Honda VFR1200F
So it's not a revised CBR1100 Blackbird or some new breed of 'Busa killer, but the new VFR1200F is still pretty cool in our book. Though power figures for the big old 1237cc V4 aren't available just yet, you can bet it'll have plenty of stomp, and when the road opens up we wouldn't want to be challenging it unless we were straddling something with serious firepower.
Honda's Press Manager, Bill Savino, expressed the firm's excitement: "This is one of the most exciting motorcycles in Honda's history. The VFR1200F establishes a whole new definition of performance motorcycling, one that taps into Honda's rich V4 VFR heritage and extends it into the future of Honda motorcycling."
The VFR800 that this big boy replaces was always a riot on a twisty road, and when it was time for a wheelie or two it happily hung 'em out. But the new 1200 will be a step forward for more laughs, along with quick commutes and comfortable extended trips. Check out
powersports.honda.com for a complete list of features and race technology incorporated into the beastly new VFR1200F.
Kawasaki Z1000
The King Is Back
Kawi once produced a bike so nasty it was coined "The King." The year was 1973 and the Z1 cleaned house as it left everything for dead in its wake. Performance records fell, lap records were shattered and the Z1 ruled the streets.
Fast-forward 35 years and Kawi is looking to repeat history with the all-new Z1000; a true street brawler that's here to bang heads.
Although it isn't the first Z1000 to hit US streets, the previous generations (2003-'08) weren't the heavy-hitters Kawi hoped for. But the third time looks to be the charm...
Where the previous Z1K used a tweaked version of an older ZX-9R motor, the new 1043cc bullet was drawn from a clean sheet. Power is rumored to be north of 120 HP and 70 LB-FT at the rear tire. High-RPM power takes a backseat on the street, and Kawi claims monstrous midrange thanks to the motor's generous stroke (77.0 x 56.0mm bore/stroke). The compression ratio is a lofty 11.8:1 and the massive slugs are fed by a quartet of 38mm throttle bodies. Unlike the older model it replaces, the new Z1K benefits from forward mounted air intakes that not only increase power, but as Kawi put it: "Let the rider savor the bold sound of screaming air being sucked into the engine's downdraft intakes."
More than just brawn, the Z1000 is down to dance thanks to a new aluminum frame based on the ZX-10R. Supporting this new backbone are adjustable 41mm forks, a new horizontally mounted rear shock and radial-mounted four-pot front brakes.
As on previous Z's, the styling is bold thanks to edgy bodywork and the infamous quad exhaust pipes. Keeping with the theme, it also sports new five-spoke rims with polished lips and a small bikini fairing. Other interesting features include an adjustable LCD instrument cluster that pivots up and down and a retro-style LED taillight.
If all these figures aren't enough to wet your whistle, the fact that the Z1000 retails $10,499 means it's a straight bargain; it costs only a few hundred more than a ZX-6R. It's been awhile since the Z1000 was King, but take notice because in 2010 the original badass is back to take names.
For more info and pics check out
kawasaki.com.