Wow, we’re seriously impressed with CSC's Hayabusa. One of the first 2008 models to be customized, the job was fully sanctioned by Suzuki in collaboration with fashion company L-R-G. Our favorite part is the GSX-R 1000 tailpiece, which really lightens the look of the whole bike. It’s helped by the GP-style exhaust and single-sided swingarm, not to mention the Lexan wheels.

We admire the company's commitment to the white theme, even the frame and fork stanchions are pigment free. But we can’t help but feel that it would have looked a bit better if they’d chosen a single color for the mechanical components and stuck with that. The mixture of white, gold, black and silver is a bit much, as is the spearmint green accent color. CSC would have done better leaving it off the seat and turn signals. We hope Suzuki takes a few lessons from this bike for the new Hayabusa’s mid-life facelift, especially at the back end.

Engine
A-C 2V 492 SINGLE
Seat Height
27.5 - 25.5 IN.
Fuel Capacity
2.8 GAL
Wheelbase
55.0 IN.

With an ultra-low seat height (that goes even lower as an option) and a broad powerband, the Blast "could very well be the easiest motorcycle to ride on the entire planet," according to Buell. Commuters will appreciate the Blast's 64-mpg urban fuel economy, and new riders will appreciate the easy-to-reach and easy-to-operate controls.

Engine
A-C 4V 1203 V-TWIN
Seat Height
30.6/28.6 IN.
Fuel Capacity
4.4/3.8 GAL
Wheelbase
53.7/51.8 IN.

One of our favorite Buell models down a gnarly canyon road, the XB12 Lightning is available in two versions for '09-although the original is no longer offered. The s model, or Lightning Long, has a stretched wheelbase and relaxed geometry while the cg version has a two-inch-lower seat height. Add $500 to the MSRP for nifty translucid bodywork.

Engine
L-C 8V 1125 V-TWIN
Seat Height
30.5 IN.
Fuel Capacity
5.3 GAL
Wheelbase
54.5 IN.

A new-for-2009 model, the CR is an 1125R modified in typical caf racer style. That means a real handlebar in place of the R's clip-ons and shorter gearing for peppier in-town acceleration. Otherwise the 1125CR boasts the same 146-horsepower Helicon engine as the R model along with the same Intuitive Response Chassis

Engine
A-C 4V 984 V-TWIN
Seat Height
30.1 IN.
Fuel Capacity
3.8 GAL
Wheelbase
52.0 IN.

Buell's "urban warrior" is powered by a downsized air-cooled Thunderstorm engine that still provides plenty of grunt for fighting traffic in the daily grind. The chassis is all XB, with features like the X-Guard tank cover, headlamp grill, frame pucks and wind deflectors adding style and protection to the light and nimble package.

BMW K1300S $NA
Engine
L-C 16V 1293 INLINE-FOUR
Seat Height
32.3 IN.
Fuel Capacity
5.0 GAL
Wheelbase
62.4 IN.

In addition to the larger engine shared with all three K1300 models, the S version-the fastest and most powerful production BMW ever-benefits from revised Duolever geometry and stiffer suspension settings. Integral ABS is standard; ESA II (which now adjusts rear spring rate) is an option. Also new for '09 is optional Anti-Spin Control.

Engine
A-C 8V 1170 OPPOSED-TWIN
Seat Height
35.0 IN.
Fuel Capacity
3.4 GAL
Wheelbase
63.6 IN.

If your tastes lean toward the Supermotard end of the sportbiking spectrum, this is the BMW for you. The potent Boxer engine churns out oodles of torque and resides in a chassis stripped to the bare essentials for a clean, lightweight look. High-tech equipment includes an inverted Marzocchi fork and Ohlins shock. Add $1000 for optional ABS.

Engine
L-C 16V 1293 INLINE-FOUR
Seat Height
31.1 - 32.3 IN.
Fuel Capacity
5.0 GAL
Wheelbase
62.4 IN.

Completing the K1300 series for '09 is the brawny R model, which receives all the updates of the S model, with the drivetrain and running gear suitably modified to meet the requirements of a large-capacity naked bike. The R's engine is not detuned from the S specification, and shorter final gearing gives it even more acceleration-just what we need.

Engine
L-C 16V 1293 INLINE-FOUR
Seat Height
32.3 - 33.1 IN.
Fuel Capacity
6.3 GAL
Wheelbase
61.9 IN.

Highlight of the K-series BMW models this year is an increase in displacement to 1293cc with correspondingly more power and torque. The sport-touring model has adjustable handlebars, a height-adjustable seat as well as an optional lower seat, Electronic Suspension Adjustment II, an adjustable windscreen and standard integral ABS.

Engine
A-C 8V 1170 OPPOSED-TWIN
Seat Height
32.7 IN.
Fuel Capacity
4.2 GAL
Wheelbase
58.5 IN.

Yowzers! The ultimate Boxer boasts racetrack-oriented features such as double overhead camshafts, fully adjustable hlins suspension front and rear, a quickshifter, radial-mount Brembo monoblock brakes, 2D Systems dash, adjustable clip-ons and rearsets, forged wheels and lightweight carbon fiber bodywork. Optional ABS adds $1000 to the list price.

Engine
L-C 12V 1130 INLINE-TRIPLE
Seat Height
30.7 IN.
Fuel Capacity
6.1 GAL
Wheelbase
55.9 IN.

The most recent addition to Benelli's lineup, this adventure bike is the company's version of a do-it-all machine-hence the name Tre K, or Trek. With the 1130cc inline-triple housed in a chassis with more relaxed geometry and more suspension travel than the naked TNT as well as a comfortable, upright riding position, the Tre K will take you anywhere.

Engine
L-C 12V 1130 INLINE-TRIPLE
Seat Height
30.7 IN.
Fuel Capacity
4.6 GAL
Wheelbase
55.9 IN.

The TNT derives its name from Trinitrotoluene, better known as, well, TNT, the explosive black powder the coyote always tries to blow up the roadrunner with. Just like its namesake, Benelli engineers designed the TNT to be an explosive and powerful bike while still being enjoyable and exciting. Available in red, green or yellow for '09.

Engine
L-C 12V 1130 INLINE-TRIPLE
Seat Height
30.7 IN.
Fuel Capacity
4.6 GAL
Wheelbase
55.9 IN.

The wildly styled Caf Racer shares many parts with the naked TNT but has more aggressive styling-including a bellypan and single-seat tailpiece-and a more aggressive riding position thanks to lower clip-on handlebars. Think of it as a TNT inspired by racing bikes of the past, but with all the performance and details of a modern-day sportbike.

Engine
L-C 12V 1130 INLINE-TRIPLE
Seat Height
31.9 IN.
Fuel Capacity
5.5 GAL
Wheelbase
55.9 IN.

Like all of Benelli's models, the Tornado's powerplant is the howling 1130cc three-cylinder Corsa Lunga with its cassette gearbox and slipper clutch. But while the naked and adventure models make do with a somewhat detuned version of the engine, the Tornado gets the full 160-horsepower treatment as well as the unique underseat radiator.

Engine
L-C 8V 449/549 V-TWIN
Seat Height
36.1 IN.
Fuel Capacity
2.1 GAL
Wheelbase
58.9 IN.

The twin-cylinder supermotard models, in 450cc and 550cc sizes, benefit from updates based on lessons learned in Aprilia's extensive racing programs. Those updates include a lighter swingarm, new exhaust system, lighter subframe with slightly lower seat height, black wheels and a revised ECU with two-way selectable mapping for engine power modes.

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Engine
L-C 8V 998 V-TWIN
Seat Height
31.9 IN.
Fuel Capacity
4.8 GAL
Wheelbase
55.5 IN.

Many call the Tuono the greatest naked bike of all time, and we've long been impressed with Aprilia's approach: The Tuono R and R Factory are simply naked versions of their RSV counterparts, sporting all the trick hardware (although the R version makes do with a Showa fork) and the full-performance spec in the V60 Magnesium engines.

Engine
L-C 8V 750 V-TWIN
Seat Height
31.9 IN.
Fuel Capacity
4.0 GAL
Wheelbase
56.7 IN.

All new in '08, the Shiver is the first Aprilia model fitted with the company's 90-degree V2 engine, which is produced entirely in-house. Unique features include ride-by-wire throttle with three selectable maps and mixed gear-and-chain cam drive. If you've got a hankering for a high-tech Italian ride and you're on a budget, the Shiver is the one for you.

Engine
L-C 8V 750 V-TWIN
Seat Height
34.3 IN.
Fuel Capacity
3.2 GAL
Wheelbase
59.3 IN.

Designed in collaboration with Aprilia's racing department, the Dorsoduro combines technology from the Shiver-such as ride-by-wire throttle and that model's modular steel and aluminum frame-and SXV models for a 750cc thrill ride like no other. Running gear includes a 43mm fully adjustable fork and wave rotors with ABS, all topped off with wild styling.

Engine
L-C 8V 998 V-TWIN
Seat
Height 31.9 IN.
Fuel Capacity
4.8 GAL
Wheelbase
55.8 IN.

The original Mille returns for another year in both R and R Factory trim, and features the smooth and torquey Rotax "V60 Magnesium" powerplant. Both models are equipped with an Ohlins fork and Brembo radial-mount brakes up front, while the Factory model goes a step further with an Ohlins shock and steering damper, and

September 10th, 2008

September 11th, 2008

Yamaha’s 2009 RD 350 Concept

October 6th, 2008

October 8th, 2008

The 36 Sixty-One is the one collectors and riders alike dream about owning. It is said development started in 1933 at the height of the depression. Bill Harley gambled everything on this model, and he was right. When it was released to the dealers and finally got into the hands of riders, his vision of a stylish performance motorcycle came to fruition. It is one of the most beautiful motorcycles ever made and very few examples survive today. It is a keystone model in the history of Harley-Davidson, and sought after by riders and collectors alike. With the exception of some bolts and the wiring, all genuine 1936 parts were used. Correct date codes and matching belly numbers, original and perfect. Don’t let this one get away.

October 17th, 2008