, tubular steel unit and the F650GS gets chain drive instead of BMW’s traditional shaft drive. The emphasis here is on having fun, rather than going all out on the performance front. BMW hope the bike will find an audience with beginners, people returning to motorcycling after a long break and women riders. No details on pricing and availability yet, but you can visit the official BMW motorcycles website here.

Also see:
Dual-purpose: 2008 Yamaha XT660Z Tenere and Honda XL700V Transalp...
Commuter-special: The Aprilia 850 Mana
The best bike for commuting to work every day? THIS!!!
First pics: 2008 Ducati Monster 696...
Dual-purpose done right: 2008 Aprilia SMV750 Dorsoduro!
First pics and specs: 2008 Moto Guzzi Granpasso...

Whether on water or on land, with MV Agusta you can be sure of going fast. Very, very fast. We don't have any details on the MV jet ski you see here (shown at the EICMA in Milan), but read about the 2008 MV Agusta F4 RR 312 here

2008 KTM 1190 RC8: Ready to Rumble!

Yes! More of this please...

Pics: Motoblog

The much-awaited KTM 1190 RC8 is being shown at the EICMA show in Milan, and we think the Austrian superbike absolutely rocks! ‘The KTM 1190 RC8 embodies the ultimate desire of the entire company to create unique, technologically high performance sports motorcycles, whose effect is felt through the entire body long after the rider has climbed down from the machine,’ says a KTM press release, and the 1190 RC8 should indeed fit the bill.

While the prototype on which the RC8 is based was first shown at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2003, KTM only decided to put the bike into production in 2005. And in just 30 months, the 1190 RC8 is ready. The bike has been fitted with KTM’s second-generation 1148cc, 8-valve, DOHC, 75-degree ‘LC8’ V-twin, which makes an impressive 155 horsepower and 120Nm of torque. With the bike weighing in at less than 200 kilos, the power figures should make for some interesting performance numbers…

Mated to a six-speed gearbox, the RC8’s engine features Keihin’s electronic fuel injection, and an advanced CAN (Controller Area Network) bus system, which allows the KTM engine to directly communicate with the bike’s digital instrument unit. The chassis – light and stiff – is a chrome-molybdenum tubular steel unit. The swingarm is made of anodized cast and sheet metal, and high-spec WP suspension components are used – 43mm multi-adjustable USD forks at front, and a multi-adjustable rear shock that also features independent high- and low-speed compression damping adjustments.

With 155bhp and kerb weight of less than 200kg, the 1190 RC8 should indeed be fun!

Ergonomics are said to have been optimized for the street as well as the racing circuit, and a lot of adjustability has been built into the bike in this regard, so individual riders can make the bike adapt to their needs. Ride-height, handlebars, seat, footpegs and all operating levers are adjustable, and we think this is definitely a step in the right direction!

Brakes are Brembo units, with radially-mounted four-piston monoblock calipers gripping twin 320mm discs at the front. 17-inch alloy wheels are used, and tyre sizes are 120/70 at the front and 190/55 at the back. An Akrapovic racing exhaust, carbonfibre wheels and fairing parts and many other bits are available as optional extras for the 1190 RC8.

Yes, we’re deeply impressed and we can’t wait to see how the RC8 performs when pitted against Japanese, German and Italian litre-class superbikes. In the meanwhile, you may want to visit the official KTM RC8 website for details on pricing and availability.

A video of the amazing RC8 in action...

Other EICMA show highlights:
The Ducati 1098-powered 2008 Bimota DB7. Awesome!
First pics and specs: 2008 Moto Morini Granpasso...
2008 Aprilia SMV750 Dorsoduro, and the amazing FV2 concept!
First pics and specs: Fireblade-powered Honda CB1000R
Unleashed: The mighty Ducati 1098R!
Get ready for the Moto Guzzi Stelvio...

Ducati 1098 power for 2008 Bimota DB7!

The 2008 Bimota DB7, powered by the Ducati 1098 v-twin!

Pics: Motoblog

These are the first pics of the all-new Bimota DB7. Designed by Enrico Borghesan, the standard bike is powered by the Ducati 1098 engine, and there will also be a higher-performance DB7 fitted with the WSBK-spec 1200cc engine from the Ducati 1098R!

We think the bike looks quite stunning in its red, black and white livery. There are twin stacked headlamps at the front, flanked by air-intakes for that raging Ducati v-twin underneath and the front turn indicators are integrated into the rear-view mirrors. The chassis and swingarm are a mix of oval-section steel tube trellis and cast aluminium sections. Front forks are beefy looking USD units and brakes are Brembo units, with radial-mount calipers at front.

No official word from Bimota on power and performance figures yet, but the bike could well be up to the task of taking on its competition from Europe and Japan. Check back for more details soon!

Apart from the DB7, Bimota also had the (from left) DB5S, DB6R Delirio and Tesi 3D on display at the EICMA show in Milan...

Also see:
The mighty 2008 KTM RC8...
2008 Moto Guzzi Stelvio: Ready to take on the BMW R1200GS
First pics: MV Agusta Brutale 1078 and F4 RR 312 1078!
10th Anniversary Yamaha R1 released...
2008 Ducati 848: The new king of middleweight sportsbikes?
What if Michael Schumacher had been in MotoGP...
First pics: 2008 Moto Morini Granpasso!

This is the Vectrix electric superbike shown at the EICMA in Milan. This 204kg machine will do the quarter-mile in 12 seconds and hit a top speed of 200km/h…!
Pics: Motoblog

Hayden and Pedrosa test the 2008 Honda RC212V

Can the Repsol Hondas topple Stoner-Ducati in 2008? We wouldn't bet on it...

MotoGP ex-world champ Nicky Hayden and Dani Pedrosa started testing the 2008 Honda RC212V at Valencia yesterday. Among other things, the new Honda racebike features a heavily reworked V4 with pneumatic valve springs, an all-new chassis and a new exhaust system.

‘There's not so much I can say after just a few laps but the seating position is different, yet the actual riding position feels about the same. The tendency to wheelie was a lot less and the pitch of the weight, front to rear, was more controlled and not so aggressive on the brakes,’ said Hayden, who put in about 20 laps on the new bike.

The 2008 Honda RC212V has a revised V4 with pneumatic valve springs...

‘At the moment I can't say too much about the performance or lap times because it's early days. The speed was okay and there is a difference in how the new engine feels through the revs, but again, it's too early to draw any real conclusions,’ said Pedrosa.

The Repsol Honda team will need to do all they can to beat the Stoner-Ducati combo in 2008. The 2007 MotoGP world champ was also out testing his new Ducati at Valencia, and he was faster than everybody else on the day! His teammate at Ducati for 2008, Marco Melandri was almost two seconds behind Stoner, which probably shows that Stoner will still be the man to beat next year…

Also see:
Huge collection of 2007 MotoGP hi-res wallpaper!
Could Michael Schumacher beat Casey Stoner?!
Rossi's Honda NSR500: The most awesome racer-rep ever!
2008 Yamaha YZF R6: The best middleweight sportsbike around...?
An Aussie biker to beat Stoner...

First pics and specs: 2008 Moto Morini Granpasso

The 2008 Moto Morini Granpasso. Looks good!

Pics: Moto Caradisiac

Everybody seems to be doing big trail bikes these days, so Moto Morini have also decided to get on the bandwagon – the Italian company is now showing the Granpasso at the EICMA in Milan. The bike is fitted with MM’s 1187cc v-twin, the same 140bhp mill that also powers the Corsaro. Of course, Moto Morini admit that the engine has been ‘retuned’ for the Granpasso for better fuel economy and optimized low-rpm power delivery.

The bike’s chassis is similar to the Corsaro’s tubular steel trellis frame, though the aluminium swingarm is new. 50mm Marzocchi forks have been fitted at front, and there’s a fully adjustable Ohlins shock-absorber at the back. A full set of touring bags and a GPS unit will be available as extras. And when it goes on sale next year, the Granpasso is likely to cost about US$16,000.

With a 140bhp v-twin here, the Granpasso should not be lacking in performance!

Also see:
First pics: 2008 Aprilia SMV750 and FV2 concept...
First pics and specs: 2008 Honda CB1000R
First pics: 2008 Ducati 1098R and 848!
First pics: 2008 MV Agusta F4 RR 312 and Brutale 1078RR
First pics: 2008 BMW F800GS...

Apart from the Granpasso, Moto Morini also had the Corsaro and the 91/2 on display...

Benelli were also present at the EICMA, with this trio of tasty machines. The first two (from left) are TNT 1130 variants, while the last is powered by a 750cc twin
Pics: Motoblog

2008 Aprilia SMV750 Dorsoduro and FV2 concept shown at EICMA

Based on the Shiver, here's the 2008 Aprilia SMV750 Dorsoduro

Pics: Motoblog

Aprilia are now showing the new SMV750 Dorsoduro supermotard at the EICMA show in Milan. The bike is powered by an updated version of the liquid-cooled, 95-horsepower, 750cc v-twin used in the Aprilia Shiver - the ride-by-wire throttle system used on the Shiver has been improved for better response and power delivery is now supposed to be more consistent.

The SMV750’s chassis is also based on the Shiver’s cast aluminium / tubular steel hybrid frame. The cast aluminium swingarm is new, the front brakes have radial-mount calipers and the Showa forks have been specially developed for the SMV. Aprilia say the SMV has been developed on the basis of experience gained from their participation in supermoto and GP racing.

The stunning Aprilia FV2 concept is packed with cutting-edge stuff that we'd love to see on a production bike sometime soon...!

Pics: MCN

Apart from the SMV750, Aprilia also have the high-tech FV2 concept on display at the EICMA. The bike is fitted with Aprilia’s new liquid-cooled, 8-valve, DOHC, 1200cc v-twin, and the monocoque chassis is made of carbonfibre, as is the swingarm and the parallelogram front suspension. The bike weighs a mere 160kg.

Other interesting bits include an electronic ride-by-wire throttle system, traction control, ABS and even an electronic suspension management system! More details soon...

Also see:
The Fireblade-based 2008 Honda CB1000R. Awesome!
What if Michael Schumacher had been a MotoGP rider?!
First pics: The amazing Ducati 1098R...
KTM in tieup with Bajaj, to expand in new markets...
2008 BMW F800GS: Ready to rock!
2008 Moto Guzzi Stelvio: Ready to take on the BMW R1200GS!

External links:
Big collection of KTM RC8 official pics...
2007 EICMA: Bring on the ladies...!

First pics and specs: 2008 Honda CB1000R

It's finally here, the Fireblade-based 2008 Honda CB1000R!

We first spoke of the Honda Hornet 1000 back in June this year, and now here we are – the first official pics of the 2008 Honda CB1000R have just been released. This bike will replace the Hornet 900 and powered by the 2007 Fireblade engine, the CB1000R is probably the wildest, most powerful naked bike Honda have ever made!

The 2007 Fireblade’s 998cc, 16-valve, DOHC inline-four has been retuned (okay, detuned…) for the CB1000R and it’s now optimized for low- and mid-range power delivery. With its die-cast aluminium backbone chassis, adjustable rear shock, adjustable 43mm USD forks and 310mm disc brakes with four-piston radially-mounted calipers, the CB1000R should offer considerably sporty performance.

The bike is being fitted with HISS (Honda Ignition Security System) for theft prevention, and ABS (which also uses Honda’s combined braking system) is on the options list. Along with the 2008 Fireblade and the CB1100R and Evo6 concepts, the CB1000R certainly proves that Honda are pulling out all stops this year…!

A video of the CB1000R

Yeah, we like the CB1000R... :-)

Also see:
10th Anniversary limited-edition Yamaha R1 released...
First pics: 2008 MV Agusta Brutale 1078
First pics: 2008 BMW F800GS and F650GS...
Bourget Shredder F-80: The Quad from hell!
Honda NSR500 racer-rep: The best we've ever seen!

Michael Schumacher could have been a MotoGP rider…

That's Michael Schumacher, and he's properly fast on a MotoGP bike!!

Pics: MCN

Valentino Rossi could not (or did not) go to F1, but seven-time F1 world champ, Michael Schumacher has shown that if he had wanted to, he could have probably been a MotoGP rider! Schumacher recently got a chance to ride 2007 MotoGP world champ Casey Stoner’s Ducati GP7 race bike at Valencia, and his best lap time was 1:37:89, only a fraction more than five seconds slower than Dani Pedrosa’s outright lap record time of 1:32:748!

This wasn’t the first time Schumacher rode a MotoGP bike – he had earlier ridden Ducati’s 990cc MotoGP bike in 2005, at the Mugello circuit in Italy. This time around however, he put in 58 laps on Stoner’s bike and said he was surprised that he managed to go as fast as he did, despite not using Ducati’s hugely powerful carbon brakes and sticking with the steel brakes used by MotoGP riders in the rain.

‘It is difficult to come here and set times. I remember the last time I was riding and I was about 15 seconds slower than what you could do, so I thought maybe if I could run within ten seconds, that would nice,’ said Schumacher. But Rossi & Co. have nothing to fear from the German ace. ‘I’m just doing this for fun. I don’t I want to race. I love motorbikes so I ride motorbikes. My Harley is pretty fast…,’ says Schumacher.

Finally, talking about Casey Stoner, Schumacher said that he was very impressed with the young rider’s performance. ‘If you remember, last year no one would have bet on him at all and Ducati took the risk to take him on board. Sure he got a good bike and there is the tyre situation but he beat his teammate and other guys on the same tyres so a big credit to him,’ he said.

In the meanwhile, here we have Colin Edwards saying why he thinks Schumacher went so fast. "These bikes are so advanced now, all you need to do is crank the electronics up to where you can't crash and you can go five seconds off the pace pretty easily. You just get in and nail it! But to find that last four-tenths, say, you have to back the electronics off and really start to work it. It's like a gamble; play safe with the electronics and you'll be too slow. If everybody had the electronics turned up all the time then we would all be doing the same lap time," said Mr Edwards, who has never won a single MotoGP race ever. Hmm.....

And here's the video of Schumacher in action on the Ducati!

Also see:
First pics: 2008 Ducati 1098R and Ducati 848
10th Anniversary limited-edition Yamaha R1 released...
KTM to collaborate with Bajaj, expand in new markets...
2007 MotoGP race reports and HUGE collection of hi-res MotoGP wallpaper
Rizla Suzuki pit babes: The best in the business?
The amazing new BMW HP2 Sport...
Aprilia getting ready with 220bhp V4-powered superbike for 2008!

First pics and specs: 2008 Ducati 1098R

The 2008 Ducati 1098R. Utterly, totally, completely, awesome!

Have been waiting for the Ducati 1098R? You can have one now. The lightest, most powerful twin-cylinder motorcycle ever made by Ducati, the 1098R boasts of 180 horsepower and 140Nm of torque from its 1198cc engine. This, combined with a dry weight of 165kg, should definitely ensure eye-opening performance.

For those who want still more, the 1098R comes with a racing kit, which includes carbonfibre mufflers and a different ECU, both of which boost power output beyond the 200bhp mark. The race kit also activates the 1098R’s sophisticated DTC (Ducati Traction Control) system, which has eight different settings to control how much the bike slides before it cuts/reduces the power going to the rear wheel.

With 200bhp in race trim and 180bhp stock, the 1098R will be a force to reckon with

The US$40,000 machine will form the basis for Ducati’s WSBK contender, which Troy Bayliss and Michel Fabrizio will be riding in 2008. So of course, the 1098R is fitted with the best components that money can buy – Ohlins TTX rear shock (adjustable ride height, adjustable compression/rebound damping, adjustable preload…), fully adjustable 43mm USD Ohlins forks with titanium nitride coating, adjustable Ohlins steering damper, Brembo brakes with monobloc calipers, Marchesini wheels, and carbonfibre fairing.

Along with the Desmosedici RR, the 1098R is now probably the most desirable, most lust-worthy motorcycle in the world. In fact, even though we are big fans of four-cylinder machinery here at Faster and Faster, we’d probably take the 1098R over the new MV Agusta F4 312RR…

And here are some pics of the kinder, gentler Ducati 1098S...

Some other Italian bikes that we love:
2008 Ducati 848
2008 Moto Guzzi Stelvio
The Bimota DB2...
The amazing MV Agusta F4 CC!
The Bimota YB11...
Memorable: The Laverda 750 Formula S
The Bimota YB6 Tuatara
V6-powered Laverda racer from the 1970s...

First pics: 2008 Ducati 848

With 134bhp, the 2008 Ducati 848 is only 5 horsepower down on the old 999...

The Ducati 749 replacement – the Ducati 848 – is out now. The styling is the same as the multiple award-winning 1098, and at 168 kilos, the 848 is is 20kg lighter that the 749 and 5kg lighter than the 1098. Less weight and more power is, of course, the way to go and the new Ducati does not disappoint.

The 848 is powered by Ducati’s 848cc Testastretta Evoluzione L-twin, which makes 134 horsepower – 30bhp up on the old 749. In fact, that 848 has a better power-to-weight ratio than the Ducati 999! Should be quite a cracking machine for those who can’t afford a 1098… :-)

Less is more! See here:
KTM 125cc GP racer vs litre-class superbike!
Mighty mite: The Malaguti Phantom F12R Capirex...
Less is more? Well, sometimes bigger is better...!!!
Can one cylinder be better than four?
Can one wheel be better than two?
Can one exhaust be better than two?

External link:
Motorcycle USA: Ducati 848 first ride...

First pics: 2008 Ducati Monster 696

Up close and personal, with the 2008 Ducati Monster 696...

After months of anticipation, a few blurry spy shots and various computer-generated mock-ups, the 2008 Ducati Monster 696 has finally been officially unveiled. The machine has been extensively restyled, gets a new hybrid trellis frame (with new, larger diameter steel tubes), new aluminium swingarm, twin-muffler exhaust, slipper clutch, twin 320mm brake discs with four-piston radial-mount calipers, digital instrumentation, a restyled headlamp and LED taillamp. The bike now weighs 163kg.

The new engine is, of course, where the action is. The air-cooled 696cc L-twin makes 80bhp, which should be okay for relaxed riding as well as a bit of corner-carving. The ergonomics have also been revised – the seat is low and narrow, with a shorter reach to the handlebars, and the footpegs are lower and further forward.

Though we like the new Monster 696, to be honest, we were hoping it would be rather more radical. Still, for a lightweight bike that looks cool, that can be used for everyday commuting and that also allows you to have a bit of fun on Sundays, the new Monster should do all right…

Also see:
Pierre Terblanche on Ducati 916 vs 999...
A bike that's not scared of SUVs...?
Bargain: A MotoGP Ducati you can own!
Awesome video: Supercharged Triumph Rocket III
NSU 500 Kompressor: 200mph back in 1956!
The HOTTEST Aussie biker in the world...

Elsewhere today:
The coolest Ducati Monster 696 ever...!

Casey Stoner gets to ride the new Monster 696...!

10th Anniversary Yamaha YZF-R1 released

The 10th anniversary Yamaha YZF R1. Only 500 units will be built...

Yes, it’s been ten years since the mighty R1 was let loose upon an unsuspecting world, and Yamaha have released a 10th anniversary special-edition model in celebration. Only 500 units of this bike, which wears Noriyuki Haga’s WSBK livery, will be made. (Incidentally, Yamaha have sold more than a combined total of 500,000 units of the Yamaha R1, R6 and R7 bikes over the last 10 years!)

Also see:
Limited-edition Fiat Yamaha MotoGP-replica R1!
Fifth Gear: Ducati 1098 vs Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera
CB1100R and Evo6: Stunning new Hondas revealed...
Fearsome: The 1975 Yamaha TZ750 dirt-tracker!
2008 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R: Performance + Ugliness...
First pics: 2008 Suzuki GSX-R750 and GSX-R600...

First pics: 2008 MV Agusta Brutale 1078RR, 989R and F4 RR 312

The 2008 MV Agusta F4 RR 312 packs a new 1078cc, 190bhp engine!

MV Agusta have released pics of their ‘new’ old bikes – the 2008 MV Agusta F4 RR 312 and the Brutale 1078RR. The new F4 RR, essentially based on the earlier F4 1000R and F4 CC models, gets a DOHC, radial valve, 1078cc inline-four (in place of the old bike’s 996cc engine), and power is now up to 190bhp. This, apparently, is enough to blast the bike all the way up to its top speed of 312km/h!

The F4 RR 312 is also fitted with a cassette-type, six-speed gearbox, slipper clutch, and Brembo brakes with radial-mount monoblock calipers and twin 320mm discs at front. Suspension is 50mm USD Marzocchi forks (with carbon-nitride coating on the sliders) and fully adjustable Sachs monoshock. The tubular steel trellis/cast aluminum alloy chassis continues as before.

And this is the 150bhp 2008 Brutale 1078RR...

More pics of various Brutale variants. From left, the first two pics are of the Brutale 989 and the the third one is the Brutale Hydrogen. Yeah, whatever...
Pics: Motoblog

The new Brutale also gets the F4 RR's 1078cc engine, but in a milder state of tune. Still, with 154bhp at the crank, the new Brutale 1078R is the most powerful naked sportsbike MV have ever made. There's also the new Brutale 989R, with a 982cc, DOHC inline-four that makes 141bhp at the crank. Both Brutales also get new graphics and paint schemes, adjustable 50mm USD Marzocchi, adjustable Sachs shock, Brembo brakes with radial-mounted four-piston calipers (monoblock on the 1078RR!) and forged aluminum Brembo wheels. The tubular steel trellis/cast aluminum alloy chassis and cast aluminum single-sided swingarm have not been changed.

We think both the bikes - the new Brutale and the F4 RR - still look good after all these years, but maybe MV should now start thinking about their replacements. And to begin with, a 1000cc V6-powered MV Agusta F6, with fresh, new styling from Tamburini should heat things up a bit…!

Also see:
Pics and details: 2008 Honda Fireblade...
Pics and video: The absolutely amazing KTM X-Bow!
Faster and faster: Kawasaki ZZR1400 Turbo!!!
DVD Review: Riding solo to the top of the World
Face off: 1989 Yamaha FZR750RR OW01 vs 2008 Yamaha R1!

KTM to collaborate with Bajaj on new bikes

That's the Bajaj Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi. Could it be sold as a KTM in the EU...?

With a big presence in Europe, and an exciting, off-beat lineup of sportsbikes, supermotards, off-roaders and dual-purpose machines, KTM are now looking at expanding in the second-largest motorcycle market in the world – India. The Austrian company will be working with Bajaj (with sales of 2.38 million motorcycles in 2006-07, Bajaj Auto are India’s second-largest two-wheeler company…), on the development of new engine and vehicle platforms.

Together, KTM and Bajaj will work on entry-level bikes fitted with 125cc-250cc, four-stroke, liquid-cooled engines. These will be KTM’s entry-level offerings in European markets. Bajaj will also help KTM expand their presence in South-East Asia and India – markets that could open up big opportunities for KTM in the years to come.

This tieup will provide KTM with an opportunity to expand their presence in the growing motorcycle markets of India and South-East Asia

Stefan Pierer, KTM CEO, says ‘The Executive Board of KTM Power Sports AG sees in the cooperation, a great chance to strengthen the KTM Group in its sustained growth strategy in a global environment.’ Rajiv Bajaj, Bajaj CEO, says, ‘KTM’s sharp brand positioning, differentiated designs, and hyper performance have inspired Bajaj to invest in this participation. Bajaj is delighted with this opportunity to co-develop a range of products for manufacture by Bajaj for both KTM and Bajaj brands. Equally, Bajaj is excited by the prospect of introducing KTM products to India and South-East Asia, as also to access the European market via KTM.’

Also see:
First pics: 2008 BMW F800GS and F650GS!
First official pics: 2008 Moto Guzzi Stelvio...
A lighter, faster Hypermotard: The NCR Leggera!
Revealed: The secret to making the Suzuki B-King look good...
The most awesome racer-replica ever: Rossi's 2001 Honda NSR500!
First pics and specs: 2008 Triumph Rocket III Touring...

The 2008 NCR New Blue Stradale. 163kg dry weight, Ducati 1000DS engine, Ohlins suspension, Brembo brakes, trellis frame made of light, stiff alloy. Looks hot. Should handle like a racer. Interesting, eh?
Pic: Motoblog

MotoGP: Dani Pedrosa wins the last race of the season at Valencia

Stoner fought hard, but it was finally Pedrosa who prevailed!

With a broken hand and a Yamaha that went bust, this was't Rossi's race at all...

Dani Pedrosa did very well at Valencia and won his home grand prix in style. This was the 18th and the last race of the 2007 MotoGP season, and for once, Stoner was unable to romp away from the rest of them. Pedrosa started from pole position (for the fourth consecutive race!) and while it was Stoner was lead the pack initially, Pedrosa managed to get past him on the sixth lap of the 30-lap race, and there was no catching the young Spaniard after that.

In winning the last MotoGP of the season, Pedrosa also relegated Rossi to third place overall in the world championship. Rossi, who was riding well despite a broken hand, had to retire due to engine trouble. Stoner put in a super-consistent performance as usual, making no mistakes anywhere, and rode to second place, with John Hopkins (who moves to Kawasaki next year) taking third.

Marco Melandri, Loris Capirossi and Chris Vermeulen took fourth, fifth and sixth places respectively. Brazilian veteran, Alex Barros, making his 276th and final grand prix appearance, finished in style to take seventh place, while Nicky Hayden – who was earlier fighting for fourth place with Melandri but ultimately had to fall back – could only finish down in eighth. Randy de Puniet in ninth and Toni Elias in tenth place rounded off the top ten. Another GP veteran, Carlos Checa also put in his final MotoGP appearance, finishing in 12th place.

After the race, a terribly disappointed Rossi said, ‘I did everything I could in order to be on the grid today, because I wanted to try and confirm my second place in the championship, which I think I deserved. I was riding very fast, even though my bike was not perfect. When I got into 14th place, I told myself that my task was done, but I was feeling quite good and I wanted to try to pass some more riders. Unfortunately however I felt that I had a problem with my bike and I was forced to come in.’

Can no.46, The Doctor, win one last MotoGP title next year, or is it game over for him?

Yamaha team director, Davide Brivio said ‘We would like to say sorry to Valentino because he made a great effort to race with his broken hand. Unfortunately, a technical problem stopped him from getting the second place and we're very sad about this. Our engineers are doing everything they can to understand what happened today. We have decided to send the engine back to Japan for further investigation.’

The saga will, of course, continue in 2008. It’s now been officially confirmed that Rossi will race on Bridgestones next year, even though his teammate Jorge Lorenzo will use Michelins. The Fiat Yamaha Team will continue to operate and race as one team, though Lorenzo and Rossi will have separate enclosures to maintain confidentiality pertaining to tyre-related data!

With a new breed of fast, young riders coming to MotoGP next year – riders who are possibly even hungrier than Rossi for the world title – The Doctor will finally have to pull out all stops and reach deep into his vast reserves of talent if he wants to win the world championship one last time. Yes indeed, 2008 should be one hell of a MotoGP season!

Also see:
HUGE collection of 2007 MotoGP hi-res wallpaper!
Rossi's Honda NSR500: One for the road!
First pic: 2008 Cagiva Mito 125...
KTM RC8 ready to take on everyone!
MotoGP: Barry Sheene livery for Vermeulen's bike...
The 2007 MotoGP season: Who was to blame? What went wrong?