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THE SUPERBIKE EXPO: Some new models were on display at the Expo, sadly the BMW K1600/6 Series did not appear. There were new and updated models from most Manufacturers, amazingly my 'pick of the bunch' was a two stroke 125cc 'Biaggi Replica' from Aprilia!
THE APRILIA RS125 'BIAGGI REPLICA': Two strokes just don't cut it for me, having said that I adore the Kawasaki H1 and H2, then there is a certain Suzuki GT750/3 but I digress. Here we have a 'two stroke' liquid cooled 124cc single cylinder motorcycle producing 17kW and driving through a six speed gearbox. Enough of that, it's the way this thing looks in the flesh, Aprilia have expended a lot of effort to make this little sports bike look right, and it does. Monoshock, upside down front forks, polished alloy frame and the graphics, all so faithfully produced.
THE HONDA CBR250R: A very neat little motorcycle with styling DNA from the Fireblade and there's nothing wrong with that. However it looks bland, especially when the casual observer walks into the Expo Pavilion and the Aprilia RS125 'Biaggi Replica' is but a few metres away, comparisons just have to be made! The CBR250R is powered by a single cylinder, water cooled 249cc DOHC engine with a 10.7:1 compression ratio and fuel injection. The power output, incredibly this was missing from the available date sheet, (refer update below)! The gearbox is a six speed unit and the rear suspension is Honda's long proven 'pro-link' arrangement. I was particularly disappointed with the appearance of the front suspension and front guard, it could have looked a lot sportier, apart from the cast wheel it reminds me of a lot of Honda road bikes of the eighties! For mine, Honda have attempted to conceal the conventional tube type frame with pressed frame covers at the riders boot level. UPDATE: I have researched the power output issue, it would appear Honda are claiming the CBR250R produces 26PS at 8,500rpm, this figure is way below the opposition, for example the Kawasaki Ninja 250R twin cylinder 250cc, which produces 33PS at 11,000rpm.
THE HONDA CBR1000RR - 'CASEY STONER' REPLICA: Honda have been 'nearly as quick' as Ducati, releasing a 'badged' Factory Rider Replica. Close inspection revealed a current model CBR 1000RR 'REPSOL SPECIAL EDITION' with the obligatory '#27: CASEY STONER STICKERS' added. I believe there was a marketing opportunity to 'up the spec' of the donor motorcycle to make it that little bit more unique!
THE MOTO GUZZI 'V7' RACER: Stunning, yes it is just another rework of the faithful Guzzi opposed V-Twin, however this motorcycle is out there! Chromed tank, Guzzi red all over the place, it looks great with the 'boy racer' racing number 7 on the front. The only surprising aspect when comparing the 'V7' to all the other Moto Guzzi's on display was the lack of a dual front disc system, the look of the 'V7' front end on the 'non disc' side, ordinary, especially with the red wheel hub drawing attention to the missing disc rotor!
THE KAWASAKI W800: Classic written all over this, memories of the W650 come to mind, however this motorcycle has an 800cc SOHC four valve vertical twin engine with fuel injection driving through a five speed transmission. The motorcycle has a single front disc and amazingly a drum rear brake, presumably for 'the look'!
MORE WSBK 2011 PHILLIP ISLAND COVERAGE: Please continue my coverage by selecting from the following pages...
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I LOVE NEW TECHNOLOGY, TABLETS, LAPTOPS, DIGITAL CAMERAS, MOBILE PHONES/WIRELESS BROADBAND, GPS, ETC. ALL SO COOL AND 'PORTABLE'......
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