2009 KTM RC8 ridden

The good guys at motorcycle-usa rode the latest 2009 KTM RC8

The superbike world keeps getting bigger, as European marques move in on the Japanese market. KTM, Europe’s second-largest manufacturer, has literally made its superbike bigger with the release of a higher-spec version of the RC8 at the EICMA 2008 Milan Bike Show.

The new RC8R, the second version of KTM’s inaugural superbike, ramps up the performance factor with a larger engine. Increasing the bore from 103 to 105mm (same 69mm stroke) bumped up displacement for the 75-degree V-Twin from 1148 to 1195cc. The compression ratio also spiked, jumping from 12.5:1 to 13.5:1.

To read the whole article, jump to the motorcycle-usa article HERE

IN THE MEANTIME READ THESE...
HONDA AND YAMAHA TO SELL ELECTRIC BIKES BY 2010
STUNTING ON THE INDIAN 180CC BIKE
THE YAMAHA YZF-R15 GOES TOURING

2009 Suzuki Boulevard M90 (Intruder)

Middleweight?

That's the question I had in my mind at the press introduction for the new Boulevard M90 that Suzuki calls a middleweight performance cruiser. With a 90 cubic-inch (1462cc) V-Twin and 723 pounds of claimed wet weight, it's hard to accept as a "middleweight" anything. But Suzuki (and its customers, speaking through focus groups) needed something in a muscle cruiser (hence the "M" moniker) to fit between the 805cc M50 and 1783cc M109R.

The M90's 52-degree motor has the same 96mm by 101mm bore-and-stroke figures as the classic-styled C90 model, but it's actually a whole new design. The engine's designer, Kenta Suzuki (no relation) usually works on sportbikes, and his stamp is evident with liquid cooling, four-valve heads, forged aluminum slipper pistons and other high-performance traits. Heavy flywheels, offset crankpins and torque-heavy low-end tuning make sure the rider knows he's on a cruiser.

The chassis is similarly unique. The bodywork is smooth and flowing, with a strong family resemblance to its M109R big brother. Like the 109, it also gets a fat back end, terminating in a widest-in-class 200mm rear radial. The front end gets dual 290mm brake discs, paired with two-piston sliding-pin calipers. The 43mm inverted fork is a cartridge unit (albeit non-adjustable), and the concealed rear shock works through a linkage. Like every Boulevard model (except the old Savage, aka the S40) the M90 gets the shaft, literally, at least in terms of final drive.

READ THE WHOLE ARTICLE AT HERE

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2009 DUCATI MONSTER 1100 REVIEW
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Harley Davidson XR1200 launched in US

According to a dealer announcement, the Harley Davidson XR1200 will be released in the U.S. at the IMS show in Long Beach, California December 5th. Scott Parker and Kenny Coolbeth will be on hand for autographs and introduction. Looks like a total of 750 will be available.

XR1200 - DOM 1LA619 $11,079
Vivid Black $10,799

XR1200 - CAL 1LA639 $11,179
Vivid Black $10,899

Pre-orders can be placed for the first 750 models between 21 Nov 08 until 15 Dec 08 or when the first 750 models released have been claimed.

I guess Harley was listening after all. If you want one, it’s time to get to your Harley dealer with your checkbook.

Thanks to Chris for sending the first tip!

From: Badweatherbikers and thekneeslider

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Delhi to Marsimek La : Day 4

Read Day1
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Day 4 : Leh - Khardungla - Leh

We had pushed ourselves in the last three days and deserved a break today. The plan was to ride to Ktop and back, relaxing and enjoying Leh in the evening. I had already spoken to 4-season holidays for the permits in advance.

After a wholesome tasty breakfast at the hotel, we left for Ktop by around 9:30am. We had to take the road from the main bazaar area. Surprisingly, such an important road start from a small bylane, going thru some houses, and then widening up as the inclination started. We were soon above the city, and had a fantastic view of the snow peaks for almost the whole way


The roads were quite good. Infact, i think Ktop is overrated. It may be the highest motorable road in the world, but after doing the Manali-Leh route, Ktop seems as a piece of cake!

An army convoy going to Ktop



We slowed down as the convoy had stopped. There was a small jam, but we all managed to find our way...to Ktop!


I have read other people's account of GPS readings showing less than what the welcome board claims. Even my watch showed only 17820 feet


We spent around an hour there. Purchased t-shirts and mugs (i regularly use both!) and raised a toast to our ride with tea and maggi.

Riding back was fantastic, as we constantly had a lovely view of the city, and the snow peaks

The road going down to leh


The evening was spent lazing around the town. Walking, walking and walking. Also tried local street food, and retired for the night by 10pm. Next day would be a tough one...

Read:

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Delhi to Marsimek La : Day 3

DAY 3: SARCHU - LEH : 260KM

After a hard second day, three morning didnt seem to bring any respite for us. The AMS was bad than I had imagined it to be. My head was aching, and the chill out (the bike's seat was covered with a layer of frost!) didnt help either. After whatever I could possibly stuff my stomach with, I left immediately as Sarchu didnt have any STD booths. I had not spoken to my family since the night of day1. The first few km towards Pang were quite nice, and it was possible to keep an average speed of around 55-60km/h. However, once the ascent to the Gata loops started, my going became slow.

The much talked about Gata Loops

After the Gata Loops came the Nakeela Pass

And then the Lachulungla Pass

I was aiming for Pang, 80km from Sarchu in two hours. With a couple of breaks for pics and pee, I managed to reach here. There was an Army camp and the good guys let me make a satellite call back home. Note the line up of Innovas in the background? The group had stayed the previous night with us at the campsite. I waited for an hour before the others came and we all had breakfast together.

After breakfast, we continued and ride and came across these. Natural formations caused by wind!

And the More Plains. A vast empty piece of mother earth, extending for miles. There are no proer roads, though which ever dirt road you take, you end up at the same place - the concrete road to the Tanglangla Pass

A tired me.. with the Karizmas

Imagine being here at night!

The Karizma - probably the best Indian bike for touring right now

The Tanglang La pass at 17582feet

After riding down from the Tanglangla pass, the roads improved and some of us literally flew to Upshi where we waited for others to join

At Upshi

We reached Leh earlier than expected, thanks to the last 70km. Nitinjit had already arranged for a fantastic place for us to stay - Hotel Kaal, on the airport road. The rest of the evening was spent relaxing, having a drink (and two!) at the hotel itsel.

Delhi to Marismek la : Day1
Delhi to Marsimek la : Day2
Delhi to Marsimek la : Day4
Delhi to Marsimek la : Day5
Delhi to Marsimek la : Day6