Motorbike

People are prepared to pay a fortune to look cool.The same applies on two wheels but learners can now do it for just $6000 with Suzuki's 1970s styled TU250X. It isn't going to win a drag race, but it doesn't need to ... it's styled like a cafe racer for beginners.VALUEThe Suzuki combines old school looks with old school pricing. The scrambler styling gives it a unique look in the Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme pack and there's nothing wrong with the way its built either.TECHNOLOGYBeneath the retro looks, the little Suzuki is fuel injected and runs a front disc brake with a dual-piston caliper. The single-cylinder engine has a sporty but muted exhaust note and uses bugger-all fuel  200km is well within reach of the 12 litre tank.STYLINGModern bikes are multicoloured. To add to the contrast, the Suzuki runs subdued paint schemes  grey and black. The single round headlight is the big feature, along with chromed and spoked wheels and chrome rear shocks. It looks basic, just like it should.SAFETYOff-the-line acceleration will keep the TU250X away from the the traffic. Sounds simple, but it will keep a rider alive. And the slim bike will filter through most situations  it's no wider than a small scooter. That combination makes it a near-perfect urban commuter.RIDINGThe low seat height makes this an easy bike to throw a leg over. It's light, too, so smaller bodies will quickly come to terms with the Suzuki. And it runs smoothly and turns-in crisply at legal speeds. Go beyond that and there's a thrum through the frame and the shocks start to stutter over a sequence of bumps.VERDICTThis is close to ideal for learner riders who want something different but don't want the hassle of an old bike. The looks put a smile on people you pass and the price should appeal.

Scootin need not be joyless just because it's practical. The Taiwan-made Sym Firenze 300i maxi-scooter is economical and practical, but it will also take you places you wouldn't normally go on a scooter with plenty of comfort and fun built in.VALUESym has 17 models in Australia from 50-300cc starting from less than $2000, while this is the flagship at $6295 plus on-road costs. With a frugal fuel-sipping habit of 3.3L/100km and a relatively big 12-litre tank you have range of almost 400km which is unheard of in most scooters.TECHNOLOGYThis scoot is powered by a single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, four-valve 264cc four-stroke engine that is quiet, smooth and refined with 0-60km/h acceleration that will see you safely zoom away from traffic at the lights.It revs out to 8000rpm and reaches 100km/h in a modest 10 seconds topping out at around 130km/h depending on rider weight, load and wind conditions. Instruments include an analogue speedo, LCD screen for trip, odo, fuel and clock, plus a tacho which is a rare sight on a scooter.SAFETYUnlike many scooters, this comes with linked disc brakes front and rear, providing amazing stopping power, especially from the back brake where all the weight is. It also has two fog lights for night safety, Audi-style daytime running lights up front for daytime visibility, large vibe-free mirrors and an immobiliser in the underseat storage area for added security.STYLEThis smart-looking scooter has a number of handy design features that make it a practical solution for the commuter and tourer. There is a switch that releases the seat latch to access the massive, carpeted storage area so you don't have to take the key out of the ignition.There is room in there for a full-size helmet and a jacket. It also contains a light and the immobiliser switch. The Firenze has plenty of other storage areas - one in the footwell, a big lockable glovebox in the front cowl and another by the right handlebar. Plenty of space for gloves, neck warmer, change, mobile phone etc.RIDINGWide handlebars, dual adjustable rear shocks and big 13-inch wheels are the secrets to the ride comfort and handling of this scooter. They make city commuting a breeze where it will maneuvre through tight spots and soak up big potholes while also providing plenty of stability on the highway. Passing trucks will cause a bit of instability, but nothing scary.Take it into the mountains and the engine will pull strongly and the 110-130mm tyres provide stacks of grip for radical lean angles and rapid cornering. Unlike many scooters, the rider isn't cramped. Even tall riders will appreciate the seat comfort, leg room and reach to the handlebars. You can ride with your feet on the floorboards, or on the tread of the front cowl for highway comfort.Pillions get a wide and deeply padded seat with a confidence-inspiring padded backrest. Our only gripe is that although the windscreen provides plenty of weather protection, it is a bit too big and steep, causing some buffeting around the helmet at more than 80km/h.VERDICTThis scooter will not only solve your commuting and parking hassles, but also prove a fun weekend getaway vehicle.Sym Firenze 300Price: $6295 (+ORC)Warranty: 4 years/unlimited kmResale:  42 per cent (3 years)Service interval: 3500km/12 monthsEngine: 264cc, single cylinderTransmission: CVT autoBody: 2165mm (L) x 870mm (W) x 1380mm (H), 755mm (Seat)Fuel: 12-litre tankTyres: 110 90/13; 130 70/13Brakes: 240/220mm discsDry weight: 184kgThirst: 3.3/100km 

Calling a bike a Speed Triple means it has a lot to live up to. Adding an R tag ust adds to the burden of expectations but Triumph's latest big-bore naked bike delivers on the promise. If your neck muscles can cope with the strain the Speed Triple R is a genuine track and street weapon.VALUEAt $22,290 price the Triumph is level-pegging with the Aprilia Tuono for the affections of potential owners. They're different beasts in many respects but share a common trait: covering ground at speed. The Street Triple R misses out on the Tuono's traction control but picks up $7000 of top-spec Ohlins shocks, Brembo monoblock front brakes with switchable ABS and custom PVM rims.TECHNOLOGYOhlins helped calibrate the suspension settings and provided the Moto GP derived NIX30 front forks and TTX36 rear shock. Every click has a noticeable impact on the bikes behaviour and makes it easy to switch from street to track riding. The 1050cc engine is in the same state of tune as the regular Street Triple but the gearbox has been upgraded for more precise changes.STYLINGThe muscular Triumph will suit bigger riders than the Max Biaggi-based dimensions on the Tuono. There's room to move on the seat without affecting riding stability or to grab the wide tapered bars and guide the big triple through a tight run of corners.Passengers won't complain either with a decent sized  and well-padded seat. The red sub-frame, custom black rims and carbon fibre around the radiator and tank make it obvious this is the R-rated machine.SAFETYThe Brembo brakes up front are so strong and progressive they almost make the ABS software redundant. Top-of-the-line Pirelli road rubber won't shift without serious throttle provocation and even then are predictable and consistent.RIDINGThis is a bike for those who appreciate - and are prepared to pay for - the finer things in life. It's the two-wheeled counterpart of a European convertible sports car - built and styled to impress passers-by but with enough feral attitude to be a seriously quick fang.  Corner speed and mid-range acceleration are phenomenal to the point you can easily forget this isn't a sportsbike, until you hit the next high-speed straight.VERDICTThe added components on the Speed Triple R transform a seriously quick bike into a sportsbike challenger on just about any road, while still being a much more comfortable every day ride. The cost will ensure exclusivity  but for those who push on, or just want the best mechanical technology money can buy,  it's a quality investment.FACTOIDThe Speed Triple was the fourth most popular naked bike in Australia last year with 210 sales but was outgunned by its 675cc stablemate, the Street Triple, with 318 sales.Triumph Speed Triple RPrice: $22,290Warrenty: Two years, unlimited kmSafety: Switchable ABS brakes, Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa tyresEngine: 99kW/111Nm 1050cc in-line triple-cylinderTransmission: six-speed, chain driveDimensions: 2100mm (L), 795mm (W), 1110mm (H), 1435mm (WB) SEAT HEIGHT: 825mm FUEL TANK: 17.5 litres WET WEIGHT: 212kgSuspension: Ohlins 43mm inverted front forks with rebound and compression adjustment, Ohlins rear shock with rebound and compression adjustmentBrakes: Dual 320mm front discs with Brembo four-piston calipers; 255mm rear disc with Nissin dual-piston caliper 

This Is the first love child of German and Swedish/Italian parents. Former Swedish off-road bike manufacturer Husqvarna - now built in Italy and owned by BMW - has produced its first road bikes for more than 50 years.The Nuda 900 and 900 R are based on the BMW F 800 engine and layout, but powered up and stripped back. After all, Nuda stands for nude in Italian.VALUEThis is a cross between a naked bike and a super motard, so it competes with the likes of the BMW F 800 R ($13,900), KTM 990 Supermoto T ($18,990) and Ducati Hypermotard ($15,990-$20,990). At $13,995 for the Nuda and $15,995 for the R with fully adjustable Ohlins suspension, carbon fibre extras, stronger brakes and smaller front sprocket, it is a strong competitor. Luggage and other accessories are available, but cheaper if bought in packages such as touring ($1596-$2031), racing ($1305-$2176) or urban ($1015).Importer Paul Feeney, of the Paul Feeney Group on the Gold Coast, says Husqvarna is "heading for a premium brand in off and on road" and declares the first three containers (90 bikes) are already sold. Only 30 of the 52 Husky dealers nationwide have qualified to stock the new road bikes.TECHNOLOGYThe BMW parallel twin has been bored out from 798cc to 898cc to lift power from 64kW to 77kW and torque from 84Nm to 100Nm. It also gets new pistons, conrods, cam shafts, cylinder heads, valves and a balancer for less vibration and a totally different feel to the BMW bikes that use this engine.Husky has developed a comprehensive instrument pod with a lot of useful information, rather than the basic cycle-like instruments we have come to expect from their dirt bikes. Even the base model gets Sachs shocks and Brembo brakes with braided lines.DESIGNIt looks like a stick insect and retains a lot of Husky's off-road character with sharp angles, narrow girth, red cylinder heads and a high and hard seat. You can distinguish the R from the standard by the flash of racing red down its side.These bikes are 50mm shorter than the BMW with a steeper fork rake, combining for a sharp-steering machine and at 174kg it's also 3kg lighter, further adding to its nimble nature. Its big air intakes and F1-styled front fender and "tank" area make it stand out from other naked bikes.The base model gets a slightly stepped seat which is pure torture, while the flatter and higher R seat is surprisingly more comfortable ... but only just.SAFETYBMW's obsession with safety hasn't yet filtered through as the Husky does not get ABS. However, it's only a matter of time. It could also do with a slipper clutch to avoid back-wheel lock-ups caused by the high engine compression ratio of 13:1, although some may enjoy the effect of "backing" it into corners.The Brembo brakes are strong with the R a little too touchy and powerful. Riders can also switch to a rain mode which softens the power delivery.RIDINGOnly tall people need apply. Nuda sits 870m high at the seat, but a low-seat option drops that 16mm, while the R is 875mm-895mm depending on rear shock adjustment. However, it's a comfortable upright position with wide bars and familiar controls. Peak power is exciting, although not scintillating.Most riders will enjoy the rush of speed from the brutish torque that lofts the front wheel with ease from low speeds and in the first three gears. You rush through the slick close-ratio box and just ride that wave of torque. Neutral is easy to find.It steers quickly, yet the wide bars provide high-speed stability. The stiff suspension of the standard finds it chattering sideways across high-frequency bumps. Somehow the stiffer, yet faster-acting Ohlins suspension works much better.Feeney backed the clickers off a couple of settings, but it could have done with more over the rough northern NSW roads on the national press launch. Like the BMW, it has an underseat fuel tank to centralise the weight for better balance. It only takes 13 litres of fuel for a claimed range of 250km, but one bike ran out of fuel on the launch at the 200km mark and the rest were running on vapours. When it's fueled up and running there is no better exhaust noise - like a growling wolf. It's surprising it passes the noise tests.VERDICTGreat fun for short blasts, but only if you are tall. I can't see too many riders fitting it with luggage and venturing too far.Husqvarna Nuda 900Prices: $13,995 ($15,995, R)Warranty: 2 yrs, unlimited kmService interval: 10,000kmEngine: 898cc parallel twin, 77kW/100NmTransmission: 6-speed, chain driveFuel: 13L tankEconomy: 3.9L/100km (@ 90km/h), 95 RONDimensions: 2190mm (L), 895mm (W), 1220mm (H), 860-895mm (Seat), 1495mm (WB)Dry weight: 174kg 

Suzuki Australia spokesman Eoin Black says the last time they had a price rise was in October 2009. Since then, the bikes have become the first motocrossers to introduce electronic fuel injection which is now widespread across the segment. The new race-ready RM-Z450 and RM-Z250 are little changed for 2012 with new colours and graphics. However, Suzuki is introducing an improved spares kit with the addition of frequently used spares such as air filter, oil filter, piston ring set and o-ring oil filter cover. Black says the RM-Z models are also now included in their Suzuki Finance Holeshot 4.99 per cent campaign. Suzuki's Support Rider program will also have "generous contingency payments" for the upcoming Super X season to riders competing on Suzukis. Black says sales of their MX range are up 5 per cent so far this year while the off-road sector is down 7.5 per cent. He says racing success underpins the sales success of the RM-Z range. Both are strong competitors in Australian and American motocross and supercross. Errol Willis recently claimed the Under 19 2011 Australian National Motocross Championship on an RM-Z250. At the heart of their success is the battery-less EFI that uses a capacitor-assisted starting system for easy kick-starting.It is powered by a durable, lightweight magneto-generator after starting. The EFI system in the RM-Z450 ($11,590) has three fuel maps (lean, standard and rich) to allow riders to fine tune their preferences to suit track conditions. Following in the footsteps of its big brother, the RM-Z250 ($10,690) was the first, quarter-litre production motocross machine to feature EFI. The little MX has a sturdy connecting rod and mirror finishing allowing a stunning 13,500rpm maximum engine speed. Both models now sport a red gripper seat cover and black fork leg protectors with new graphics in Suzuki's traditional yellow and black livery.Suzuki motocrossersPrices: $10,690 (RM-Z250), $11590 (RM-Z45)Engines: 449cc, four-stroke, single-cylinder, liquid cooled, DOHC, 4-value; 249cc,four-stroke, single-cylinder, liquid cooled DOHCTransmission: 5-speed, constant meshWheelbase: 1475mm (250), 1480mm (450)Seat: 955mmLength: 2170mm; 2185mmWidth: 830mmHeight: 1270mm; 1260mmKerb weight: 104.5kg; 112kgFuel tank: 6.5/6.2 litres

Carbon fibre is tough and light which makes it ideal for shedding some weight in race cars and bikes.But mainly it just looks great. So when one of our top three Carsguide Bikes of the Year became available with a range of carbon fibre bits and pieces, we couldn't resist the chance to throw our leg over just one more time.VALUEThe Aprilia Tuono V4R APRC is listed at $21,990 which slots in between the Ducati Hypermotard 1100 EVO ($20,990) and Ducati Streetfighter Sports ($23,990) and compares well with the Triumph Speed Triple R ($22,290), although the beautiful MV Agusta Brutale 1090RR ($19,400) wins the price war.Our test bike was fitted with a range of carbon fibre that pumped up the price to $24,821. It includes carbon fibre front guard ($349), under seat panels ($273.19 each), tank cover panel ($295.84) and slip-on pipes ($1640). Value is enhanced by a high resale value.TECHNOLOGYAt the heart of this naked bike is the 1000cc v-twin based on the RSV4 which won the 2010 World Superbike Championship. It produces 119kW of power, but is tuned differently for more usable power and better midrange torque. There is more grunt here than you will ever need on a naked bike -- and two superfluous cogs, unless you take it to a track or ship it to Germany to ride their autobahns.The show stoppers are the electronic rider aids. There's Aprilia Performance Ride Control, traction control, wheelie control, launch control and quick shift. It also comes with ABS and a Sachs steering damper.SAFETYThe rider controls not only allow you to extract the utmost performance from the machine, but also save your bacon in tricky situations. During our test, we encountered wet roads and emergency stops in commuter traffic which would have ended differently without the safety gear.The controls are easily accessed through neat switches on the left handlebar as well as the ignition switch which doubles as a toggle for the three rider modes (Road, Sport and Track) after the bike is started. Not only can you switch all the gear off, if you really want, but you can also vary the levels of traction, wheelie and launch controls.DESIGNThis is basically the sports bike without the fairing. But rather than looking naked and ugly, it looks tidy and svelte. Like the new Monster and Brutale, the plumbing has been neatly tucked away. It also has a small headlight cowl which acts as a low screen that provides surprisingly good aero over 100km/h, if you duck down a little.Together with the two polyelliptical headlights, it gives the bike a menacing alien look. The Tuono comes in black, silver and yellow.RIDINGDiscretion is required when starting out on this "monster". Select R for Road mode, dial in all the controls and take it easy until you get used to that throbbing and excitable engine.Once you get comfortable, start dialling out the controls and switch up to Sport and Track settings which will set your trousers on fire and singe your eyebrows. Steering is stable thanks to the Sachs damper and the bike is firmly planted thanks to Sachs suspension.It's quite abrupt over urban lumps and bumps, so a few tweaks to the fully adjustable suspension are recommended for daily comfort. Brakes are dynamic with plenty of feel.Shortcomings are few: the cable clutch is heavy, heat pours out of the engine in commuter traffic, low-speed running is rough, starting can be problematic and the seat is very firm. Despite the firm ride and seat, it's a comfortable riding position and, with the suspension adjusted, can tour for long periods without too much fatigue.Not that you will ever want to get off once you fit the aftermarket pipes. It is the next-best sound to standing by the fence at a MotoGP race.VERDICTA dynamic ride that can be even more beautiful with the addition of some carbon fibre bits and pieces.Aprilia Tuono V4R APRCPRICE $21,990 + ORC ($24,821 as tested)WARRANTY 2 yearsSERVICE INTERVAL 1000/10,000kmRESALE 90% (2 years)ENGINE 999.6cc 8-valve V4, 119kW/110NmTRANSMISSION 6-speed, wet clutch, chain driveSAFETY Aprilia Performance Ride Control, traction control, wheelie control, launch control, quick shift, Sachs steering damperSUSPENSION Sachs upside-down 43mm adjustable forks, Sachs monoshock (rear)BRAKES 320mm/220mm discsTYRES 120/70 ZR 17; 190/55 ZR 17DIMENSIONS 2060mm (L), 800mm (W), 1100mm (H), 120mm (Clearance), 840mm (Seat)KERB WEIGHT 179kgTANK 17 litres

Owning a motorbike once used to be a rite of passage. You were old enough to get a licence . . . couldn't afford a car . . . bought a bike.With limited funds, you generally spent a lot of time repairing the crappy bike you could afford -- then falling off it and having to repair it all over again.This youthful process taught you respect for engineering, traffic and preservation of as much skin tissue as possible. And it's a part of life looked back on fondly by a large part of the population.But times have changed. Cars are cheaper and easier to get your hands on. And today's `yoof' are not overhelmingly interested in a two-wheeled vehicle that not only can't carry 28 inch stereo speakers but also legally requires the kind of headgear that will . . . dude . . . just totaly blow a carefully spiked coiffure.Despite this, there are still a lot of motorcyclists around, but the average age has risen close to 40 -- and many are much older. As testament to this demographic, the over-50s Ulysses Club has more than 25,000 members `growing old disgracefully' . . . as their motto encourages.For this market, nostalgia is a strong drawcard, and motorcycle companies are well aware of that. A large part of the iconic Harley-Davidson's rebirth is down to the enduring demand for a bike that looks, sounds (and sometimes behaves) like it rolled straight off a 1950s production line.And troubled Italian company Ducati could be looking for a similar boost with its Sport Classic line -- the Sport 1000 tested here, the Paul Smart 1000, and the GT1000.While Harley's retro styling is actually just a creepingly slow evolution of the original design (except perhaps for the reintroduction of stunning but impractical springer forks) Ducati has headed more towards making its trio replicas of the badge's best moments. The most recognisable is the race replica Paul Smart, which is named after the Brit who rode a Duke to the Imola 200 podium in 1972 and was the inspiration behind the subsequent legendary 750cc twin SS.The Sport 1000, with its loud yellow paint and cafe racer styling, is a tribute to the best designs Ducati ever offered. Judgment of the retro-modern styling is completely subjective. Bike riders from Harley to Honda praised its naked look, but non-bikers -- including workmates and the wife -- reckon it's ugly. Philistines, one and all, but there you are.In the true cafe racer style that this bike attempts to replicate, it has clearly been designed for speed and looks rather than comfort. The seat, although well shaped and padded, is not easy to slide round on.And lot of the rider's body weight is transferred to the forearms and wrists -- you'll be looking for a physio after a four-hour fang. Unlike the armchair-on-wheels offered by the nostalgic Harleys, this is a bike that you have to be fit to ride.On the road, the 65kW engine's low down torque is very apparent in first and second gears, but while third is a bit unsure of itself the top-end grunt is sensational in the higher gears. No matter how hard you push it, it gives more.It takes a good 10-15km to warm up, and 30km to really get the most out of it. So it's definitely not suited for a short commute to work or zipping down the shop for some milk either. The 179kg weight is pretty light considering its capacity. And it handles well, with quick and stable steering.While the Brembo brake calipers don't look particularly high-tech by today's standards, the anchors prove to be progressive and strong. Overall, it's light, powerful, has plenty of personality, sounds fantastic, handles really well and gets plenty of attention on the street.Okay, so it also vibrates, has no wind protection, makes lots of noise, and is uncomfortable. But you definitely know when you open the throttle you're in for a damn good ride.Aaaah . . . the good old days. 

With a blaring new colour scheme, the new $16,990 model continues a legacy dating back to the bike's launch in 1985, where it took race replica motorcycles to a new level. It was Suzuki's best-selling sportsbike in 2011 and is a direct link between the racetrack and the streets.Powered by a 750cc, 4 cylinder engine producing 110kW of power, the 2012 model features the latest Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve (SDTV) fuel injection system, delivering sharper throttle response along with improved fuel economy and reduced emissions.The Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (S-DMS) optimises engine output and provides riders a selection of two engine maps to suit the conditions or their riding preference. The GSX-R750's chassis has been designed with an emphasis on weight reduction and compactness to improve overall handling and provide an ideal power-to-weight ratio. The lightweight twin-spar aluminium frame, made from just five cast sections and cast swingarm, delivers superb cornering on both the road and racetrack, with optimal rigidity and unmatched accuracy. The GSX-R750 features inverted, lightweight Showa Big Piston Front-forks (BPF), developed on the racetrack for even more supreme handling. For greater stopping performance four-piston Brembo monoblock front brake calipers and 310mm dual floating discs are fitted along with a single piston rear brake caliper with a 220mm disc. The full function instrument cluster features an analogue tachometer, digital LCD speedometer and LED indicators, with a stopwatch and lap timer.

Improved suspension has made the most popular sportsbike in the country an even better ride. It has been 20 years since the launch of the first CBR superbike - and Honda has spent most of that time at the top of the pecking order.It's still there and that's due to an engine and chassis set-up that make it the most user-friendly litre-class sportsbike on the market. That has helped offset the lack of electronic aids, though the 2012 CBR 1000 RR can be had with a new ABS system.VALUE The latest CBR1000 is $18,490 and brings for new front-end styling, revised Showa suspension, new wheels and a digital dash.If you can afford it, drop antoher $1000 for the combined ABS system, which links front and rear brakes to maximise stopping power. It's a winner on the road and an increasingly standard component on most modern bikes. And that still puts it $500 under the Kawasaki ZX-10, though the Kwaka, like BMWs $22,490 S1000 RR, does come with a software suite that includes multi-stage traction control. TECHNOLOGY New suspension is the big change for the 2012 model. The launch at Phillip Islands famous racetrack doesn't translate into real-world perceptions but the bike feels firmer front and rear.Honda, like Kawasaki and Suzuki, has gone for the Show Big Piston Forks up front to improve damping performance and brake dive.The back end is now handled by a Balance Free Rear Cushion shock that uses a double-tube structure where the valve-less piston slides inside the cylinder and a purpose-designed damping valve at the top of the cylinder is said to reduce pressure changes compared to the single-cylinder design. STYLEThe snub-nosed look of the 2010 Fireblade was criticised by some for being too different. Those comments have been acted on for the new model and the look is more aggressive and functional. Like most supersports machines, the Honda looks quick sitting on its sidestand.A chin spoiler beneath the headlights improves aerodynamics and the dual air intake vents above have been revised to improve airflow to the engine, with one effectively closing off when not required.The 12-spoke alloy wheels are said to improve rigidity across the circumference of the rims, but are a quick way to pick the new model from the old, and the LCD dash is an easy-to-read unit that includes a five-light shift alert system, gear position indicator and a lap timer that runs off the starter switch. That should keep the track day crowd entertained. SAFETYHonda was the first bike maker to launch an ABS system on its supersports machines back in 2009. This is the second-generation of that software and it's a combined system, meaning the front and rear brakes are both applied when hauling on the front lever, while enough pressure on the back brake will also bring the front in to play.It is a no-brainer choice for road riders or occasional circuit riders, even with the 11kg weight penalty. And while I'd love to see traction control as well, the sales figures show Honda is doing alright with what it has.RIDINGThis is a bike that flatters average riders - it is very easy to get on the CBR and ride it very, very quickly. The low-down torque gives instant drive out of the corners and the steering geometry gives precise feedback to any rider inputs. It's not often I'm happy to spin up the rear end but controlled slides quickly become second nature on this machine.The suspension feels a touch firmer than the outgoing bike and Honda says it will be better again on the road. It feels planted entering quick turns yet supple enough to smooth out with the minor bumps the cars are creating on the track.The engine has been remapped to smooth early throttle inputs but until a road test, I'll have to take Hondas word for it - it's hard to pick that at the high-speed Phillip Island circuit. VERDICT What the Honda lacks in electronics it makes up for in entertainment. It is not the lightest bike and doesn't have the latest techno-toys. It does have a 20-year history of being a capable machine and this model will continue that heritage.The 'Blade shows its race origins by being a willing partner at a full speed fang but then defies that convention by being a capable machine for a more relaxed punt. The build quality is impeccable and it is hard to look past the CBR1000 RR as the bike you want to be on for both street and track work.HONDA CBR1000 RRPrice: $18,490 (add $1000 for ABS)Warranty: Two years/unlimited kmEngine: 999cc in-line four-cylinder,Transmission: Six-speed, chain driveSeat height: 820mmWet weight: 200kg (211kg ABS)Fuel tank: 17.7 litresSuspension: Showa 43mm BPF front forks, single Showa rear shockBrakes: Dual 320mm front discs with four-piston calipers, 200mm rear disc with single-piston calliper.

Laughably described as a motorcycle, the "Leadwing" - as it's affectionately known - is actually one of the most celebrated two-up machines in motorcycle history.  The new one boasts enhanced styling and greater performance though Honda stopped at a flat eight cylinder engine. Expected here soon, Honda says the heavyweight luxury touring motorcycle has evolved in anticipation of a new generation of obese customers with sharper exterior surface design along with the latest audio and navigation systems. There's a next-generation premium audio system offering direct MP3/i-Pod connectivity plus access to the device functions through handlebar controls. A new, fully-integrated system with brighter screen includes a next-generation receiver for greater reception sensitivity. Fresh styling cues produce a more integrated appearance along with a sporting edge, but don't try leaning a touch too far into corners. A redesigned fairing adds extra wind protection, especially to the lower body and leg areas and a re-shaped taillight adds a distinctive appearance and aids visibility. At the same time, adjustments to the suspension front and rear give a supple ride quality without sacrificing control. Plenty of power comes from the 1,832cc flat-six engine, while the HECS3 oxygen-sensing catalytic converter keeps harmful exhaust gas emissions to levels approximately half of the limits needed for Euro3 compliance outdated these days with many cars regularly achieving Euro5 spec. A lightweight and rigid twin-spar aluminium frame and single-sided Pro-Arm swingarm delivers stability and neutral, responsive handling. The low centre of gravity ensures good low-speed balance and stability. Fitted with both Honda's Combined Braking System (CBS) and an Antilock Braking System (ABS), the Goldwing offers srong braking,even fully loaded. The airbag system which is a first on a production motorcycle ensures high levels of passive safety. The price is a mere $35,290 - a few grand less than the superb VW Golf GTi three door.