BIKES

Bajaj launches Pulsar DTS-Fi 220 cc motorcycle

2008-07-22T12:43:00.000-07:00

Bajaj unveils Pulsar’s new avatar.

25 June, 2007

Combining an innovative pro-biking experiment with something even better, Bajaj Auto on Monday unveiled its 220 cc motorcycle Pulsar DTS Fi model. The launch came together with the opening of its first probiking' showroom in New Delhi.

The Pulsar DTS Fi model has been priced at Rs 81,280 (ex-showroom Delhi), said the company. The bike was initially test marketed in Pune earlier this year and dispatches for the motorcycles have started for all-India launch of the bike. The Pulsar DTS Fi is the first bike in the Indian market to have both front and rear disc brakes. The new bike will be made at Bajaj Auto's plant in Aurangabad. The plant will make 50,000 units of the new bike a year.

The company expects that sales will rise to more than 200,000 units a month from October after the launch of this new motorcycle. At the launch of the new Pulsar DTS Fi, Bajaj Auto said that motorcycle sales in the next two months were expected to be flat and would revive only in October after the launch of a new model. The company had sold 167,008 motorcycles in May 2007, which was in fact a decline of 15 per cent compared with the May 2006 figures. Bajaj had slashed motorcycle output by around 30,000 units as demand slowed due to high interest rates, it said.

However, things are expected to change. According to top officials, bike sales would rise to more than 200,000 units a month starting this October. Bajaj expects a 50 per cent increase in exports in the fiscal 2007-08.

The newly-launched Bajaj probiking showroom is the seventh one in the country and is an exclusive dealer shop to provide complete biking experience to the customers.

So, what next? Bajaj has lined up plans to develop a small four-wheel commercial vehicle and a small car too. The small car will be a high-tech 'experimental car', say the top brass. The company described it as a Bajaj Pulsar on four wheels.

Now what does that mean? We are quite clueless. Why would a motorcycle company create a high-tech, experimental car that is a motorcycle on four wheels? One, as a concept design, to show off your engineering and design skills and future vision. Two, a motorcycle on four wheels is usually called an ATV or Quad. Surely, Bajaj is not planning to produce an ATV for India, considering the legal problems involved in getting an ATv certified for on-road use? We suspect it is the former, or Bajaj is deliberately playing a misleading game here to throw others off the track. Guess we will have to wait and see

Yamaha launches R15 on 12th June

2008-07-22T04:21:00.001-07:00

Finally the wait is almost over, on the coming Thursday (12th June), Yamaha would launch the R15.

The 150cc liquid cooled Yamaha R15 would likely support a price tag of Rs. 1 Lakh and even though the full specifications haven’t been made public, it is expected to be the next performance king in India (barring its more powerful imported siblings).

Here is a teaser of the Yamaha R15 that Yamaha has release to build up excitement prior to the much awaited launch.

Yamaha has kept its promise and Yamaha R15 has been launched!

Rossi renews his contract with Yamaha

2008-07-22T04:18:00.000-07:00

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd has announced that it has signed a new two-year agreement with Valentino Rossi. The seven-time world champion will continue to race with the Yamaha Factory Racing Team for the 2009 and 2010 MotoGP World Championships.

The 29-year-old Italian joined Yamaha in 2004 and since then he has won two world championships, 32 races and taken 20 pole positions for the Japanese factory. He is currently leading the 2008 rider championship, having taken three wins and a further five podiums in the first ten races this year. Rossi will continue to race alongside Spanish youngster Jorge Lorenzo in 2009.

Rossi and Masao Furusawa, Executive Officer, Engineering Operations of Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd, signed the contract today at the Laguna Seca circuit and made the public announcement at Yamaha US’s traditional Laguna Seca party at the Monterey Bay Aquarium this evening.

Yamaha Motor Racing Managing Director Lin Jarvis commented, “We are obviously delighted to have secured Valentino for a further two years. I think this news will be very welcome for MotoGP fans and for Yamaha fans around the world. Valentino is an icon in this sport and he is on top form right now as he challenges to win his eighth world championship and his third title together with Yamaha. This signing confirms Yamaha’s four-rider line-up for 2009 so now we can concentrate our full efforts on bike development and team organization to make sure that we are in the best possible shape for next year.

“In the meantime we have many races to go this season and I hope that Valentino can win in Laguna Seca for the first time this Sunday to extend his championship lead before the well-deserved summer break – Forza Vale!”

Valentino Rossi added, “After so many years spent in racing, fortunately with so many victories, I needed a special motivation to take the decision to sign for two more years. The best place to find this motivation is Yamaha, since I have a great relationship with Yamaha’s directors, which comes from a mutual trust and loyalty. In our team there is a special atmosphere and with this new deal I can continue to work with my crew, where I am part of the project and part of the development of my M1. I had other opportunities but due to Yamaha’s efforts to give me the best bike in the best environment, I have decided to stay with Yamaha for two more years. This contract means that Yamaha is the manufacturer I will have spent most of my career with. This means more than a thousand words”

Honda VFR800 Interceptor to be Launched in India

2008-07-22T04:01:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week during Honda Stunner’s launch, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India’s (HMSI) President and CEO, S. Aoyama had unveiled Honda’s plan to launch Honda VFR 800 Interceptor in India, by the end of this financial year.

We take a sneak peak at the Honda VFR 800 and see what kind of impact it will have on the biking scene in India, and how it would be able to carve out a niche for itself, which at this moment isn’t being addressed by any of the motorcycles officially available in India.

Honda VFR 800 Interceptor is a Sports Touring Motorcycle i.e. it is meant for the highways with a relaxed and comfortable seating position, unlike the Sportsbikes that we currently see on the road. It’s sleek, aerodynamic bodywork is functional yet beautiful and air flowing through the windscreen’s central air vent provides cool air to the rider at low speeds and increases rider comfort at higher speeds by offering real protection from high velocity winds.

At the heart of the Honda VFR 800 is its 781cc DOHC 90-degree V-4 VTEC engine, which combines the power characteristics of both two- and four-valve cylinder-head designs. This revolutionary engine runs on two valves per cylinder below 6400 rpm, and then switches to four valves per cylinder to deliver significantly stronger low-end and mid-range torque while maintaining Interceptor’s impressive high-rpm power delivery.

43mm Honda Multi-Action System (HMAS) cartridge front fork provides enhanced handling under all riding conditions, while the Pro-Link single HMAS gas-charged shock does the duty at the rear. Ensuring that high speed touring doesn’t leads to backaches.

Honda VFR 800 is equally capable at night, thanks to its four brilliant multireflector headlights which employ two centrally positioned H4 low/high beams positioned under two widely spaced H7 high beams for brilliant nighttime illumination.

These features make the Honda VFR 800 Interceptor just the right weekend motorcycle for most, which would happily take you to majority of the weekend destination in comfort and style.

However all this comes at price, Honda VFR 800 Interceptor’s non ABS version would likely cost Rs. 10 lakhs in India, while the ABS version is expected to be priced at the same price as the Yamaha R1.

Honda VFR800FI Interceptor Specifications

Engine Type: 781cc liquid-cooled 90° V-4
Bore and Stroke: 72mm x 48mm
Compression ratio: 11.6:1
Valve Train: VTEC DOHC; four valves per cylinder
Induction: PGM-FI with automatic enricher circuit, 36mm throttle bodies and 12-hole injectors
Ignition: Computer-controlled digital with three-dimensional mapping and electronic advance
Transmission: Close-ratio six-speed
Final Drive: #530 O-ring chain
Suspension front: 43mm HMAS cartridge fork with spring preload adjustability; 4.3 inches travel
Suspension rear: Pro Arm single-side swingarm with Pro-Link single HMAS gas-charged shock with seven-position spring preload and rebound damping adjustability; 4.7 inches travel
Brake front: Dual full-floating 296mm discs with LBS three-piston calipers
Brake rear: Single 256mm disc with LBS three-piston caliper; Optional ABS (VFR800FI ABS)
Tyre front: 120/70ZR-17 radial
Tyre rear: 180/55ZR-17 radial
Wheelbase: 57.4 inches
Rake (Caster angle): 25.3°
Trail: 100mm (3.9 inches)
Seat Height: 31.7 inches
Fuel Capacity: 5.8 gallons, including 0.8-gallon reserve
Color: Silver Metallic
Curb Weight: 540 pounds (VFR800FI) / 551 pounds (VFR800FI ABS)

Suzuki To Launch Hayabusa in India

2008-07-22T03:57:00.000-07:00

Suzuki Motorcycles India has finalized plans to launch Suzuki Hayabusa in India in September.

“We will launch the bike in the first week of September,” said Atul Gupta, vice-president, sales and marketing, Suzuki Motorcycle India. “The demand for big bikes is actually more of a hype. Cumulatively these bikes sell only about 400 units per annum and we don’t expect volumes as well. Along with the GXR we will probably do 150 units per annum.”

According to Suzuki, besides the 105 per cent import duty, lack of infrastructure is also a big deterrent for growth. “India is not the place for these bikes. We don’t have the roads like they have in developed countries for them and it is not fun to ride them at say 70 km per hour,” Gupta said. “We are nevertheless launching the Hayabusa because it will showcase our strength as a bike manufacturer. Moreover these are already available in the grey market so we might as well legalize them.”

Suzuki Hayabusa when launched is expected to be priced at Rs. 11 lakhs. Yamaha already sells Yamaha R1 at the similar price in India.

Honda CBF Stunner Launched

2008-07-22T03:54:00.000-07:00

Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India today unveiled the Honda CBF Stunner in New Delhi.

The 125cc Honda Stunner produces 11bhp at 8000rpm and 11nm of torque at 6500rpm. Honda claims the Stunner can achieve 60kmph from standstill in 5.2 seconds, which ought to make the Stunner one of the fastest 125cc motorcycles in India, if not the fastest.

Loaded with goodies like front and rear tubeless tyres, alloys, half fairing and stepped up seat, the CBF Stunner is the most beautiful and loaded 125cc motorcycle in India.

However all this comes at a price, the basic kick start drum brake version of Honda CBF Stunner would Rs. 47,070, while the self start drum brake version costs Rs. 49,820, while the top of the line disc brake version (with self start) would set you back by Rs. 51,655 (prices ex. showroom Delhi).

Technical Specification of Honda CBF Stunner
Engine type: 4 stroke, Air cooled OHC single cylinder
Displacement: 124.7cc
Max power: 11bhp @ 8000rpm
Max Torque: 11Nm @ 6500rpm
Starting system: Kick/self
Gear shift pattern: 1 Down - up
Headlamp: 35/35W 12V Halogen
Front suspension: Telescopic hydraulic fork
Rear suspension: 3 step spring loaded hydraulic shock absorver with recangular box type swing arm
Front tyre: 80/100-17″ 46p (tubeless)
Rear tyre: 100/90-17 55p (tubeless)
Front brake: 130mm drum (optional 240mm disc)
Rear brake: 130mm drum brake
Length: 2012mm
Width: 734mm
Height: 1113mm
Wheelbase: 1271mm
Ground Clearance: 173mm
Fuel tank capacity: 10 liters (2 liter reserve)
Kerb weight: 129kg

BSM Bike Of The Year 2008

2008-07-22T01:18:00.000-07:00

Business Standard Motoring Bike Of The Year 2008 - Bajaj XCD 125

The Bajaj XCD 125! The XCD 125 brought a new scale of value-for-money to the volume-end of the Indian motorcycle market. But more importantly, it is the sole all-new motorcycle to be launched this year. Our awards format has always respected and rewarded the manufacturer who puts in the effort to create an all-new product.

2007 was characterised not by all-new machines, but by six other significant variants and upgrades and we decided to bring them in for the awards evaluation. They made the XCD's task more difficult, obviously, but at the end of the evaluation, while the results were interesting, the XCD's ability to fit its role left us impressed.

Perhaps the biggest name in this year's contenders list was the Bajaj Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi. It led the performance scores, shared the top subjective scores with its close sibling, the Pulsar 200 DTSi, and was the clear leader in the features class as well. And why not, it is a superbly crafted motorcycle, easily the most effortless, cohesive of all the Pulsars. The unrivalled headlamps and sporty ergonomics also won it points.

However, our awards evaluation structure favours the less expensive and more frugal motorcycles. So while the 220's excellent economy won it points, the price tag lost it the biggest chunk of the points. Its sibling, the 200, shared similar scores on many parameters, but trailed the 220 on performance as well as features and economy. But its significantly lower price added to its advantage over the 220. So, in the final score, the 200 actually outscored the 220 by just under one per cent.

Hero Honda had two contenders this year, both variants or upgrades – the Splendor NXG and the Hunk. The Splendor was the smallest bike in the contenders list, and while it topped the fuel economy charts, it scored the lowest in the performance category. But on the whole, the competition was simply too strong. Even winning lots of points for a low price tag would not bring it close to winning.

The Hunk, on the hand, did rather well. And it should. After all, it shares all of its powertrain with our 2007 Bike Of The Year, the Hero Honda CBZ X-Treme. In the company of the 220, the 200 and the Apache RTR, its performance score was middle-order. It also lost points to the trio on a number of subjective parameters as well as features. A handful of points earned with marginally greater economy only meant one thing – the 150cc class price tag would get it the points needed to inch ahead of the more expensive competition. As it turned out, the Hunk's points deficit turned into a minute advantage over the Bajajs, thanks to the lower price alone.

Royal Enfield could not provide us with a Machismo 500 in time for this test, and therefore was not actively considered for an award. But, having extensively ridden the motorcycle, we decided to score it anyway, to be able to pin down its position on the charts. While the 500 did fairly well throughout, its six-figure price tag was a huge burden, and it lost a substantial number of points.

Which brings us to the TVS Apache RTR 160. The aggressive new TVS impressed with its engine performance as well as dynamic character. It did well in the performance department and stayed close to the 220 in the subjective evaluation as well, only to lose out on the features front. However, its massive price advantage took the Apache RTR well ahead. Since it scored the highest among the variant/upgrades, we've decided to salute TVS' achievement with the RTR. Which is why the TVS Apache RTR 160 wins the debut Business Standard Motoring Performance Bike Of The Year 2008.

But standing head and shoulders above the variants and upgrades is the Bajaj XCD 125, the Business Standard Motoring Bike Of The Year 2008. Its biggest achievement is that it brings a significant change in a segment which we've always criticised as sluggish and status-quo oriented in product evolution terms. It takes on the mighty Indian 100cc commuter, with a frugal, larger displacement engine and a superb price tag. It also looks modern and fresh, rather than template styling that most of the segment's motorcycles tend to resort to, while enjoyable dynamics and good ride quality only make the package that much more compelling. Ladies and gentlemen, put your hands together for our 2008 Bike Of The Year, the XCD 125. Congratulations, Bajaj!

Longest Bike in the World

2008-07-21T22:21:00.000-07:00

Can you imagine a bike as long as 31 ft 4 inches ( 9.57m). What you can’t imagine has been registered in the Guiness Record Book as the longest bike in the world. It’s creator Oleg “Leshij” Rogov was a Russian who recently died in an accident.

BATMAN'S NEW BIKE

2008-07-21T13:21:00.000-07:00

Think US motorbikes and you think hogs, choppers and any number of metal beasts that scare children and make mothers want to lock up their daughters. The Asian and European approach is a little more streamlined – lighter, faster bikes that mirror their racing counterparts, but with very little soul or personality. In design terms they are worlds apart. But one US firm is hoping to modernise things radically. Victory Motorcycles has created the Vision 800 Concept which, for US bikes, is a real departure. An 800cc engine, long-wheelbase, 4-stroke, liquid cooled and aluminium frame but, just look at how they put it together. Batman eat your heart out. If the brutal looking tank from Batman Begins has a two-wheeled cousin then this is it. Via Gizmag.

TVS RACING INDIA

2008-07-21T12:57:00.000-07:00

Team TVS Racing

In the highly competitive automobile industry in India, team TVS Racing has emerged as the undisputed two-wheeler leader. TVS Motor Company is strongly committed to Motor Racing, in India and has been responsible for growing interest and enthusiasm for the sport in this country.

The beginning of racing at TVS

It all began way back in 1984 when Sundaram Clayton Limited (A TVS Group company) introduced its 50 CC mopeds in the arena of road racing, notching up unbelievable speeds of 105 kmph. Since then, there has been no looking back for TVS Motor Company. TVS Racing was established in 1987 with the objective of improving the performance of its bikes. Over the years it has provided valuable data, design inputs, development of reliable motorcycle models, excellent vehicle dynamics & handling etc. The true evidence of it is seen in today�s TVS Apache and Star.

The Evolution of Racing at TVS

The next significant stride TVS Racing took was in 1986-87 when TVS introduced 100 cc AX 100 model Motorcycles into road racing. These bikes during its time were undisputed in the Indian soil as it had power up to 16 bhp as against a mere 7-8 bhp in commercial bikes.

In the year 1989, TVS Racing for the first time actively participated in off road racing events such as Motocross, Dirt Tracks, Rally etc. This was a logical decision by TVS Racing especially since they wanted to showcase their technical prowess to the public across the country. This was also the time when off track racing events started gaining its popularity in India.

TVS Racing put their own bikes including imported Suzuki machines to rigorous test by participating in all major motocross and rally events and thereby gaining experience to take home as feedback. In 1991 TVS developed their first Motocross bike fitted with an indigenous engine to participate in the Expert Class Group B bike category, which is more popularly known as Shogun. The Shogun Engine was modified to participate in other classes of race and since then there has been no looking back for TVS Racing. This bike went on to become the undisputed winner for over 10 years by winning all the races in its class.

1995-96 saw the introduction of two more Suzuki bikes by TVS Racing and this enhanced its competency levels by a series of winning streaks at the Championship level. The year 2000 saw the introduction of higher classes of races including up to 250 cc categories. Since this introduction, TVS racing has emerged victorious in all classes and has kept the National Championship ever since. Today, under the upto 180 cc bike class category, TVS Fiero has taken a dominant position in the Fours Stroke Category in all recent National Motocross Championships.

With high involvement in motocross TVS Racing has extracted a major advantage from this sport by using the racetrack as a testing opportunity for their motorcycles. Testing of these motorcycles on different terrain and varying temperatures has helped the company to test and develop its motorcycles much faster than if the motorcycles were tested on the street, giving the technical department valuable feedback and data to help improve on standards.

It has to its credit an astonishing over 90% success rate in all leading racing events in the country since 1987. Some of the major successes of the team have been


	Win in Raid De Himalaya Rally 1999
	National Road Racing Championship - won continuously from 1995 to 2001
	MRF National Motocross Championship - have won in all leading classes for last 4 years
	Gulf Dirt Track 2002 won in foreign open class and 2003 won in Indian modified class
	Over 90 per cent victory in 270 races participated so far.

International Triumphs

Perhaps the biggest triumph for TVS Racing was its participation in 5 prestigious International events last year of which they emerged champions in two of them; Lake Cross 2003 and 2004 and Fox Hill Super Cross 2003 and 2004 held in Sri Lanka. The year 2003 saw TVS�s ace rider C. Vijaykumar emerge victorious and 2004 had Syed Rehman of TVS Racing winning against leading Sri Lankan racers in Honda and Kawasaki bikes. In addition TVS rider C. Vijaykumar has earned the distinction of being the sole representative of India in the Asian Championships.

What is Motocross all about

Internationally Motocross is an outdoor dirt bike competition using long courses over natural terrain with some manmade jumps. It is seen as a family sport with parents assisting their young children teaching them the basics. Motocross involves racing in what are called Motos. More popular variants of Motocross include Supercross and Arenacross, which cater to professional racers, larger audiences, TV, and endorsements conducted inside a stadium. In India, Supercross is construed as motocross and vice versa as it has been the practice since the beginning.

The popularity of the sport can be dated back before World War II in some parts of Europe and due to the war the flurry of enthusiasm came to a standstill. After the World War II the sport gained more popularity but speed, nimbleness and durability was lacking in the machines. It was in the 1960�s that saw its popularity spreading across the globe especially in the US where new dimensions to daredevil riding and mechanics were added.

Motocross in India

In India Motocross is practiced as a dirt bike competition using relatively short courses inside stadiums with mostly manmade jumps. Clubs with licenses in motorsports usually organize these shows in tie up with large organisations. Audiences are larger and professional racers promoted by two wheeler companies participate in racing. Earlier small clubs practiced the sport with participations from local and privateers as corporate participation was not available. TVS Motor Company was the first two wheeler company to involve in Motorsport in India in a big way by way of both participation as well as sponsorship. The sport received a major boost in the country with professional riders and efficient motorcycles being available for competition. As a corporate entry TVS M enjoyed dominance in both on road and off road races of two wheelers in India for over a decade. It was in the late 90�s that Yamaha joined the bandwagon to compete with TVS M.

Apart from Motocross / Supercross there are also Dirt track race, drag race, hill climb, rally etc. Dirt Track racing is conducted on flat dirt surface. There are no jumps in dirt track however, it has bends and curves. Drag race is a straight stretch of road and usually winners are judged on the basis of timings achieved for a particular distance. Hill climbs tracks are very rare in India and two wheeler rallies are rare compared to motocross events in India.

As on today TVS M and Yamaha are the only two companies that participate in this sport in India with professional racers. Few individuals and local racers too participate in races held locally. The organizers normally hold local class races to encourage local participation. In terms of sponsorship MRF spends the most with the title of national motocross championship credited to them. The national dirt track championship title is credited to Gulf Oil. Other leading sponsors include, Kalyani Brakes, Indian Oil Corporation, BPCL, Gulf Oil, TVS Motor Company and Yamaha.
TVS M is the only company that views the sport as a direct arm of their R&D. Yamaha Racing in India is being promoted by a Bangalore based dealer with support from Yamaha Singapore. The Indian arm of Yamaha�s involvement is very minimal. Yamaha too have a professional racetrack just outside Bangalore city for their racers to practice. In the recent past Yamaha�s involvement in the sport has been increasing with more support pouring in from Singapore.

Controlling body of Motocross Events

In India

A Central body called The Federation of Motor Sports Club of India (FMSCI) controls motor Sports in India. While the actual sports events are organised by various clubs in the Country, the guidelines, technical regulations and common organising conditions are formulated, co-ordinated and implemented by the Federation. They work under the aegis of Asian Motorcycle Union (UAM) and Federation Internationale de Motocycliste (FIM).

International

The Asian Motorcycling Union (UAM) was formed in 1998 as the governing body for all motorcycle sports in Asia. The mandate to promote and develop motorsports in this region is given to this body that comprises 18 member countries including Malaysia, Macau, Iran, People�s Republic of China, Taiwan, India, Thailand, Hong Kong, Korea, Kuwait, Indonesia, Mongolia, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Langka, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The Federation Internationale Motocycliste (FIM), Switzerland, grants the sporting powers to UAM.

Leading organizers and Championship in India

MRF National Motocross Championship - This championship is by far the most prestigious of all two-wheeler races in India. It was first started in 2000 and is organized by Sportstrek, headed by Mr. Shyam Khotari. Mr. Khotari has behind him years of experience in racing and conducting these races. He was a key racer for TVS Motor Company in the past and has won a lot of accolades for the company. In all the years TVS racing team has been dominating the races in most of the 6 championship classes.

Gulf Dirt Track Challenge - This National event started in 2002 and in the last two years both TVS and Yamaha have shared honours in the two championship events. This event is organized by Sportscraft headed by Shrikant Karani, a veteran motorsports enthusiast.
In addition there are many other motocross events that are conducted by lesser known clubs and organizations in various towns. These events have always attracted a sizeable crowd ranging from 15,000 to 20,000 spectators.

Yamaha FJR1300A

2008-07-21T12:29:00.000-07:00

Fuel injected 1300cc engine Aluminium chassis and swingarm for better handling
3 way catalyser with 02 feedback for low EU3 emissions
Adjustable middle cowl and Avant garde aerodynamics for extra comfort
Adjustable windscreen for better protection

MV Agusta F4 R 312

2008-07-21T12:24:00.000-07:00

The evolution of racing bikes is the result of many small steps. the underlying concept is never abandoned, rejected or turned upside down. It is only meticulous little changes that finally lead to perfection. It is for this very reason that the F4 has made history in the annals of sports bikes and gone on to become a legend.

The F4 of today is a symbol of this legend. The R312 where "three hundred and twelve" is the top speed. To go fast means, tests, hard work, sweat and winning on the track with all the sacrifices and dedication that calls for. With the F4 1000 R MV Agusta was the protagonist last season in the Superstock production series. Unlike others, it is style that adds to the MV machines lined up on the starting grid. More words seem hardly enough to describe the beauty and appeal of a model that, still today, leaves the competition unable to answer.

It is not just its streamlined elegant looks or prestigious name, this time it is also a record holder - 312 km/h. To win on the track you always need more speed. This is why the production MV F4 1000 R 312 now has an evolved professional suspension system. Huge 50 mm Marzocchi forks provide all the stability that an incredibly powerful bike needs.

The forks are carbonitride treated and feature 13 compression and 22 rebound settings. The Sachs monoshock absorber has double hydraulic compression settings to deal with acceleration stress. Compression settings can relate to high speed use for tracks that have small uneven sections on the curves and for low speed handling to make shock absorption more progressive on accelerating out of a bend. The real beauty of monoshock absorbers is the fact that they offer spring preload options. To improve the gyroscopic effect of a motorbike that wants to be "Top Gun" has meant superlight forged Y- spoke aluminium Brembo wheels fitted with 190 tyres of which a full 6 inches comes in contact with the ground at the rear. It has meant Brembo brakes on the R312 with 320 mm front discs with P4/34 radial calipers.

The F4 R 312 puts out over 180 CV at 12,400 rpm. This too is a record if you consider the Euro 3 limit. It is the result of painstaking development work on the 4 cylinder MV engine with special work done to the cylinder head. New 30 mm Del West titanium valves with reinforced springs were fitted and cams given redesigned raised profiles. Throttle bodies had their inner diameters increased from 46 to 48 mm and longer intake horns were fitted. All this provided an increase of 8 CV "sweetened" by the Magneti Marelli 5 SM Eprom Flash Memory CPU that not only manages the power output but the EBS (Engine Brake System) too. This anti-bounce system is controlled by a solenoid valve that allows the second cylinder to provide power even on deceleration with the valves closed.

The only thing left to do is decide on a colour scheme to make the dream come true. There is the innovative white livery that highlights the geometric form of the machine, "Bodoni" black that leads for style and elegance and lastly, the classic MV Agusta red/silver.