Brock's Offers WERA Contingency & Aprilia RSV-4R versus Yamaha YZF-R1

Brock's Performance, supplier of BST carbon-fiber wheels for Japanese sportbikes in the US, is offering some US$37,200 in contingency money for the WERA series. Supported classes are WERA's National Challenge, National Endurance and the huge Sportsman series. You need to take the link to see the details as there are some important notes...

http://tinyurl.com/yfollqv

Motorcyclist has put up a comparison of two of the most praised liter-class bikes in the industry - the 2010 Aprilia RSV-4R and the Yamaha YZF-R1. Both machines (even the 'low-end' Aprilia) have some of the most advanced, race-developed technology that the sport has ever seen. Both machines are also very track-focused bikes but are also not so hard to live with on the streets. Want to know how it turned out? Take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/ygqtxy2

More Afternoon Moto News - Super-Superbikes & Daytona Review

MotorcycleUSA has done a special motorcycle comparo between a non-modified Aprilia RSV-4, a well-modified Suzuki GSX-R1000 and a US$70K Ducati 1098R. The results were predictable with the Ducati being fastest, the Suzuki in second and the Aprilia at the back. However, you could buy three-and-a-half Aprilia RSV-4 bikes for the one of the Ducati machines, so imagine if you bought the RSV-4 and used the US$50K to turn it into a true SUPERbike. Read the article and have a look for yourself...

http://tinyurl.com/ycdpkry

Did you miss the Daytona Bike Week event this past week? If so, you might want to catch up on the events, happenings, racing and other parts of the experience when traveling to this annual rally. Simply take the link below and you can read about what went on and see some of the notable events of the Daytona Bike Week experience!

http://tinyurl.com/yd9cbvm

Some photos from the AMA: http://tinyurl.com/ybpe42a

Tuesday Morning Moto News - SA Superbike, Masterbike & Thundersport GB

They actually refer to it as the 2010 South African Motorcycle championship, but it is the premier motorcycle road-race series in South Africa. This coming weekend will mark races three and four at the Western Cape Killarney circuit. Currently, Sheridan Morais and Lance Isaacs are tied in the points for first in the Superbike class. In Supersport 600 racing, Ronan Quarmby has the overall lead. For all the details, you know what to do!

http://tinyurl.com/ye6cncv

The BMW S1000RR has wiped the rest of the competition off of the circuit at the annual Masterbike shootout which takes place in Spain every year. The BMW went up against all of the top liter-class sportbikes from Europe and Japan as well as the 1200cc V-Twins - and it smashed them all. For more details, check your usual motorcycle rag as they are bound to cover it.

http://tinyurl.com/yeazcwc

The Thundersport GB season kicks off this coming weekend (12 - 14 March 2010) at Mallory Park in the UK. Many of the teams were out practicing this pas weekend at the same venue - as well as racing on Sunday in a local series. The F1 Sidecar series will start at the second round at Pembrey along with the first races of the British Supermono Championship and the Aprilia GP450 series. For all the news, please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/y8djcfv

More Moto News - Middleweight Cruiser Shootout

Are you looking for a laid-back ride which is easy on your wallet, not too garish, and will take you anywhere the road leads? Well, this is a review for you. Here we have four middleweight cruisers which will do about anything their larger siblings can do, but for less. The (all are 2010 models) Harley-Davidson Sportster 883, Star V-Star 950, Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom and Honda Shadow Phantom. Which one is best for you? Take the link and figure it out!

http://tinyurl.com/yj3jko7

More Morning Moto News - Lloyd Brothers, Kawasaki ZX-10R & Z1000 Vs. Triumph Videos

A short press release from Lloyd Brothers Motorsports has informed us that they will retain the sponsorship of American Agip as their title sponsor for the 2010 AMA Grand National Dirt Track series. This is excellent new for the team who was hoping greatly for this continued support. For a short bit of detail, take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/y9z53hs

The Kawasaki ZX-10R video has the guys at MCN (UK) out testing the 2010 model against the 2009 version in their usual speed tests. It's a riot and looks like they had way too much fun! Go and enjoy...

http://tinyurl.com/ycrdanr

In our next video feature from MCN (UK), they take the all new 2010 Kawasaki Z1000 up against the Triumph Speed Triple. For the first time, according to the piece, Kawasaki has provided them with something to really challenge the Hinckley triple in a hard-charging competition. Have a look for yourself...

http://tinyurl.com/yedakqt

The Arctic Challenge: A Test of Three Adventure Bikes

This is what I call a true test of capability! They took three bikes - KTM 990 Adventure, BMW R1200GS Adventure, F800GS - to the Dempster Highway in northern Canada where it crosses the Arctic Circle. It was a simple choice as they are, in fact, on an adventure through the frozen tundra (what's left of it) to decide which of these bikes best meets their needs...have a read of Part I.

http://tinyurl.com/yldwjwc

Now, we have Part II of the adventure. It is interesting to see how things changed once they got off of the pavement for some hard slogging in the back-country and mud.

http://tinyurl.com/y8qh5vq

2010 Ducati Streetfighter versus 2008 Benelli TnT 1130

Ducati versus Benelli - a huge company up against what is essentially a boutique bike maker - and the Streetfighter comes out on top. We could all expect that outcome, but the Benelli offers plenty that the Ducati cannot offer. But, with large production facilities come lower overall prices on components, so Ducati can produce a motorcycle which is cheaper and better equipped than the small Benelli concern can possibly match. The TnT 1130 does shine rather well when it is up against something back as strongly as the Ducati.

http://tinyurl.com/yhl7626

Department for Transport’s Safety Helmet Assessment and Rating Program Adds 25 Entries

The SHARP program tests helmets for strength and protection, then rates the helmets on a five star scale. It's a decent idea, but there are many standards to meet these days. At least some of them are getting more representative of the real world. The United Kingdom is really leading the world in motorcycle safety research, and we should all thank them for their good work. Road Safety Minister Paul Clark is doing quite well in his position - the list is up to 175 now. Head on over to the site and check out your lid - mine is 5-star rated, luckily...

http://tinyurl.com/yj2conb

Modern Motorcycle Riding Gear Tested Against Old Technology

It was back in the 1980's that motorcycle gear was just starting to diversify. For the longest time, the leather jacket and bucket of a fiberglass helmet were the norm on a motorcycle - if you wore a helmet then. Nowadays, though, things are much different; we have high-tech fabrics, electrically heated gear, Kevlar and carbon fiber helmets - and some awesome adventure gear too. So, as part of the U.K. motorcycle industry group's 'Get On' campaign, this huge leap in protective gear is being tested and evaluated to show just how far we have come.

http://tinyurl.com/yzkvq8k

Shootout: BMW K1300GT versus Kawasaki Concours 14

These big luxury tourers will take you on long-distance ride like no other - amazingly, these machines will also burn up any road the are on, but how do they compare to each other. If you are looking to buy one, these are the 2009 models - so you may be able to get a good deal as the 2010 models hit the showrooms at your dealer. Also, we do know that the Concours 14 has been updated for 2010 with some fancy and useful features. But, the comparison should at least give you an idea of how these machines compare when on the road!

http://tinyurl.com/yawsy48

Rather Decent Tire Test - The 2009 DOT Race Motorcycle Tire Shootout

Over at Motorcycle USA (the online 'zine is really proud of their Executive Editor), they took several makes and models of DOT race rubber and pitted them against each other in a pure test of performance. Dunlop, Michelin, Bridgestone, Pirelli and Avon were all involved in the testing. To see what they thought - and it is a long, detailed, well-documented article - take the link. Interesting results...

http://tinyurl.com/y9ze88a

A Streetfighter Shoot-out - Aprilia vs. Buell vs. Ducati

Since the release of the Ducati Streetfighter, there have been many comparison reviews between it and its competition. This version has it up against the Buell 1125CR and the 2009 Aprilia Tuono. Soon, though, at least part of this test will be useless as Aprilia will soon launch a RSV4- based Tuono. The outcome of this author's review may surprise you!

http://tinyurl.com/mzuvjf

A Comparison Between Two New Classics - Ducati GT1000 Touring versus Triumph Bonneville

Two machines that harken back to the motorcycles of yesteryear, the Bonneville and the GT1000 Touring, get ride tested and compared...

http://tinyurl.com/kl9kky

For the Second Consecutive Time: Honda Fireblade (CBR1000RR) Takes Prize

Britain's Fast Bikes tested - very thoroughly - 10 other machines along with the CBR1000RR and came away convinced that it is still their 'Sportsbike of the Year' for 2009! An amazing achievement, but it is a damn fine motorcycle...

http://tinyurl.com/p6kzhd

Moto Guzzi Norge 1200 - 2009 Riding Impression

Moto Guzzi is something different than your normal two-wheeled vehicle. There is something about seeing those cylinder heads poking out of each side of the machine that brings Italophiles running from their pasta primaveras to gaze at the wonder in their presence.

The Norge 1200 is designed to be a spot tourer with style, does it measure up to the competition? See here, in this very thorough review at TopSpeed.com: http://tinyurl.com/kk67qe

UK Harley Owners Ride the New Triumph Thunderbird

I should not comment on this...just to be safe: http://tinyurl.com/mjqjad

MSN (UK) Looks at the New Aprilia Tuono's Competition

With Aprilia soon to release the all new RSV-4 based Tuono very soon, MCN (UK) decided to have a look at the usual competitors in the naked sportbike category. Of course, the prices of these machines are not available in US dollars here, but the relative costs still apply. This is a short article but worth reading if you are into this style of machine.

http://tinyurl.com/lzz6lp

Enjoy the look at the new MV Agusta Brutale 1078RR!

Another Bike vs. Car Video - Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera versus Ducati 1098

Find out who wins...it is not really all that surprising to us, I think.

http://tinyurl.com/lxxczq

If I find more of these, I will post them here later...

Harley V-Rod Muscle versus Yamaha VMAX

Now, those of you who know me know that I am not much of a follower of fads - I don't golf, I don't smoke (tobacco) cigars, there is no SUV in my parking space and I do not own a Harley-Davidson (though, I own a MV Agusta, which is now owned by H-D). However, even some sportbike nuts I know like the V-Rod; why, I cannot say. The VMAX, however, is something of a work of passion. Star (Yamaha) should finish what they started, though, and remove the top-speed limitation on this machine...plus, someone just has to do something about that exhaust setup!

On to the article...this is found on the Faster and Faster blog since the original is in German:

http://tinyurl.com/md8rta