Sports Cycle

Café Racers were named after the British rockers who would ride their bikes from transport café to transport café in the 1960s. Basically a lightweight machine with solo seat, low handlebars and a stretched fuel tank they were built more for speed than comfort. Go forward to 1985 and Yamaha has launched the SRX600, a single-cylinder machine to take on the equivalent Honda XBR500. With neat roadster styling the SRX was light and nimble. Fast forward again two decades to 2005 and Yamaha unveils its MT-OS concept at the Paris show.

This time it’s a V-twin in café racer styling with a small half fairing and is well received. Unfortunately the bike Yamaha eventually gave us was the tedious and pedestrian MT-01 so we decided to have a stab at our own Yamaha V-Max Café Racer Concept: anyone for tea and scones ?

Engine

The V-Max is a fantastic bike with an impressive engine, however the price tag is as eye-watering as the performance so what better way to recoup some R&D costs by using it in our café roadster ? The figures are impressive: 1679cc of Heavyweight V4, almost 180bhp and 112lb-ft of torque will allow easy overtakes without any need to change gear. We reckon the bike also needs a dollop of the VBoost that the original had. We’re working on that...

Chassis

The V-Max is a heavy beast at 310kg and you feel every kilo of that on the road, hence we’ve stripped the chassis right back to bare essentials though we’re still using the main cast alloy frame albeit modified for a shorter wheelbase. No pillion provision (and a shortened subframe), lighter wheels, brakes, suspension and smaller silencers. Gone is the massive king and queen V-Max seat too. We reckon 250kg is much easier to throw around those bends.

Bodywork

The original V-Max had the motor as the dominating presence – it was basically an engine with a wheel either end. We’ve gone back to that with minimal bodywork, losing the oversized air scoops in the process so the bike is visually lighter than before too. The LED headlight is a nod to the concept MT-OS while the fuel tank boasts twin fillers for the wide tank. So… did you want one lump or four?

Getting the inside track from Royal Enfield is hard. With its huge influence on the Indian stock market, you’ll likely hear about a new model from the financial press before the motorcycle media gets wind of it. The company has opened its second exclusive store – designed to look "like a biker’s bedroom" – which Enfield hopes will expand its hold on the UK market; we took the chance at the event to ask what’s next...

We speaks to Royal Enfield’s CEO Siddhartha Lal, and the company’s new president, fresh from Unilever – Rudratej Rudy Singh.

Royal Enfield’s CEO Siddhartha Lal

Siddhartha – You’re moving to the UK for a year. Is that to push this market harder?

Siddhartha Lal : We have a lot of operations happening out of here. It’s still small–we currently have about 20 people employed in the UK – and we’re building our new technical centre in Leicester. Plus we’ve acquired Harris Performance; that’s another 12 people or so. Our lead industrial design for some of our… or one of our platforms certainly…is out of the UK.

On the product strategy front, we figured that as we’re going international, we want to be in the UK, where it all started. Certainly some of the people here have a very deep understanding of the brand and British motorcycling. That’s also part of my reason to come here – to just sort of absorb that and to ride in your lovely weather (laughs – it’s a damp, cloudy day).

Royal Enfield’s President, Rudratej Rudy Singh

Rudy Singh : I think the UK, Europe, Australia and North American markets–what we call the heritage markets – are quite similar in the higher involvement in motorcycles beyond commuting. If you were to look at the average Joe on the street, their attitude to motorcycling, DIY – their ability to do stuff, expectations of what the bike should do for them is remarkably different, or more mature than in the developing or emerging markets like India. It’s happening, but it’ll take maybe a decade to get there.

We need to make sure we have the right people, so Siddhartha is here to ensure we expand the market, and continue to make Royal Enfield relevant.

Inside the new Royal Enfield's Mitcham Store.

Siddharta Lal : We’re going to have new platforms, but the general vibe is not going to change. It’s naked and simple – old-school, simple, fun. You don’t mind tinkering around, doing things yourself – you don’t get scared.

The first thing we want to do is build a strong foundation – the retail, the service, the aftermarket. All of that is extremely important, so you get confidence when you’re buying – it’s not just some, you know, Asian fellow out there, who’s like, sort of, sending a few bikes in. We’re here to stay, and we’re investing in this market.

We’re also planning new motorcycles for 2016, 2017 and 2018 – a lot of the work is going on here in Leicester. We’re going to stick to middleweight motorcycles between 250cc and 750cc – we don’t plan to extend beyond that at all for the foreseeable future. Any platform that we make is going to be relevant for the UK, US and Europe but also emerging markets, as we think they are moving up from commuting to middleweights, and that spot is quite vacant.

If we can use the same platform for India, Latin America and South East Asia that’s when we get the economy of scale. And with that scale we can have a very good offering for UK and Europe that no other manufacturer can. Today, we’re the largest manufacturer of a single platform of middleweight motorcycles in the world. Last month we did 28,000 on one platform of engine. We can invest tremendously in that platform, and get cost structures that nobody else can.

TTS Performance in Silverstone has released its Triumph Thunderbird 16/1700 supercharger conversion. Pushing power from 86 HP to 160 HP at the wheel, it also boosts torque from 90 to 140lb-ft.

Nine kits were sold before Richard Albans – boss of TTS – had finished testing the prototype; three to Australia, three to the US, one to Finland, one to New Zealand and one to Sweden. The first production kit went to a customer in the UK, with every one sold through the www.tb1600.com forum.

" This bike is immensely heavy... So although the power is increased tremendously, it’s basically giving it what it needed in the first place. At this time, we’ve had no issues with reliability, and customers are reporting much greater flexibility with no increase in fuel consumption while cruising." says Richard.

The red lines show the increase in power (steeper lines) and torque over the standard machine (blue).

You know the world is seriously hooked on classics, and racing classics, when the biggest support race at the recent British MotoGP round was a re-enactment of the notorious Yamaha Pro-Am series of the early 1980s. And the plan is to run more classic Pro-Am rounds next year!

Depending on your individual point of view, the crash-strewn Silverstone outing was either motorcycling’s version of a Sealed Knot battle re-enactment, or ‘the ultimate school reunion’, in the words of race-winner Niall Mackenzie. Mackenzie (who last raced in 2003) didn’t just win the race, he also helped make the whole event happen, working with IDP Moto to get a grid of original RD250LCs restored and race ready.

Older readers will no doubt have already spotted the deliberate mistake: the original Pro-Am series was for 350LCs, but the owner of the bikes, LC fan Mark Lowther who runs a deep-sea drilling business, had more 250s than 350s. Apart from that (and the riders’ age, which averaged 54), the race was correct in every detail, right down to keys chosen from a helmet and a bunch of crashes on the very first lap.

"It really was great fun – straight back to 1983... Sitting on the grid I was terrified, but it’s weird: the lights go out and it’s let’s go! You go straight back into race mode. Next year the plan is to run two, or maybe even three, rounds hopefully at Donington or Knockhill BSB rounds." says former "pram" racer and BSB champion Mackenzie, who ran away with the race while typical Pro-Am carnage raged behind him.

If you love old dirt bikes, there’s only one place to go in October and that’s The International Dirt Bike Show.

Straddling the last weekend in October and the first in November, it’s Europe’s largest dedicated off-road event. The show takes place at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire and promises once more to be fun for all the family.

There are a number of things to look out for, including the activity hall so you can ‘have a go’ and live action in one of the many arenas. The event takes place over four action-packed days. For the third consecutive year, the main manufacturers have confirmed their attendance, with Honda, Kawasaki, Husqvarna,KTM, Suzuki and Yamaha all showcasing their latest offerings.




The International Dirt Bike Show organiser Nick Mowbray says:

"It is always something of a challenge for the Dirt Bike Show team to maintain upward momentum and to ensure that off-road fans have a great time, feel they have received top value for money and leave the event buzzing; but it’s a challenge we relish! We can’t wait to open the doors at Stoneleigh Park on Thursday, October 29. See you there!"

For more information, Please visit : www.dirtbikeshow.co.uk

While this year’s R1 is getting plenty of attention with its magnesium wheels and MotoGP influence, we can’t help feeling sorry for the Yamaha YZF R6. Launched to much fanfare in 1999, the YZF R6 had the looks to match its impressive road and track performance. A major redesign in 2006 saw a bias to the racetrack with more revs, slicker styling and fly-by-wire throttle control. Some small updates in 2012 kept the R6 in the race but with shrinking interest in the whole supersports 600 class the R6 has dropped down the Yamaha priority list... until now. Here’s what we’d like to see a 2016 Yamaha YZF R6 Concept.

Bodywork

While there are styling cues from the latest R1, 2016 Yamaha YZF R6 Concept also takes inspiration from the rest of the Yamaha range including the R125 and latest R3. The central air intake remains the best place to force air into the airbox but smaller LED headlights reduce weight without sacrificing illumination power. No pillion provision means a lighter, smaller subframe can be used keeping the lines of the tail unit uncluttered. Come on Yamaha, you know you want to.

Chassis

Based on R1 components, our 2016 Yamaha YZF R6 Concept would use lighter versions of the swingarm, frame and forks. Identical calipers on slightly smaller discs and more traditional alloy wheels. The R6 was always pathetic at carrying passengers anyway so we haven’t even pretended anyone will sit on the back. Adjustable footpegs and handlebars come as standard to alleviate some of the discomfort that the YZF R6 has become known for.

Engine

The original YZF R6 engine was a classic design with stacks of useful mid-range grunt and a fiery top-end. The 2006 refresh was a different animal; it revved higher, peakier and made more power but in a track-focused manner. Later updates helped balance this but it remains one of the least compromising sports 600s. We’d like Yamaha to use its crossplane technology in the next 2015 Yamaha YZF R6 to give us back the midrange and a V4-like sensation. With smaller pistons and titanium parts as used in the new R1, it could reignite the 600cc market.

Honda shows the refreshment form of their Middleweight Sportbike, CBR500R. Some of the latest features also added to the 2016 New Honda CBR500R.

As well as new edgier design, the latest features are also added in the 2016 New Honda CBR500R, such as Adjustable front suspension, Larger gas tank, New Hinged Fuel Cap, the brake lever that can be adjustable as well, New ignition key, and also shorter exhaust muffler that tuned for a satisfying low, crisp exhaust note, and more pleasing to the ear.

This 2016 New CBR500R was first exhibited at the American International Motorcycle Expo in Orlando, Florida, USA on October 15, 2015. The Mid-range CBR Sportsbike prepared for the novice rider, or a veteran rider who is looking for comfortable riding on a sportbike.




The styling refers to the flagship design CBR1000RR Fireblade. "'Aggressive Speed ​​Shape' is a concept style of the New CBR500R," wrote Honda. For lights, this new Baby CBR will use dual LED headlight that is also combined with the LED tail lights. This bike will be launched in US next year. Honda also had planned to sell this bike in North America, Europe, Asia and Japan too.

Guy Martin crashed out of the Dundrod 150 Superbike race at the Ulster GP on thursday, August 6, suffering fractures to his vertebrae, sternum and ribs. With metal rods stabilising his injuries, he checked himself out of hospital the same week after high-siding his Tyco BMW S1000RR.

A Journalist said at the race:

"The Ulster GP is a dangerous race, but as the riders slowly returned to the pits after the red flag, it became clear who was missing. Guy lost control of the bike at very high speed – it hit a tree, but he was lucky to tumble to the right by a couple of metres, hitting a large crash pad that flipped as his body flew into it. He lay worryingly still as the Marshalls rushed to help him, so it’s a massive relief to know that he survived what was a very serious incident."

In light of the injuries he sustained, the Triumph Land Speed Record team has decided to postpone the planned attempt until 2016, so that the Lincolnshire racer can be fully fit for the record run. Problems with the condition of the Bonneville Salt Flats had already cast doubt over the event, but Triumph – which planned to run a 1000bhp Streamliner powered by two turbocharged Rocket III engines – has released the following statement: "We’re obviously concerned with the news that Guy has sustained injuries as a result of his crash."

"While in true form, Guy has signed himself out of hospital this week, we all feel that given his injuries it won’t be possible to complete the required testing prior to attempting to take the record this year. Guy is a unique talent, and having such a pilot for our Rocket motorcycle is absolutely central to our attempt. We wish him a full and speedy recovery and will confirm a new date for our 2016 bid as soon as we can."

The German motorcycle market has completed its impressive recovery from the collapse of retail sales in 2008, according to the latest data released by the country’s motorcycle industry trade association.

The biggest-selling motorcycle in Germany during the first six months of the year was once again the BMW R1200GS, with 5130 sold. Second was Yamaha’s MT-07 at 2306, third was BMW’s R Nine T with 1915, followed by the Yamaha MT-09 at 1780 units, and the Kawasaki ER-6n with 1695 units.

In addition, a total of 1466 BMW S1000Rs were sold, along with 1422 BMW R1200Rs, 1259 Kawasaki Z800s, 1033 KTM 690 SMCs, and 1019 Ducati Scramblers. BMW Motorrad’s global sales continued to grow in June, with a total of 15,490 motorcycles and maxi-scooters delivered to customers, representing a 31% increase year-on-year.

BMW’s R1200GS is, Unsurprisingly, The Germans’ favourite bike.

Deliveries for the first half of 2015 totalled 78,418 units, an increase of 10.5% compared with the same period last year, and almost the same number of bikes as were delivered during the whole of 2009, when 87,306 motorcycles were sold. Both monthly and year-to-date figures set new sales records for BMW Motorrad.

After the BMW Concept Stunt G310, The concept of a small capacity naked bike of BMW Motorrad in collaboration with TVS was released some time ago, now appears photo rendering mass production version of BMW 300 Roadster, complete with all road-legal devices such as view mirrors, plate number, speedometer, and also the rear fender.

The shape is exactly the same as the concept version, The difference in this picture, Mass production of BMW 300 Roadster is wearing a headlamp and turn signal. There is also hanging a small mirrors,  speedometer, and also a tiny rear fender at the rear.



Interestingly, Now the seats shape clearly visible. Unlike the concept version that is enclosed by rear seat cover that looks connected to the rear, but there is a small mound as a barrier between the pillion rider. Other is the same, but there are some new components are more clearly visible like a Steel Tubular frame, Alumunium swing arm, Monoshock rear suspension and an Upside down front fork.




This A2-License BMW 300 Roadster reportedly will use a 4-Stroke, Single-Cylinder 310 cc, DOHC 4-Valve Engine. The Muffler will remain stay hide under the rear suspension. Similar Engine & Muffler position like KTM Duke 390, That will become biggest competitor in this market...

One of Our favourite bikes gets small but worthwhile improvements for the 2016 model year. The Kawasaki Z1000SX, which for many has taken over the do-anything sportstourer role of the Honda VFR800, gets a slipper clutch. The track-inspired mechanism brings two benefits: a lighter lever action, and partial disengagement to prevent the rear wheel locking up during rapid downchanges.

It will be standard on both the regular Kawasaki Z1000SX and the Tourer version, which comes with panniers. There will no longer be a non-ABS version. The colours have been tweaked – your choice is green, blue or grey – but prices are unchanged, at £9835 for the SX and £10,385 for the Tourer.

The Kawasaki Z1000SX’s adventure-styled cousin, the Versys 1000 (which already has a slipper clutch), gets a £200 price rise to £10,085 and comes in new colours.

If you like getting up-close and personal to a wide array of historic motorcycles, then the Shelsley Walsh Bike Festival is for you. The festival will feature large displays of historic and modern machines, as well as race bikes, plus a Paddock Specials area, motorcycle clubs, passenger ride experiences, an autojumble, live music, biker celebrities, and trade stands so there’s something for every biker.

Shelsley Walsh Bike Festival gives you the unique opportunity to get up close and see lots of historic, classic and modern race bikes and watch, smell, hear and see them run the historic hill climb course. Entries for Paddock Specials are both by invitation and by application – so if you own a historic bike, the organisers want to hear from you via their website. Shelsley Walsh is the oldest motor sport venue in continuous use in the world, being first used in 1905, making it older than Indianapolis, Le Mans or Monza.

One of the highlights will be legendary motorcycle builder Allen Millyard taking to the hill on his home-built "Flying Millyard" – do not by fooled by its appearance, despite resembling a vintage motorcycle, this beast is powered by a gigantic 5.0-litre V-twin engine designed for an aeroplane! Shelsley Walsh Bike Festival promises to be a great day out for all motorcycling enthusiasts.


What’s more on Shelsley Walsh Bike Festival, all event proceeds go to The Nationwide Association of Blood Bikes and Severn Freewheelers.

The event is held at Shelsley Walsh, Worcestershire WR6 6RP at September 13... and entry is £15 on the day or a tenner in advance with kids under 16 going free. It’s free parking, bikers get a free sidestand puck and free helmet park for bikers Gates open at 8.30am. For more go to: www.shelsleybikefestival.co.uk

Some of racing’s most iconic stars have returned for the first of what could be a stunning new series... The World GP Legends Race !

History lived again at Spain’s Jerez GP track, with the fire-breathing 500cc V-Fours of the two-stroke GP era ridden by the skilful stars who raced them back then, contesting a trio of races that were very definitely the real deal, not just parades.

1987 500cc world champion Wayne Gardner grabbed the first win of the weekend aboard a 1989 ex-Randy Mamola Cagiva V589, just pipping Didier de Radiguès on a Suzuki XR89 RGV500 and Kevin Schwantz on the very same XR84 Suzuki that he defended his world title on in 1994. It was a close battle between the legends, with pole-sitter Christian Sarron dicing with Freddie Spencer for fourth place, both mounted on factory YZR500 Yamahas, after it proved impossible to source a track worthy Honda for the American two-time 500cc world champion to race.


In the first of Sunday’s two races it was Fast Freddie’s turn to take the flag ahead of Schwantz and de Radiguès – his first race victory of any kind since his AMA Superbike win at Laguna Seca in 1999. In the final contest, Schwantz grabbed the early lead, but was caught and passed by Spencer. Undeterred, the pair swapped positions several times before Kevin eventually made the move stick, to the delight of the sizeable crowd of Spanish race fans enjoying the return of the two-strokes, and the men who made them famous.



The 500cc GP spectaculars were the highlight of a packed weekend in southern Spain, with support races for 250/350cc and 125cc two-strokes, the latter won by four-time world champion Jorge ‘Aspar’ Martinez, taking time off from his day job as MotoGP team owner. Autograph sessions, stunt shows, trial displays and two live entertainment shows each evening in the paddock added to the on-track action.

British-based promoter, Nick Wigley, plans to stage four or five such events annually around the world in coming years. "The passion from the fans here at Jerez is like nothing I’ve ever seen," he said... "And the potential for this to become something on a global scale is really, really exciting. We hope everyone has seen just how special this can be, and we are already in discussions to take the event to more venues around the world."

Freddie Spencer said: "For us it’s brilliant to be back on the 500s again. I’ve been riding a bike I was actually racing against back in the Eighties! It’s a great connection between us guys up here, the collectors who have given us the opportunity to race these bikes again, and the fans who have come along to see us. I’m truly looking forward to where this is going in the future, and being a part of it."

Key players employ relentless fiddling for next year’s dirt delights... Shiny new dirt bikes for 2016. Not for long.

Suzuki

There’s a host of changes to Suzuki’s RM-Z250 for 2016, based on successful alterations made to the 450 last year. These include Hole Shot Assist that alters the ignition map for the optimum start in a variety of conditions, and Kayaba’s second generation PSF2 air forks that save 1kg and give rapid suspension changes with a hand pump. There’s the 450’s kickstarter, and weight is shaved off nearly every engine component – there’s a total of 80 tweaks, giving a wider and smoother spread of power.

Honda

Honda’s 2016 CRF250R sees plenty of detail changes over last year’s model. They include: new cams; ports; valves; pistons and exhaust. There is also increased compression and revised mapping, plus longer forks for better stability. The CRF450R also gets the front-end changes, plus a new spring, linkage and damping settings for the shock.

Yamaha

Yamaha have made plenty of technical improvements to their YZ250F and YZ450F. The larger bike gets new cams with revised valve overlap, a better clutch and changes to the frame and suspension. The smaller one also gets a new crank, modified jets squirting cooling oil at the underside of the piston and smoother rev limiter intervention. The 450 also has launch control monitoring wheelspin and wheelies in first and second gear for faster, more consistent starts.

Husqvarna

All Husky’s motocross and enduro bikes get new forks with a smaller spindle, allowing shorter fork leg ‘shoes’ to increase trail. And they all get new yokes, brake discs and less slippery seats. The FE250 and 350 also have transmission updates, and the FE450 and 501 boast an improved clutch.

Fantic

Fantic Motors have a UK importer again. Their enduro and supermoto bikes use 50, 125 and 200cc Yamaha-Minarelli engines, the range-topping TZ200ER Caballero costing £5199. Enduro models are aimed at green-laners and club racers, and the supermoto bikes at road riders.

Screaming, smoking, sideway strokers are back ! Ladies and gents : the Suter MMX500... Let's cut to the chase. This modern interpretation of a 500cc Grand Prix bike weighs 127kg and gives 195bhp. That’s 1.54 bhp per kilo – almost 1.8 times the power-to-weight of Kawasaki’s brain-frying H2.

It’s by Suter Racing. Run by Swiss ex-GP rider Eskil Suter, they know how to build sharp bikes: they developed the Swissauto V4 for MZ’s dark-horse 500 of the 1990s, did the chassis for Kawasaki’s ZX-RR MotoGP bike and build championship winning Moto2 bikes. They’ve built the Suter MMX500 to recapture the "golden era", and also for WorldGP Bike Legends – an event that puts famous riders back on 500GP bikes. The first one was this summer at Jerez, and the hope is that Suters in period livery will be used instead of priceless originals, allowing Schwantz, Gardner and Spencer to actually race instead of just riding round.




Evolved from the MZ, the Suter MMX500 Two-Stroke V4 Engine has twin cranks geared together – it’s effectively two Parallel Twins. Capacity has grown from 500 to 576cc (there’s no official race class, after all), with fuel injection and two-stage exhaust valves. Titanium single-skin pipes ensure a suitable ‘ding’, with 195 horses at 13,000 RPM. It’s in a machined aluminium frame with adjustable geometry, flash Öhlins and magnesium wheels with 125/75 ZR17 and 205/75 R17 tyres.

They’ll build 99 at 120,000 Swiss francs each – just over £81,000. You can enter your bike in a GP Legends event for free, and race it yourself or hand it to one of the famous names. Tyres, fuel and oil are supplied, obviously. Alternatively buy one as the most delicious of playthings – after all, The Suter MMX500 is cheaper, more exclusive and has a better power-to-weight than Honda’s new RC213V-S...

500cc V4 Strokers ? You’re spoilt for choice...

The Suter MMX500 isn’t the only two-stroke V4 you can buy. German company Ronax sell a 500 that looks like Rossi’s NSR from the early 2000s. Their 499cc twin-crank motor has 160bhp at 11,500 RPM and is in a race-spec chassis. It weighs 145kg. Production is limited to 46 units, and they’re proving its abilities in various race classes. It’s £87,700 and you can buy it with lights too(making it legal is up to you, mind). Pay the required 30% deposit and they’ll let you ride a demonstrator on track.

Kawasaki is reportedly set to launch a mystery small-capacity machine in December. An invitation to the launch says details cannot yet be confirmed, but one thing for sure "it will be an all new small-capacity machine"... Interestingly, the firm says it’s not the Z125 - A mini Zed that's gunning for the success Honda has enjoyed with its successful MSX125, AKA the Grom. Which only seems to leave the also-rumoured Versys 250 / 300.

Small capacity adventure bikes are witnessing a steady increase in demand and local and international bike manufacturers alike are developing smaller models to get into these relatively unoccupied parts of the market. The latest to join the fray is Japanese manufacturer Kawasaki, which is reportedly developing an adventure sports bike based on the Ninja 250 / 300 street bike. The new model will likely be called the Kawasaki Versys 250 / 300, which is built around the engine from the Ninja 250 / 300 Twin cylinder - Like the bigger "brother" Kawasaki Versys 650 which is built from same platform as ER-6N / Ninja 650.


Kawasaki Versys 250 / 300 will be based on the Kawasaki Ninja 250-300 and will share its Diamond frame with the Z250-Z300. The rumour also indicates that the Versys 250 may come equipped with a upside down suspension at the front. But we believe that Kawasaki may want to keep the prices competitive by introducing the run-of-the-mill telescopic suspension. Braking duties, if the rendered image above is something to go by, would be performed by ventilated petal discs from Nissin. The motorcycle, similar to its larger displacement siblings, is likely to receive an underbelly suspension for a lower centre of gravity.

2015 Kawasaki Versys 650

Powering the Versys 250 / 300 will be the same engine found in the Kawasaki Ninja 250 - 300. That means a 249 cc, 8-Valve, Liquid-Cooled, Fuel-Injected, twin-cylinder engine will propel the motorcycle. Power figures will be close to the naked bike, which develops around 31 HP - 21 N.m (250s) and 39 HP - 27 N.m of torque (300s). The engine will transfer the power to the tarmac via a 6-speed manual gearbox. But we hope The Japanese firms would change the charasteristic of Versys 250 / 300's mid-range power, which feels a little awkward and juddery at town speeds in our test a little while ago. The All new small-capacity bikes is set to be launched on December 11-12 in Spain.


So what is it? The new Ninja 300 that Asian bike titles believe is coming ? Meh ! That’s supposedly an update rather than an all-new model. We believe Kawasaki Versys 250 / 300 would not be such a bad idea for Kawasaki to consider one. Mind you ?

Back in 1999 French designer Olivier Midy unveiled an ambitious project at the Paris bike show, featuring a brand new engine design – a 900cc boxer twin with one cylinder pointing forward and one pointing backward. Fitted to a tubular steel frame, that original prototype was styled by British designer Glynn Kerr. Finally unveiled late in 2014, the bike’s capacity had not only grown to 1036cc, but so had the expected price tag – a whopping £124,000. So Midual finally gave us their big twin after 15 years of waiting, but we wished it had looked more like this!

Engine

Originally designed with France’s 100bhp limit in mind, the 900cc engine would’ve been likely to appeal to those wanting torque over brute power. With the water-cooled engine canted forward to reduce length, this would also allow the rear cylinder to clear the rear shock.

One of the benefits of such an engine layout would be the narrow profile, making for a very slim, agile bike. The latest 1036cc motor is claimed to make a steady 106bhp and a healthy 74ft-lb of torque, which we think is achievable with the 900cc version.

Chassis

The cast aluminium alloy monocoque frame not only doubles as the fuel tank, but acts as the subframe too. The official bike is a classic roadster with a smattering of luxury thrown in but we’d forgo all that for more conventional tastes and a more performance-orientated bike. We’ve opted for sporty alloy Marchesinis over the spoked wheels which is more in line with the futuristic monocoque frame. Large aluminium brackets hold the swingarm pivot and engine firmly in place while Ohlins suspension takes care of the bumps.

Bodywork

We’ve styled our bike with minimal bodywork to showcase the chassis technology – just look at that frame! With a compact, low-slung headlight and waspish tail unit our Midual shuns the pillion option along with the usual tail-mounted number plate bracket for a cleaner, purer line. There might not be 45 different leather options for our version but it’d be a whole lot more of an affordable Midual experience and we think perhaps a much better one!

The Original Version

Yamaha has unveiled this leaning three-wheeler concept using an engine derived from the triple-cylinder 847cc unit in the MT-09. Called the Yamaha MWT-9, it's billed by Yamaha as a sports machine capable of "exceptional cornering performance" thanks to its extra front wheel. It's been unveiled as a concept bike at the Tokyo Motor Show, from October 28.

The engineering study model proposes a new type of motorcycle in the sports tourer segment. It is developed under a "Cornering Master" concept, to provide commendable cornering performance. The Yamaha MWT-9's twin front wheels has apparently taken the front-end off of a Tricity scooter, and flipped it so that the double-upped forks are on the outside of the wheels, presumably for more stability and rigidity through turns. This front-end is a stark contrast to what Piaggio developed with the MP3 500 scooter.

This new arrangement is claimed to promote a fluent riding around a series of tight corners and changing road surfaces. The MWT-9 is expected to spawn a production variant in the foreseeable future.



Yamaha MWT-9 Concept uses a liquid-cooled inline 3-cylinder 850 cc fuel-injected engine with DOHC, that appears to be the Yamaha MT-09’s engine - mounted inside a muscular and aggressive body structure. The posterior part of the machine is pretty much like a superbike.