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That coat involved stroking the motor out to 1,441cc, giving the lump a whole host of internal revisions, treating 50 per cent of the frame to new components, sticking new springs in at each end and then giving this fire-breathing beast an electronics package to be proud of.

The results are spectacular. The engine is the first to impress. Thoroughly usable, but still capable of devastating speed figures, it works as well at 2,000rpm as it does at 11,500rpm - spitting out all of its 200bhp. The KTRC traction control system ensures that you get the best from the motor. It’s not a normal nanny-state TC system, as it allows for slippage and spin, so you really do feel like you’re making progress everywhere. But that’s still not the most impressive bit.

No, the changes to the chassis and suspension really breath new life into the ZZR, and turn add beauty to this beast. Having tested the bike at the Nardo proving grounds, it is astonishing that a bike of this bulk can corner as well as it does. Add in great brakes, a slipper clutch and half-decent ground clearance and you’ve got yourself a trackday botherer…

Then we rode it flat out around the Nardo ring. I scored a GPS verified 184mph on the limiter, so it’s pretty rapid. What this means in the real world is debatable, but at least it talks the talk and walks the walk – plus we got to ride flat out for over 5kms.

You’ll read more in the March issue of Fast Bikes, and watch out for it on YouTube and on the Bike Channel. Head to the Kawasaki website for more information.

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As far as design goes, the NC700X is a resounding success

It’s hard to argue with data, especially when it doesn’t argue back. Numbers just sit there, smug in the knowledge that they’ve been researched, collated and calculated.

So in trying to understand biking’s current malaise, Honda sent a team of researchers into the field to understand how bikers use their machines, in the hope of being able to present a more applicable product. The numbers that came back were interesting. According to the stats, 90 per cent of all riding is done below 140kph and an engine only ever revs above 6,000rpm just 20 per cent of the time. Though the logic deduced from these figures is skewed (uncontroversially implying that riders are by and large law abiding citizens, and that the largely unused potential of a bike is unimportant), it certainly makes sense that a bike should be built for these very conditions.

The Crossover style is all the rage in 2012

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All the questions have been submitted, and on Wednesday 21st, Valentino Rossi will attempt to answer issues such as dog or cat, would a bear beat a tiger in a fight, and who has the smelliest breath in MotoGP? Maybe. We just don’t know, as the questions will only be revealed during the web chat.

This will all happen at 15.00hrs UK time THIS WEDNESDAY. So put it in your diary now.  All you then need to do is head to Dainese.com and see what the great man comes up with.

We reckon he’ll say 1) dog, 2) bear, 3) Colin Edwards.

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Thieves took 35 KTM 50 SXs and one 65 SX. The bikes were still in their individual transportation boxes, still requiring a small amount of assembly from the dealerships they were intended for. The 50 and 65 SX Sport Minicycles are incredibly popular motorcross machines for junior riders taking their first steps into off-road riding.

Each machine has a unique VIN (vehicle identification number) and engine number that can be used to trace its identity. Police and KTM dealers have these details and, together with KTM UK, will be working with motocross clubs and tracks across the country to make sure these stolen machines are returned. Anybody with potential information regarding these bikes can contact KTM UK on 01280 709500.

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Yes, it’s completely standard – and if the EU get their way,
modifying it would be illegal

Imagine being told that it’s illegal to fit different wheels, or a 520 chain conversion, or an end can / full system to your bike. You know – that thing which is your own property. What next? Will they be able to tell us we can’t ride on Sundays because that’s when most bikers fall off? Or maybe it’ll be illegal to accelerate unless you’re bolt upright. Well, on Monday the European Parliament’s Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) committee voted through stringent proposals for the regulation, approval and market surveillance of motorcycles, three wheelers and quadricycles. The upshot of which is that modifying your bike could be rendered illegal.

The IMCO committee vote is an early stage of the legislative process and is in effect a recommendation to the European Parliament. If the European Parliament take the same view, it would mean that from 2014, measures to prevent power-train modifications (by the user that may have adverse effects on safety or the environment) must be devised and applied by manufacturers and also that owners must present their motorcycles for inspection after carrying out ‘substantial’ modifications ‘by the competent authorities’. It would also mean that as from 2016, tighter emission laws would apply and all machines would have to be fitted with ABS, not just those over 125cc as previously tabled.

The European Parliament final vote will be held in the New Year but on the positive side say the BMF, IMCO chairman Malcolm Harbour will conduct an impact assessment dealing with timelines, emission limits, ABS and anti-tampering measures, the outcome of which is expected to influence the European Parliament’s final vote.

Speaking after the vote, Chris Hodder, the BMF’s Government Relations Executive said: “Rather than protecting the right to enjoy their property, IMCO MEPs are recommending that it be curtailed. Some requirements such as those for durability and improved access to repair and maintenance information are good, but others that restrict the owners right to adapt and modify their own machines strike at the very core of motorcycling and are totally unnecessary.”

The BMF is now stepping up its lobbying of UK Government and MEPs through its membership of FEMA, the Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Associations. A detailed report on the IMCO vote will soon be available on the FEMA website.

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Mac Motorcycles is an all-British manufacturing project, created from owner Ellis Pitt’s vision to develop a simple machine focused on rekindling the spirit of riding.

The firm will produce four models: Spud, Pea Shooter, Ruby and Roarer, which will be available to purchase later in 2012. However, two-wheel fans will have a first opportunity to feed back on the prototype machine at Autosport International courtesy of Birchills Automotive, the UK’s leading independent exhaust component supplier, which produced the Spud’s exhaust system.

“Over the last 15 years, motorcycles have become increasingly sophisticated and focused on the latest technology,” said Pitt. “We wanted to re-examine the relationship between motorbike and owner to create a British motorcycle that embodies simplicity, is easy to maintain and reconnects motorcyclists with the joys of riding.”

Visit the Autosport website for details of the show.

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The Tech Air System is electronically operated and completely wireless, and is an active device – so there’s no data being extracted from the bike or circuit. It’s also exactly the same system that the MotoGP boys use, and weighs a puny 450g. The super-clever microprocessor sits in the hump of the suit and constantly monitors the rider’s movements via five sensors. When the processor detects massively unusual characteristics and predicts a crash, only then will the airbags (which are shoulder-mounted) deploy with one of two gas cylinders releasing a nitrogen-based mix. And it only takes 45 milliseconds for the system to fully inflate, providing five seconds of full-blown protection. The system is fully discharged after 20 seconds, and is ready to go for another deployment after a minute – just in case you lob it down the road again. A series of LEDs on the arm of the suit informs you of its activation, and warning of a low battery or any irregularities.

The extensive research and intellectual manners mean that the airbags may not inflate if the processor thinks it’s a pansy crash. For instance, when Rossi took Stoner out at Jerez during the first race of 2011, the system didn’t deploy because there was no danger to Casey’s upper body.

The battery lasts for eight hours constant usage, and the system is only armed when the main zip is fully closed. Clever, eh? There’s also a wireless diagnostics card that plugs into the unit, where downloads will become available and even a smart-phone app is accessible. And before you ask, the system won’t deploy if you chuck yourself down the stairs, or off the top of a multi-storey.

So, how much? The Tech Air suit is currently available at £5,400 with the Tech Air System installed and ready to save your botty. Yes, it’s expensive, but there’s no price limit for safety. For riders with shoulder injuries and collarbone damage, the system will prevent further injury and possibly add a few years to a racing career. There’s hope for me yet.

Check out the Alpinestars website for even more info

Faggers

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Just like the Nuda, the Concept Strada (Italian for ‘street’) will be targeted at youthful on-road motorcyclists who will appreciate its sharp styling, fun handling and great road manners. With a low weight, a punchy 650cc single-cylinder engine and quality components throughout, the Concept Strada is designed for the daily grind. The starting point for the Concept Strada is the ultra-reliable 650cc engine originally developed by BMW for its ubiquitous F-Series range and in its latest incarnation now used to power the new G 650 GS . This engine has been ‘breathed on’ by specialist Husqvarna engineers and the subsequent power upgrade has resulted in an extremely lively machine that (at less than 170 kg dry) will put a smile back on the face of even the weariest commuter. This passionate mix of Husqvarna style and BMW engineering expertise is already in an advanced stage of planning and production is imminent. The Strada will be introduced into the market in 2012.

Like the Nuda before it, and the Concept Moab that was unveiled in Husqvarna Motorcycles’ home territory at the recent EICMA show in Milan, the Concept Strada is further evidence of the company’s commitment to expanding its model portfolio and providing fans of the legendary Italian brand with a new series of road motorcycles. BMW-powered, but Husqvarna-driven, the Concept Strada will be the perfect machine for taking on the urban jungle. Its combination of easy handling, punchy engine and user-friendly ergonomics will make it appeal to both young and ‘young at heart’ male and female riders looking for an extra special motorcycle for everyday use. It is expected to go on sale in 2012.

We’ll bring you a test as soon as it’s available – the first test of the Nuda and Nuda R is in the current issue of Fast Bikes.

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