Aprilia's RSV4 road tests the fire-breathing

 

 We've spent plenty of time looking at the spec sheets for Aprilia's barnstorming new superbike, the 180-horsepower RSV4 - and marvelling at the potential of what has to be the most race-focused roadbike ever to hit the market. Now it's time to take this beast out on the road and see how it goes. Sit back and enjoy our most in-depth video review yet - it's white knuckles and brown underpants as we road test the 2010 Aprilia RSV4-R.

Check it out above, or click through to watch the Aprilia RSV4-R road test review in HD.

Electric two-wheeler motorcycle

According to a new study entitled “Electric Two-Wheel Vehicles”, cleantech market intelligence company Pike Research is forecasting that more than 466 million electric bicycles and motorcycles will be sold worldwide during the period from 2010 to 2016. Given that the annual global motorcycle market is currently around 80 million units a year, almost all of them based on the internal combustion engine, this anticipated explosion in electric bike demand could double the size of the two wheeled market, not to mention dampen the demand for electric four-wheelers.

 Pike Research expects electric bicycles will be the largest category with 56% of the electric two wheel market, followed by e-motorcycles at 43% and e-scooters in a distant third place with less than 1%.
Pike Research forecasts that more than 466 million e-bikes, e-motorcycles, and e-scooters will be sold worldwide during the period from 2010 to 2016.

“Demographics and economics are aligning to create a strong market opportunity for two-wheel electric vehicles,” says industry analyst Dave Hurst. “In some countries, these vehicles will be engines of economic growth, while in others they will be signals of broader consumer behavioral shifts.”
Hurst adds that Asia Pacific in general, and China in particular, will dominate the global electric two-wheel vehicle market, representing more than 95% of sales during the next six years.

According to Pike Research’s analysis, one of the most important market barriers is the lack of established distribution channels for the vehicles. Many manufacturers are working diligently to find a combination of independent dealers, mass retailers, and online sales that will effectively deliver the vehicles and after-sales service to customers.

Yamaha's new middleweights - the FZ8 and Fazer8

Yamaha has finally released full specifications for its new middleweight street sportsbikes, the naked FZ8-N and semi-faired Fazer8. A 779cc engine derived from the FZ1 donk is the star of the show, with a complete FZ1 frame and swingarm as well. The new engine makes significantly more torque than the smaller FZ6 for a gruntier, more accessible power curve around town - but builds to a healthy 105-horsepower top end rush when it's time to get a boogie on. It looks like a fun, fast and friendly street sportsbike - and yes, FZ6 fans, it has formally replaced the 600 in the FZ lineup.

As many have suspected, the engine is indeed a scaled-down version of the fuel-injected 1000cc FZ1 engine, dropped to 779cc by reducing the piston bore, increasing compression, swapping out the pistons, crankshaft and top end. The resulting motor puts out a touch under 105 horsepower, with 82 Nm of torque.

Effectively, that top-end horsepower figure doesn't seem to be much up on the 90-odd rear wheel horses offered by the lighter, 600cc FZ6 donk. But the stroked-out FZ8 makes its power much earlier in the rev range, a fact which should make it a much more willing and eager powerplant around town and in the majority of real-world riding conditions.

 The bad news is that by reducing the FZ1 engine's bore, the FZ8 doesn't manage to shed any engine size or weight. The good news that comes as a corollary is that the FZ8 is blessed with the wonderful FZ1 frame and swingarm, which do an excellent job of providing rigidity and flex in all the right places.

There's not a lot for gearheads to get excited about elsewhere; suspension seems fairly basic, adjustable only for rear preload, and the brakes are four-piston monoblock jobs, with the option of adding ABS.

There's two versions available, just like with the FZ6 and FZ1 platforms - the naked FZ8-N looks nice and chunky and stylish, and the semifaired Fazer8 looks a little more... Practical. The FZ8-N weighs 211kg ready to roll with a full tank of gas, the Fazer8 215kg - and you can add 5kg to either if you want the optional ABS.

Where does the new Fazer fit?

The FZ8 has clearly been developed to help Yamaha get a foothold in the 750cc class, which is currently occupied only by Kawasaki's Z750 (itself a sleeved-down Z1000) and Aprilia's Shiver. Other key contenders would have to include Ducati's 696 Monster and the excellent Triumph Street Triple 675. You have to wonder why Suzuki doesn't make a sporty naked using its excellent GSX-R750 donk - the only purebred 750cc sportsbike engine on the market - but then, they don't use the Gixxer 1000 engine in a naked, either.

Looking at the engine and weight specs, you'd have to rate it next to Honda's everyman CB900 Hornet as well - I've got a soft spot for those, as I put 60,000km on one a few years back.

100-odd horses and 82Nm of torque should stand the FZ8 in good stead as a powerful but friendly and useable roadbike, and it certainly carries forward Yamaha's tradition of making some the best looking of all the Japanese bikes. So in all, it's no major leap forward, but it's certainly a great addition to the FZ range.

Speculation has been mounting in certain corners of the Internet that the FZ8 has been designed to effectively replace the FZ6. Such scuttlebutt postulates that the 'friendly' 600cc category will be handled by the more utilitarian XJ6 and Diversion, and that the highly-strung FZ6, which needs a lot of revs to feel like it's taking off, will disappear so that Yamaha can position the FZ range as a naked sports option for more experienced riders. And if Yamaha Europe's website is anything to go by, it seems the rumours are true - the FZ6 and Fazer6 have disappeared altogether.

The FZ6 certainly has its fans, plenty of people like the retuned R6 engine's marked power curve - but if the FZ8 manages to pull off that same top-end rush, while adding in some genuine usable torque down low, I think it's fair to say you've got an all-round more useable bike. We look forward to riding one! Full specs follow, and there's loads of photos in the FZ8 photo gallery.

2011 FZ8-N and Fazer8 Technical Specifications

ENGINE
Type : Liquid cooled 4-stroke,DOHC, Forward-inclined parallel 4-cylinder
Displacement: 779cc
Bore x stroke: 68.0×53.6mm
Compression ratio: 12.0: 1
Max. Power: 78.1KW(106.2PS)/10000r/min
Max. Torque: 82.0Nm(8.4kgf･m)/8000r/min
Lubrication system: Wet sump
Fuel supply system: Fuel Injection
Clutch type: Wet,multiple-disc coil spring
Ignition system: Transistorized coil ignition
Starter system: Electric
Transmission system: Constant mesh 6-speed
Final transmission system: Chain
Primary reduction ratio: 1.512(65/43)
Secondary reduction ratio: 2.875(46/16)
Gear ratio 1st gear: 2.692(35/13)
Gear ratio 2nd gear: 2.063(33/16)
Gear ratio 3rd gear: 1.762(37/21)
Gear ratio 4th gear: 1.522(35/23)
Gear ratio 5th gear: 1.350(27/20)
Gear ratio 6th gear: 1.208(29/24)

CHASSIS
Frame: Deltabox frame
Front suspension: Telescopic fork
Front wheel travel: 130mm
Rear suspension: Swingarm (link suspension)
Rear wheel travel: 130 mm
Caster angle: 25º
Trail: 109mm
Front brake: Hydraulic dual disc brake, Ø 310 mm
Rear brake: Hydraulic single disc brake, Ø 267 mm
Front tyre: 120/70 ZR17 M/C(58W)
Rear tyre: 180/55 ZR17 M/C(73W)

DIMENSIONS
Overall length: 2,140mm
Overall width: 770mm
Overall height: FZ8-N 1,065mm / Fazer8 1,225mm
Seat height: 815mm
Wheelbase: 1,460mm
Min. ground clearance: 140mm
Wet weight (full fuel tank): FZ8-N: 211kg / ABS 216kg - Fazer8: 215kg / ABS 220kg
Fuel capacity: 17 litres
Oil capacity: 3.8 litres

2010 line-up packs extra punch Zero Motorcycles

 Things seem to be going well for US-based electric motorcycle company Zero Motorcycles which has debuted its 2010 lineup consisting of four new bikes at Daytona Bike Week. The new Zero S, DS, X and MX are equipped with performance enhancements that allow for higher top speeds and greater acceleration than earlier models and feature enhanced power pack technology.

Zero says its new Z-Force power pack technology features new and more precise monitoring of cells in the Lithium-Ion battery pack resulting in longer power pack life, more power, greater acceleration off the line and superior handling. The 2010 models also see the introduction of a new throttle technology that modulates the increased power to provide riders with exacting control over the acceleration.

Although electric motors are extremely efficient they can still get hot, which can affect performance, not to mention the life of the motor. To combat this the S and DS models feature a new Z-Force Air Induction System that keeps the motor cool by increasing the airflow through the heart of the motor thereby allowing more horsepower to be drawn from lighter and more compact motors.

Zero has also made some aesthetic changes. The entire product line continues to be built from the ground up using Zero’s signature exposed aircraft alloy frame but consumers can now choose between color packages in addition to Zero’s standard white.
Zero S and DS

 The street legal Zero S (Sport) is aimed specifically at commuters with its instant acceleration making it ideal for city riding. It weighs in at 270lbs (122.5kg), has a range of up to 50 miles (80km) and a GPS verified top speed of 67 mph (108km/h). It is priced at US$8,995 (after a 10 percent U.S. federal tax credit).

The DS (Dual Sport) features similar specs and the same price as the S, but the frame and other equipment have had a few slight alterations. While it is also street legal it is also designed to handle off road conditions as well. To this end it features a specially developed suspension system and a rugged wheel set. The Zero DS is priced at $8,995 (after a 10% U.S. federal tax credit)

New seat configurations are also an option for the 2010 Zero S and DS with specially designed by Corbin. The new seats are designed to provide a more comfortable and performance-oriented ride and those wanting to reduce the stand over height of the motorcycle can select a Corbin low seat option.
Zero X and MX

The X or MX models are intended purely for off road use with neither being street legal. Each feature easily swappable power packs allowing riders to purchase an additional power pack to extend their riding

The MX uses a newly developed suspension system to absorb rugged terrain and handle bigger jumps. Its ultra-light frame design and custom suspension system makes the Zero MX highly responsive while maintaining an industry leading power-to-weight ratio. The power pack provides up to two hours of track riding time. The Zero MX starts at US$8,295.

Weighing a total of 151lbs (68.5kg) and with 50 ft-lbs of torque the Zero X is built from the ground up for quick handling and maneuverability. Custom valved suspension, direct drive gearing and weight optimized components are designed to handle demanding terrain. The Zero X starts at US$7,495.

All new models making up Zero Motorcycles' 2010 lineup can be purchased online now with shipping to begin in the U.S. at the end of March for the X and MX and at the end of April for the S and DS.

And if you’re near Daytona you still have a chance to get along to Bike Week where the entire line of models will be available for demo rides and viewing at a Gymkanna course located near the Ocean Center.