Kenny Roberts is a real legend of motorcycle racing, his style and commitment revolutionising Grand Prix racing when he burst onto the scene in the late 1970s. Now you can discover the secrets behind his extraordinary success in the fascinating film Fast Riding The Roberts Way.
Never previously available on DVD, this film takes viewers inside the Kenny Roberts Training Camp to experience the tuition style of ‘King’ Kenny and his Grand Prix colleagues, including Randy Mamola.
Our cameras were there in 1995 when Roberts opened his Training Camp in Spain. Fast Riding The Roberts Way follows five young Malaysian racers as they undertake the intensive month-long course, joining them in the classroom, in the gym and on the dirt track. Viewers will discover expert guidance on fitness, diet, mental attitude, bike control, choosing lines and much more.
This film features unrivalled access to the KRTC program, plus extensive interviews with Roberts, Mamola and other instructors, offering viewers a unique insight into the Roberts’ formula for success. It also offers a wonderful chance to hear from a true champion, and watch the King in action.
Who better than Kenny Roberts to offer advice on fast riding? When the young Californian burst onto the 500cc World Championship Grand Prix scene in 1978 he revolutionised the sport. Skills learnt while racing on the dirt track ovals of America introduced a new style of bike control, while his combination of natural talent, physical fitness and dedication to practice set new standards.
‘King’ Kenny dominated Grand Prix racing, taking the World Championship at the first attempt, and securing the crown again in 1979 and 1980. He remained a front runner for the rest of his stellar career.
When he quit racing, Roberts turned to team management and soon discovered a calm teaching style which allowed him to pass on the philosophy and techniques which had brought him so much success.
Now you can share the secrets of his success.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Fast Riding the Roberts Way on DVD
Memorable MC Bridgestone Hurricane
I must confess that I have a problem with riders who go around calling bikes, "She" and "Her". No one in the galaxy is more passionate about their bike than I am about our Matchless G.50 – my winner for the second year running of MCUSA's Bike of the Year competition - but I still don't want to take it to bed for a night of passion.
So that's my inviolable rule, but the Bridgestone Hurricane Scrambler is the one motorcycle which would get me to break it. The "Hurricane" is the Cocker Spaniel puppy of the bike world - all big smiles, heart-meltingly cute face, gleaming fur and just so, so, so willing to please. You just want to sit on the couch with a cup of coffee and stroke it whilst you watch "On Any Sunday" for the thirty-five-thousandth time.
Like the Cocker Spaniel the Hurricane is a keen worker too and will do everything its looks promise - and more.
The trade name Bridgestone comes from an Anglicization of the firm's founder's name, Shojiro Ishibashi. Translated into English, Mr. Ishibashi's name is "Stone Bridge".
Mr. Ishibashi was Japan's first manufacturer of rubber-soled footwear and began mass production in 1925. After the Second World War, Bridgestone began making a massive range of rubber products - and the success of a nascent motorcycle industry caught their attention, probably because they were already significant bicycle manufacturers.
The first Bridgestones were ultra lightweight, 26cc motorized bicycles feeding post-war Japan's need for practical commuter vehicles. By 1964 things had changed with Bridgestone producing a range of high quality lightweight motorcycles. With the closure of the Tohatsu and Lilac factories, Bridgestone found themselves in the position of being able to employ clever, experienced designers who would set the benchmark for innovation.
The Tohatsu engineers in particular had a major influence on the development of Bridgestone motorcycles. Although now almost an unknown name, Tohatsu (Tokyo Hatsudoki) held 3% of the Japanese domestic motorcycle market in 1961. Tohatsu was a cutting edge manufacturer and made the world's only production 50cc twin-cylinder road race machines as well as a gorgeous, disc-valved, twin-cylinder 125cc racer. When the factory folded in February 1964 it was on the point of launching a full blown Grand Prix effort headed by Englishman Dave Simmonds - who later went on to win Kawasaki's first ever World Championship in 1969. Tohatsu's loss was Bridgestone's gain.
While easy to keep running, the production of these special motors were costly compared to conventional piston.
On a rotary valve engine, the port timing can be asymmetrical which gives much better combustion. This efficiency can be used to make the motor produce more power or, in the case of road bike, better fuel efficiency and more torque.
The chrome cylinder bores - a first on a production street bike - were also a direct lift from racing and provided exemplary heat transfer and also a very useful weight saving.
However, a disc-valve engine is potentially wide - because the carburetors feed straight into the sides of the crankcase - and it takes clever engineering to ensure that the motor is not disconcertingly tubby across its waistline. Bridgestone did this beautifully.
The engines were bomb-proof with roller, needle, and ball bearings used in such profusion that they were up to the same standard as full blown race bikes. Unlike European engines of the day, which still required the rider to pre-mix the oil in the fuel, the Bridgestone engines had reliable automatic lubrication: keep plenty of two-stroke oil in the tank and the motor would run forever.
If there ever was a problem, the power-plants were simple and cheap to repair: truly, engines which covered every base except one - they were much more expensive to manufacture than piston port engines.
Racing quality brakes were just one of the many standard features.
Twin leading shoe brakes were the best available at the time and the Hurricane carried a neat little 6-inch unit on the front which was right up to racing standards.
In 1970, motocross in the USA was still in its infancy and a lot of riders fancied the "Scrambler" look - no doubt in the sadly optimistic hope that they would be the next Steve McQueen. Bizarrely, some riders even took bikes like the Hurricane at face value and tried to ride off-road with them. This was a seriously optimistic view of life because the little 177cc engine gave only 20 hp and this came at 8,000 rpm. Let the revs drop much below 4,000 rpm and the motor would bog down.
However, there was a race version available for the serious Bridgestone fans and this bike dominated the lightweight class at drag races all over the US and even won at Daytona.
With all this quality and performance, why isn't Bridgestone still up there with Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha? The myth is that the big Japanese manufacturers met the Bridgestone management in a dark, smoke filled Tokyo bar and warned that they would stop using Bridgestone tires if the factory continued making bikes. The bike manufacturers' Yakuza hit men stubbed out their cigarettes on the foreheads of the poor Bridgestone execs and bike manufacturing stopped forthwith.
It's a really good story but sadly, like all the best tales, it's pure myth. Bridgestone bikes suffered from high prices and a very poor distribution network. In Britain, they were sold nationwide through just one dealer - and he was primarily a Honda main agent. Many countries did not even have a single agent.
The Bridgestone Hurricane was truely a high quality bike, but the price and dealer network would ultimately spell the end of Bridgestone motorcycles.
However, the crunch was quite simply factory space. Manufacturing bikes took up valuable space which could be used for making tires and so they were chopped. No gangsters, no secret meetings, no threats in plain brown envelopes: quite simply a lack of square feet on a factory floor.
Riding a Hurricane today is still a big thrill and, if you are prepared to tolerate a dire shortage of spare parts, owning a Bridgestone has got to be at the top of the classic motorcycling tree.
MotoGP Rules Cut Costs and Practices
New rules from the Grand Prix Commission have been announced, cutting the MotoGP practice sessions and implementing new technical restrictions.
First the schedule change. Friday morning practice sessions have been dropped altogether. Instead there will be one afternoon practice session, followed on Saturday by a morning practice and afternoon qualifying session. The traditional hour-long session time has also been trimmed to 45 minutes. All told, 105 minutes have been stripped out of the MotoGP program. The 20-minute Sunday warm up is unchanged.
MotoGP machines are not permitted brake disc or pads made of “ceramic composite materials.” And internal electronics have been stymied, with electronic suspension control and launch control forbidden. Other tech modifications include a new rule that only five engines may be used during the season’s final eight races (beginning with the August round at Brno).
Although it is not explicitly stated in the FIM release announcing the rule changes, the move has been made to trim competition costs.
The official FIM rule changes are listed below:
1. Standard time schedule
Friday
13:05-13:45 125cc Free Practice 1
14:05-14:50 MotoGP Free Practice 1
15:05-15:50 250cc Free Practice 1
Saturday
09:05-09:45 125cc Free Practice 2
10:05-10:50 MotoGP Free Practice 2
11:05-11:50 250cc Free Practice 2
13:05-13:45 125cc Qualifying Practice
14:05-14:50 MotoGP Qualifying Practice
15:05-15:50 250cc Qualifying Practice
Sunday
08:40-09:00 125cc Warm Up
09:10-09:30 250cc Warm Up
09:40-10:00 MotoGP Warm Up
11:00 125cc Race
12:15 250cc Race
14:00 MotoGP Race
2. From Czech GP, maximum 5 engines can be used in 8 races. No changing of parts will be permitted except daily maintenance.
3. Ceramic composite materials are not permitted for brakes disc or pads.
4. Launch control system is not permitted.
5. Electronic controlled suspension is not permitted.
6. Only 2 post race tests at Catalunya and Czech GP for development purposes using test riders only are permitted.
Motorcycles in Economic Stimulus Package
"This inclusive and equitable solution will provide much-needed relief to riders, as well as to those who sell motorcycles," said AMA Vice President for Government Relations Ed Moreland. "When it appeared that motorcycles were going to be overlooked in this bill, the AMA and the Association's members, along with Harley-Davidson and others, took our case straight to Capitol Hill and persuaded lawmakers that this was the right decision."
Moreland added that motorcycle riders are just as likely to have been hit hard by the economic downturn as those who buy automobiles and light-duty trucks. Moreover, motorcyclists typically purchase new bikes, apparel, vehicle servicing and aftermarket equipment from local dealers that are family-owned small businesses.
Specifically, motorcycles are included as "qualified vehicles" in Section 1008 of the legislation. Those purchasing a new motorcycle will be able to deduct the sales and excise taxes on their 2009 tax returns. Prior to the actions taken by the AMA and others, the deductions only applied to the purchase of a new car or light truck.
"We want to thank all motorcyclists who took the time to contact their elected officials," said Moreland. "This victory is particularly gratifying because it represents a community-wide effort to elevate motorcycles as a recognized and viable means of transportation in America. Motorcycles are vital to the reduction of traffic congestion, provide efficient use of limited parking, have far less impact on our roads and bridges, and contribute significantly to our nation's efforts to consume less fuel. Our success today clearly indicates that our legislators are listening."
Valentino Rossi turns 30
Below is a collection of quotes from colleagues, fellow riders, family and a few of his more famous fans. Some are recollections of favourite moments with Valentino, whilst some are simply messages for him on the day he turns 30. All are different ways of saying ‘Happy Birthday, Valentino!'
DAVIDE BRIVIO (FIAT YAMAHA TEAM MANAGER)
"I don't really have a favourite memory of Valentino, or at least it's difficult to choose the ‘absolute best!' The first one that comes to mind however is just after the Welkom race in 2004, his famous first MotoGP race with Yamaha. Before Valentino finally joined Yamaha, during one of the meetings the previous September, he said that he wanted to win his first race with Yamaha! This immediately created a lot of pressure for me and for Yamaha, but anyway I promised him that we would all try all our best. Honestly at that time I felt that it was going to be a very difficult thing to achieve! During the final few pre-season tests the chances of doing it began to look better and better, but in a race itself anything can happen. Incredibly, he won that race in Welkom and just after it, after the technical meeting had finished, we were alone in his changing room. Somebody had left a bottle of wine in the fridge and we opened it and raised a toast to that day way back in September, when he had first said that he wanted to win this race. "We did it!" I said to him. It was a very emotional moment for me because it was the moment we achieved our very first target together. Happy Birthday!"
CESARE CREMONINI (SINGER AND FRIEND)
"Vale is a fighter, but armed with a smile. I've never seen him lose his humanity, even in the most difficult moments. One time I found him making gags and jokes as if he was at home with friends, when in fact he had just a couple of minutes to go before a decisive race. While he was putting on his leathers, ready to go out and challenge the world, he transmitted a joy for life, listening to a song on his ipod. "Ciao Ragazzi! See you later!&quo t; He said. Then came a sweeping victory at the limits of possibility and a long night of partying together! Happy Birthday, Vale!"
TOM CRUISE (ACTOR AND ROSSI FAN)
"Valentino, You are a true champion. You keep raising the bar, relentlessly pursuing the next race, the next challenge, the next championship. I also know that the victories don't necessarily become easier. You have to dig deeper, work even harder, become more focused to overcome the distractions. That's what you do. And I, like countless others, know that when you're on that track anything is possible. It was my great pleasure to be there at Laguna Seca and see you take that victory. I can honestly say I've never seen anything like it! You certainly don't disappoint! Thank you for all the great races you have given us, and for all the great races yet to come. Happy Birthday."
DANIEL DAY-LEWIS (ACTOR AND ROSSI FAN)
"Every race, every win, every championship! Vale the kid in the portaloo is an old favourite, always irresistible in victory and gracious in defeat (not that he had to prove it very often!) But the all-time favourite memory for me would be him at Laguna Seca going inside Stoner through the dirt. Death or glory; the whole race an answer to those daft enough still to have a question. And to have shaken the hand of that man - that I won't forget either."
ALDO DRUDI (DESIGNER AND FRIEND)
"Cattolica, August 1996, 2pm, very hot. I'm travelling by motorbike on a deserted road towards the sea, when a small and colourful outline appears from an intersection ahead, going very fast. A young boy on a scooter ‘closes' the corner, accentuates the bend, runs around the pavement, straightens up and pulls a wheelie... he holds the wheelie on the aqua-green Zip for more than 200 metres, still on the gas. I accelerate and catc h him up. The boy lets go of the left handlebar and lifts the left hand in a sign of victory. I recognise him and follow him. Finally he lowers the wheel and with his feet on the footrests he throws embraces and salutes all around the road to his imaginary fans. He notices me, right beside him, and smiles. Happy Birthday Vale!"
COLIN EDWARDS (TEAM-MATE 2005/06/07 AND NOW TECH 3 YAMAHA RIDER)
"I have a few fond memories of Vale starting from 2000. Our 2002 victory at the Suzuka 8-Hour was something special, but I'd have to say my one memory that stands out is Laguna 2005. Basically, we were both healthy and fighting for every inch. I did have a slight advantage knowing the track since 1992. As I can recall, it was the first time we were together on track racing close; as most would confirm, he was usually ten seconds in front of me leading by this point in the race! Then he mounted a charge on the last two laps that came up just short...I was happy we didn't have one more lap! Haha!!!! It's not really a memory that I beat him, it's more of a memory of racing side by side with what I consider "The Goat", which translates as The Greatest Of All Time. Happy birthday, you old man!"
CARMELO EZPELETA (CEO, DORNA SPORTS)
"My favourite "Valentino moment" is remembering the unique human quality that he showed after his battle with Nicky Hayden for the 2006 MotoGP Championship. It is very easy to behave like a champion when you win, but Rossi's attitude after losing was admirable and impressive."
LIN JARVIS (MANAGING DIRECTOR, YAMAHA MOTOR RACING)
"It's difficult to think of a single moment but I guess one of the most memorable moments was during the 2003 season when Valentino had his first meeting with the Yamaha YZR-M1. We had started our secret discussions earlier that year for a po ssible future move to Yamaha. Vale said he wanted to have a real look at the Yamaha M1 bike so we agreed to organize a secret rendezvous in the paddock at the Donington GP. To keep it secret we arranged to meet on Saturday night in the Yamaha Factory Team pit box. After midnight Vale arrived in a dark parka jacket with the hood up. He looked like a burglar coming to steal our stuff! Once inside he greeted everybody there and introduced himself and then took his time to look at Carlos Checa's M1 from every angle before asking our permission if he could sit on the bike. We were so surprised by his humility and modesty and even more surprised when he paid a complement to us by stating that it was "not so bad" after all. His attitude on that first night time meeting said a lot about the man. Since then I have seen a hundred more examples... Happy Birthday, Vale!"
JORGE LORENZO (FIAT YAMAHATEAM-MATE, 2008/09)
"I want to say Happy Birthday to my team-mate Valentino. It is great for me to be racing with a legend like him, but maybe now he's 30 he might slow down a little bit!"
MARCO MATERAZZI (INTER MILAN FOOTBALL PLAYER AND FRIEND)
"We met thanks to Inter, but we became friends thanks to motorbikes: our two great passions! Now the stadium and the circuit are occasions to be fans for one another and to try to bring good luck; you for me and I for you. But the moment in which we feel the truest friends is when we're having dinner together at my house, sitting together at the same table. There we are just Marco and Valentino, two who for many reasons see life in the same way. Today I am just like you, when you put your number on to race it is the double of me when I put mine on to play, because I have 23! For your 30th I give you ‘double' greetings. And one more special thing to remember, to succeed in keeping our ‘secre t' promise, the one which we can only tell when we've achieved it! Happy birthday Vale!"
GUIDO MEDA (ITALIAN TV COMMENTATOR AND FRIEND)
"The end of testing, the slow-down lap. Valentino sees you from the track and goes to wave at you. It's a quick movement and it seems trivial, but it's a sign, a sign of how he focuses his attention; on the bike while he needs to, on the man when he can. He separates the moments, detaches them, changes and reasons. This is why everyone always wants him as their poster boy. The Valentino I know above all defeats what is normal while the legend grows. Now he turns 30, what can I say? As before, he still has his feet on the ground. He is ruthless and very much a perfectionist. He is easy-going and always curious with his own taste for an interesting life, but he is normal. After eight titles and 97 victories, I would like to be sure that I tell the story in the right way and, although t he legend continues to grow, I can always find simple words."
STEFANIA PALMA (MOTHER)
"I have thought about what to tell you through the media for your 30th birthday... I could have dealt with sun, stars, mountains, love and happiness... but I feel it is more right to say, simply... HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"
CARLO PERNAT (JOURNALIST AND FRIEND)
"How could I not love you, Valentino? The champions know exactly what they have to do, instinctively. I remember in 1997, when we were making your first TV advert. You had to endure a day with a fussy and long-winded director, who couldn't finish and had to adjourn until the next day. You left and, with your friend Uccio you called to warn that you were already home at your house, and where you were staying also the next day! Straugurissimi, Legend!"
WAYNE RAINEY (WORLD CHAMPION WITH YAMAHA 1990/91/92)
&quo t;Happy 30th birthday Valentino! I love to watch when the odds are against you, the battle is on. Your passion to win is visible and I respect that very much. 30 years old...life is just beginning for you!"
KENNY ROBERTS SENIOR (WORLD CHAMPION WITH YAMAHA 1978/79/80)
"Valentino, when I first saw you ride at the ranch in Barcelona... I thought Kevin Schwantz was tall and skinny! You were very impressive then as you are now! Good luck and Happy Birthday!"
GRAZIANO ROSSI (FATHER)
"Simply... I would like to wish him to get to 40 without growing up anymore and then after 40... let's see!"
RINO SALUCCI (FRIEND AND PRESIDENT OF OFFICIAL FAN CLUB)
"Am I asking too much if I ask for 30 more years of excitement? Well, I can live with half!
UCCIO SALUCCI (BEST FRIEND)
"I hope that for the next 30 years Vale will be as fast as he has been in the previous 30 and that he gives us more passes and excitement like we had at Laguna Seca 2008. 30 more Corkscrews, Vale!"
MARCO SIMONCELLI (250CC WORLD CHAMPION AND FRIEND)
"Happy Birthday, Bomber! Although you are now 30, try to give us as much excitement as you have given to us until you were 29! Auguri! Sic58"
GIGI SOLDANO (OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHER AND FRIEND)
"I know that every time I work with him something different will happen once again. One more time his image is in front of my lens and once again I have a different feeling and taste to be working with him. His little wrinkles, his determined gaze with his piercing eyes, which look right through you if you are not quick to change the shot. We play a game and by now he knows what expression I want before I have even asked, just like a team-mate in a match. The expressions stay in my mind as memories . This is what having Vale in front of the camera means, every time. I am always happy that I have the good fortune to work with him. Today he is posing for me with a chocolate cake to celebrate his 30th birthday. I shoot it as simply as possible; It's not necessary to have anything else to make it a unique shot. A white background is enough, and once again we relax into the ‘groove'. A song comes into my head: "When you have a sunny day in December, you can say that summer is already here! Congratulations, Vale!"
JAMES TOSELAND (TECH 3 YAMAHA RIDER)
"30 is a big milestone for a racer because, even though you're not really old as a person, you're starting to be one of the older ones in professional racing and you start to feel that you can't go on forever! I don't think it's a problem for Valentino however, he seems to still feel 25 so as long as that continues he'll be just fine! Happy Birthday and have a great party!"
2009 Yamaha FZ6R First Ride
'09 Yamaha FZ6R: Sporting performance from an economical package?
But why can’t we have both? This is exactly what Yamaha aims to achieve with their new FZ6R. Let’s call it PPP (Penny Pinching Performance). Thus, we thoroughly hammered on the new machine to bring you the real scoop.
Do you actually get more bang from the buck, or does the adage ‘you get what you pay for’ hold true here? Let's find out...
Internals Exposed
In an effort to over-achieve and prove one can in fact get more than they pay for, Yamaha started at the heart of the FZ looking for improved real-world rideability. Engine lineage trickles down from the R6 of yesteryear, but aimed at improved low-end and mid-range to “meet the demands of today’s sport riders.”
A larger volume airbox feeds clean air into fuel from four 32mm Mikuni throttle bodies. An improved intake tract has been designed to optimize flow and improve air/fuel mixture, while a 32-bit ECU controls the four-hole, two-direction, high-dynamic-range type fuel injectors. Revised cam timing reduces lift and duration, which causes a loss of top-end power but thickens up the mid-range.
2009 Yamaha FZ6R.
Ceramic composite liners sit in each cylinder for improved wear resistance and reduced friction, while new forged aluminum lightweight pistons reduce weight and add strength, allowing the engine to rev to a screaming 10,000 rpm. Bore and stroke resides at 65.5 x 44.5mm, while the transmission is a six-speed close-ratio unit with a new clutch pull system similar to that of the R6, using a pushrod as opposed to the old ball-joint.
Spent gasses are exited via a new 4-2-1 exhaust system which features a 3-way catalytic converter to meet the ever-inflating government emissions standards (thank you Uncle Sam). The new system exits under the rider’s right foot, MotoGP-style, via a large square housing. This is designed to keep mass as close to the CG (Center of Gravity) as possible, and also fits the “aimed to improve low- to mid-range power” theme Yamaha has emphasized with this new bike.
All-new styling features angular lines, with the rear end matching the sharp lines of the front.
Chassis-wise the 6R sees a redesigned steel tubular frame which uses the engine as a stressed member, as well as a simple, square steel swingarm. Rake now sits at 26 degrees with a trail of 103.5mm. Suspension is handled via a SOQI 41mm fork up front and SOQI shock out back. No surprise there, as SOQI is Yamaha’s in-house suspension company. The fork is not adjustable, while the shock has a seven-step ramp-style preload adjuster.
On the other hand, far more adjustable are the handlebar and seat height. Up front the bar can be set in two positions 20mm apart from each other, while the seat is also a two-position system with options 20mm higher and lower. Wheels are 17-inch by 3.5 inches wide in the front and 4.5 inches wide out back, coming shod with either Bridgestone or Dunlop rubber.
Standard Brembo master cylinders grace both ends of the machine, the front feeding two 298mm disks that are pinched by dual-piston Akebono calipers with a single-piston Nissin grabbing a 245mm disk in the rear. Rounding out the changes is an FZ1-inspired gauge cluster with a digital speedo and analog tach, as well as all the other essential info needed to keep any level rider informed.
The best part? All this comes in at a starting price under 7K ($6,990 for the Raven Black; the Yellow, White and Racing Blue options are $7,090). That’s a lot of bang for not a lot of buck and bikes are currently being shipped to dealers as you read this.
So what is it like to ride?
The Goods
Throw a leg over the low 30.9-inch seat height, twist the key, thumb the starter and the little guy comes to life with a docile and subdued whine. Government regulations haven’t done anything to help motorcycle sound, thus it isn’t until it’s dropped in gear and rolling away that the soundtrack livens up.
Beautiful Northern California played host for the first ride and provided amazing roads.
For our first taste of the new econo-friendly ride, Yamaha invited us up to utterly beautiful Santa Rosa, California, in the heart of wine country, to drink in some of the finest roads North America has to offer. Sunny skies graced us for the day of testing, though temperatures in the low 50s and high 40s made for some frozen extremities
Despite the chilled internals, the new machined proved a formidable opponent for any twisty road one could put in its path, quickly taking our mind off the weather as the speed increased. A lack of suspension adjustment and low footpegs limited the pace some, but for those new to the sport finding those relatively high limits will take time. On the other hand, Yamaha hit the nail on the head with the adjustability of the seat and handlebars, something that will benefit beginners far more than adjustable suspension.
Even at a short 5'6", I found the low seat position to be cramped, with the 20mm higher option feeling far better. This low height will bode well for new and shorter riders, as getting both feet on the ground will aid confidence substantially. Adding a few steps of preload out back helped reduced pumping on corner exit and stabilized the machine. We ended two off from full-hard and could have even gone one step stiffer to help further. All of the above mentioned adjustments (seat, suspension, bars) can be done quite easily with tools provided in the under-seat tool kit.
You can't tell, but it was about 30 degrees when this photo was taken. Good thing performance from the little Yamaha helped heat things up.
Feeling slightly slower than the standard FZ6, the tweaked older generation R6 powerplant left something to be desired. While the added mid-range will help newer riders and the impeccable fuel injection makes for worry-free application of the throttle at any rpm, the feel is very electric and lacks character. Not much goes on sub-5,000 rpm, at which time it climes smooth and seamlessly to the 10,000 rpm redline; the problem being it’s a bit too smooth.
On the plus side, it does have enough mid-range snap to keep those wheeliers happy, as a quick twist of the right wrist in first gear lofts the front end to the sky without problem. The high bars and ample feel of the rear brake allow for easy continuation of said wheelies (though, um, we only recommend these actions on a closed course, of course…).
Clutch action is improved. Pull is effortless and feel from the lever is up to par with its more expensive siblings. Reminding me much of the ’01 R6 I raced a few times ‘back in the day’, the transmission has that same smooth and buttery feel when shifting. Tossing the foot lever from gear to gear is nearly effortless, making for extremely easy and pain-free shifts in both directions. A trade off of this silky action is a bit of feel, as the machine never makes a solid clunk or notch to let you know you are fully into the next gear, though 99% of the time you are without problem. I did hit a couple false neutrals during the day possibly due to this, both times between fourth and fifth gear.
Brakes are more than up to sniff for the lightweight machine and one of its shining points, as are the ergonomics. A rated 43mpg will also no doubt be a solid selling point in these tough economical times.
But the key selling point – the one which Yamaha's extensive research says young American consumers put above all the rest – an aesthetically pleasing, racing-inspired full fairing. Generation ‘Y’ has spoken and Yamaha have once again answered the call with the 09 FZ6R, providing a formidable option at a very reasonable price.
2008 Superbike Smackdown V
We live in the golden age of sportbikes. It may not seem like it at the moment, but years from now, hopefully many decades - when oil is drying up and we're all driving small cars we plug into power outlets - people will look back at our age with wonder.
Did thousands of people really ride 150-plus horsepower superbikes? Did manufacturers actually make production machines capable of a 135mph, 10-second quarter mile times? Could anyone, from pimpled High School juniors to wrinkled nursing home retirees, truly walk into a dealership and ride out on a machine capable of going faster than a jet airplane shot off an aircraft carrier?
The answer to all those questions is yes, because we do indeed live in this magnificent era. To that end, MotorcycleUSA gathered the five most ferocious sportbikes in existence for the fifth annual Superbike Smackdown.
Our contestants this year include the 1000cc staples from the Big Four: The three-time reigning Smackdown champion Suzuki GSX-R1000, the high-revving Yamaha R1 and the latest literbike efforts from Honda and Kawasaki. The redesigned Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R and Honda CBR1000RR both bring the heat to challenge the Gixxer Thou, but we also are pleased to report that the Ducati 1098, which eluded us in last year's test, is also taking aim at the Gixxer in its Smackdown debut.
Evaluating this year's crop of contenders, we dialed up our fastest friends. Multi-Time AFM Formula Pacific Championship contender and AMA Superbike privateer Michael Earnest is on board, along with Moto-ST rider Justin Filice, who happens to be the son of Motorcycle Hall of Fame rider Jimmy Filice. Our standby ringer and six-time OMRRA/two-time WMRRA Superbike Champion Shawn Roberti wasn't about to miss this one either. These three joined the MCUSA editorial brain trust of Editorial Director Ken Hutchison and Associate Editor Adam Waheed, who've been chomping at the bit for our biggest test of the year like hyperactive howler monkeys on speed. Oh yeah, did we mention Hoobastank drummer and certified gearhead Chris Hesse wanted in on the fun too? We also topped off our packed roster with a top secret test rider, who we'll refer to only as Sid. Why Sid? Because Stig was taken and why the hell not!
Our testing route included not one, not two, but four, count `em, four, days on the track. Twice we ran the Buttonwillow circuit in the reverse configuration, along with a day at Willow Springs and another at Pahrump, Nevada on both Spring Mountain Motorsports Park's 1.5- and 2.2-mile tracks. We also took this year's quintet out for a street ride or two just to push our luck even further.
The core testing facility for Superbike Smackdown V was Spring Mountain Motorsports Park in Pahrump NV.
The core testing facility for Superbike Smackdown V was Spring Mountain Motorsports Park in Pahrump, NV.
Forty-four race tires from Dunlop later - which you can check out in our accompanying Dunlop Sportmax D211GP product review - we were left to sort through the stats and scores. The notes of this year's Smackdown author, Ken Hutchison, say it all: 1300 miles driving with the trailer, 17 days on the road, 12 Zantac, eight riders, five bikes, four tracks, three cities, two states, not enough clean underwear... It all comes down to one thing in the end - the winner of Superbike Smackdown V.
Special thanks to Hyperclub Track Day (Willow Springs) and Take It 2 The Track (Buttonwillow Day 2) for the track time. Also special appreciation to Michael Earnst for a) testing bikes for us and b) being generous with track time via his Pacific Track Time enterprise. More gratitude also is owed to Mr. Hesse, who not only loaned his riding skills, but signed off on the use of the Hoobastank tunes accompanying our Smackdown videos - so make sure to check them out! Other thanks go out to XT Racing for the Ultra-Lap timers and PowerStands for all-new bike stands - helping us fool everyone by looking like a semi-respectable outfit. One last thank you is in order to Area P, who were very generous by allowing us to hog their dyno for hp and torque figures. Thank you to everyone!
SPEEDCOM Joins AMA Pro Road Racing
AMA Pro Road Racing and SPEEDCOM Communications announced today that the leading motorsports radio communications company has been named the "Official Communications Partner" of AMA Pro Road Racing.
Radio communication will be introduced to AMA Pro Road Racing for the first time in 2009 and SPEEDCOM offers a full line of radio systems and support for competitors interested in taking advantage of rider-to-crew communication this racing season.
"Road racing communications has been at the center of our business for more than a dozen years and we look forward to introducing our proven products to AMA Pro Road Racing," said SPEEDCOM Chief Executive Officer Toto Lassally, who runs the company from a Daytona Beach facility that is nearby AMA Pro's headquarters. "In sports car road racing, radio technology has developed from what used to be considered an optional accessory to essential equipment for all teams, and we believe these benefits will soon be realized by the AMA Pro Road Racing competitors."
Established in 1996, SPEEDCOM is the world leader in motorsports radio and communications systems and also offers a related line of high-performance products and accessories for companies and competitors in all facets of the motorsports industry. Created and owned by racers for racers, only SPEEDCOM has first-hand experience in understanding the needs of competitors - from riders to crews in the pits - and the incredible demands required of equipment and reliable communications in all forms of racing.
Although not mandatory in AMA Pro Road Racing competition, teams and riders are encouraged to take advantage of rider-to-crew radio communication. SPEEDCOM offers a full line of communications products as well as support and service for all systems from both its Daytona Beach headquarters and on-site at every AMA Pro Road Racing weekend.
The AMA Pro Road Racing season-opening Daytona 200 by Honda weekend is less than two weeks away, but SPEEDCOM is still able to provide competing teams and riders with full radio systems and support if they act now. SPEEDCOM can be reached at (386) 760-7110 or through email at info@speedcomracing.com.
With headquarters in the heart of the "World Center of Racing" in Daytona Beach, Florida, and in the European gateway city of Barcelona, Spain, SPEEDCOM products and technology are distributed globally throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, The Caribbean, Spain, Portugal, Holland, Belgium, Scandinavia, Italy, Germany, France and New Zealand. Future expansion calls for operations and distribution in Dubai and Australia. Check out SPEEDCOM at http://www.speedcomracing.com/.
AMA Pro Racing is the premier professional motorcycle racing organization in North America, operating a full schedule of events and championships for a variety of motorcycle disciplines. From its Daytona Beach headquarters, the organization operates and manages AMA Pro Road Racing, which includes AMA Pro American Superbike, AMA Pro Daytona SportBike, AMA Pro SuperSport and AMA Pro SunTrust Moto-GT. AMA Pro Racing also manages and works closely with the day-to-day operational organizations of the AMA Pro Flat Track Championship and the AMA Pro Supermoto Championship Series in addition to other two-wheel and ATV series. Learn more about AMA Pro Racing at www.amaproracing.com.
