Yamaha R3

Entry-level sportbikes have been coming on strong lately, with the recent release of the all-new KTM RC390, the updated-for-2015 Honda CBR300R and the Kawasaki Ninja 300, which received a major revamp for 2013.

Now Yamaha is getting into the game, as it announced at the American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo), in Orlando, Florida.

2015 Yamaha YZF-R3 in Rapid Red

Introduced by recently retired Yamaha MotoGP racer Colin Edwards and his wife Alyssia, the all-new 2015 Yamaha YZF-R3 a chip off the supersport block, with sharp, angular styling like its 600cc R6 and 1,000cc R1 big brothers. It is powered by a 320cc, liquid-cooled parallel twin with DOHC, four valves per cylinder, a 180-degree crank and fuel injection, held in place by a steel frame. The transmission has six gears and final drive is via chain.

The fully faired R3 has a 30.7-inch seat height and an LCD instrument panel. Suspension is by KYB, with a 41mm fork with 5.1 inches of travel and a single shock with 5.9 inches of travel. Braking is handled by dual discs (ABS is not available) and the wheels are 10-spoke cast aluminum.
The YZF-R3 will be available in Team Yamaha Blue/Matte Silver, Rapid Red or Raven for $4,990, starting in March 2015.

In related news, Yamaha also announced that an all-new YZF-R1 will be unveiled at the EICMA show in Milan, Italy, on November 3, 2014.

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40th Anniversary Gold Wing

Forty years ago, we introduced our first Gold Wing, and this year it’s time to celebrate! Your new Gold Wing features special 40th Anniversary badging and emblems. You already know that a Gold Wing sets the standards for luxury touring, and it has for the last four decades.

No motorcycle has changed the concept of touring like the Honda Gold Wing. A horizontally opposed engine offering power, performance, and perfect smoothness. Shaft final drive. A chassis designed for day-long comfort. And over the last four decades, the Gold Wing has just gotten better and better, and touring riders have had it better and better too—full-coverage bodywork, bigger engines, more cylinders, better chassis, more power, integrated luggage.

So this year it’s time to celebrate with a special 40th Anniversary Edition—our 2015 Gold Wing, a motorcycle that’s come to define what a touring bike can be, and to set the standards for luxury on two wheels.

Take a week off—or even just a weekend. Pack up the Gold Wing’s saddlebags. Settle in behind that full-coverage windshield and bodywork. And point it down the road to someplace you’ve never been.

Or plan your lifetime trip, and program it in to the Gold Wing’s navi system. You see, the Gold Wing doesn’t dictate how or where you ride—it lets you live the dream, and lets you take a lucky passenger along too.

If there’s one thing that sets a Honda apart, it’s our dedication to superior engineering. Make that two things—in addition to that innovative design, Honda’s build quality is second to none. You can see it in your Gold Wing’s fit and finish. But you also see it in how well your Gold Wing runs, and for how long. The Honda Gold Wing is the absolute gold standard in motorcycling, that’s for sure. You’ll realize it on your first ride. But, more important, you’ll still know it’s true 1,000 rides later.

Revolutionary. Extraordinary. Standard-setting. It's what you've come to expect of the Gold Wing. And that’s especially true with our latest model.

Stay tuned for the 40th Anniversary Gold Wing at Pete's Cycle.

 

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2015 Ducati Superbikes

The 2015 ducati ‘panigale’ range adds four new models to its superbike family; the 1299, the S and R, and 899 panigale. the bologna-based motorcycle firm’s ’1299 panigale’ builds upon the engineering and design solutions introduced with the compasso d’oro award winning 1199. for starters, it is more forceful and responsive than the previous model, boasting a torque value of 144.6 Nm at 8,750 rpm and a maximum power of 205 hp at 10,500 rpm. this is all possible with the 1285 cm3 superquadro engine which has 116mm pistons that are being used for the very first time on a supersports road bike.

Pete's Cycle is excited to be a Ducati dealer. Starting this year, Pete's Cycle will be carrying a great selection of Ducati models. We hope to see you soon in one of our locations once we roll out these new Ducati bikes.


3/4 view of the 1299 panigale
image © designboom

The ducati ’1299 panigale’ has a dry weight of 166.5kg and even with this high power to weight ratio, the latest generation motorcycle is easier and safer to ride thanks to the company’s corse department’s innovative solutions. with the monocoque chassis that has a steering head angle of 24° to guarantee increased cornering agility and how the fork pivot is 4mm lower to allow increased rear traction, exemplifies how safety has been improved.


side view of the ducati 1299
image © designboom

These are not the only features that benefits the red with black wheel rims bike’s performance, so too do; the ducati quick shift that now also works during down-changing, the engine brake control and the ducati wheelie control. the design improves aerodynamic penetration and thus the overall riding statistics with a wider nose fairing and more protective windshield, and the divided-in-two tail fairing.


image © designboom

Introduced with the ducati ’1299 panigale’ and ‘panigale S’, was also the ‘panigale R’ which is the homologated base for its world superbike machine – essentially making it a road-legal race motorbike with indicators and lights. it is fitted with the 1198cm3 superquadro motor that boasts titanium intake and exhaust valves and rods, two-ring pistons and an extremely lightweight crankshaft which is balanced with tungsten inserts. this makes the ‘R’ capable of a torque value of 136.2 Nm at 10,250 rpm and a max power of 205 hp at 11,500 revs/minute.


3/4 front view of the panigale R
  
The 2015 collection is completed with the supermid version ’899 panigale’ that creates a product for those desiring a part within the exclusive world of high performance ducati racing. with this said, the two-wheeler is not just for supersports and engineered for the track, it is also a sophisticated streetbike. the ’899 panigale’ is available in two color schemes; the red with black cycle rims and the arctic white with red disk rims. designboom was present at the live launch of the ducati ‘panigale’ range that corresponded with the 2014 EICMA in milan.




the ducati panigale S




the 899 panigale whilst racing




the ducati CEO claudio domenicali (center in gray) surrounded by the design team, motoGP drivers and show dancers
image © designboom

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2015 Polaris Ranger

For its 2015 models, Polaris worked hard to provide a machine for any budget that will suit off road needs and work hard on the job. The 2015 Polaris Ranger 570 Full Size is a prime example.
After two days of testing the newest version of the Ranger, it was clear that this model delivers more than enough ruggedness and versatility for the average user.
The mountainous high elevation terrain surrounding Zion National Forest proved the 570 could hold its own under a variety of conditions. The ProStar engine platform has been touted as the most powerful design to date, and this 567cc engine brings 44-hp to the table with loads of torque that you can definitely feel in the driver’s seat.
Polaris actually updated the intake openings to give the full sized Ranger 570 the ability to take a deeper breath for more efficient power development. One more crucial item you will notice is just how quiet it is. Driver and passenger can carry on a conversation without having to scream across the cab. This is because the engine is located under the cargo box. "With a Genuine Polaris Pro-Fit Lock and ride front and rear windshield installed it seemed the engine noise was even less evident.

This machine can handle up to 1000 pounds in the roomy cargo box, and will also tow a full ton. Slowing the Ranger 570 is a non-issue. The four-wheel disc brakes react well and provide ample stopping power on solid ground.
Obviously sandy soil or loose gravely surfaces should still be navigated with caution, but with the On-Demand True All wheel drive, 2WD, and VersaTrac turf modes you have the right selection for any terrain. The turf mode reduces the tire bite on sensitive grass, allowing you to drive the Ranger 570 on even the most delicate surfaces.
Polaris has also included a true Park gear in the selection of drive modes to keep the 570 where you park it. If you encounter rough or uneven terrain on your way to the deerstand, the Ranger 570 offers ample suspension to soak up the rough spots. This dual A-Arm independent suspension for both front and rear allows the wheels to travel 10 inches, which ultimately produces a more stable ride. With 12 inches of ground clearance in the full size Ranger there are no problems avoiding obstacles on the trail.
The only apparent downside with this model is the lack of EPS—unless you purchase the Turbo silver deluxe model. If a machine can tow and haul close to its own weight, all models should have a power steering option.


Other features include a standard 2-inch receiver. This feature is often dismissed, but also possibly the most desired when hauling a duck blind or pulling the plow. If you head out before the sun is up and come back long after it’s gone to bed, you can appreciate the 55-watt low beams and 60-watt high beam headlights. The 10-gallon fuel tank keeps gas stops few and far between on the trail.
You can seat three in the cab, and all of the controls are easily accessible. The tilt steering is an added bonus, which allows almost any size driver easy entry to the vehicle and a comfortable driving position.
As a larger rider, I appreciated the extended legroom, and the ability to slip through the cab from either the left or the right without obstructions is beneficial, too. The storage for gloves, small tools, or even a lunch box is inside the cab, under the seating and inside the large dash.
Polaris has created a rugged line of machines with the Ranger badge, and there’s no doubt this is another great product option.

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Team Hammer Back with Suzuki

After a two-year run with Honda, Team Hammer is returning to its road racing roots, signing a two-year deal with Suzuki. The squad will field Suzuki GSX-R1000 and GSX-R600 motorcycles in the new MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship.

Team Hammer and Suzuki have a long history going back to1980. Over 32 years the collaboration resulted in hundreds of race wins and many titles, as well as the discovery and early development of dozens of riders who went on to great careers, such as 500cc Grand Prix World Champion Kevin Schwantz.

“Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. is thrilled to support Team Hammer’s professional road racing enterprise,” said Tak Hayasaki, President of SMAI, via a team release. “Suzuki and Team Hammer share a passion for road racing competition and a commitment to championship achievements, and we are proud that Suzuki GSX-R sportbikes will again carry Team Hammer racers to success.”
“We’re very happy to be working with Suzuki again,” said Team Hammer Crew Chief Keith Perry. “We’ve won a lot of races and championships with Suzuki GSX-R motorcycles and we look forward to continuing that success in the MotoAmerica series.”

This year will mark Team Hammer’s 35th consecutive season of operating as a professional road racing team. During that time, race bikes built and fielded by Team Hammer have won 59 AMA Pro National races, have finished on AMA Pro National podiums 136 times and have won five AMA Pro National Championships, (the most recent in 2012), as well as two FIM South American championships. The team has also won 133 endurance races overall (including seven 24-hour races) and won 13 Overall WERA National Endurance Championships with Suzuki motorcycles, and holds the U.S. record for mileage covered in a 24-hour race. The team also competed in the televised 1990s Formula USA National Championship, famously running “Methanol Monster” GSX-R1100 Superbikes fueled by methanol, and won the F-USA Championship four times.

The team release stated that further details regarding the team’s 2015 MotoAmerica plans were to be announced at a later date.

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2014 Suzuki GSX-R1000 Special Edition – First Look

Suzuki chose the Indianapolis Grand Prix as the place to celebrate its first 50 years in the U.S. market and to reveal there a special-edition GSX-R1000.


One hundred GSX-R1000SEs will be produced worldwide, each of which will be distinguished by a brilliantly polished and chromed chassis, unique “candy apple” blue wheel spokes (rims are machined and polished) and engine covers, and blue-anodized upper fork legs and other selected parts. Of this 100, 50 will be made available in the U.S.

In Suzuki’s compound in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway infield, a large “wall of success” was displayed, commemorating Suzuki’s accomplishments and its presentation in American motorcycle journalism through the decades. Several historic GSX-R racers were shown, as well. In the afternoon, the winner of a Hayabusa custom judging was declared. Hayabusa’s strong and passionate clientele is served by an extensive aftermarket of custom and high-performance accessories challenging that of Harley-Davidson, testifying to the popularity of this “too much is just enough” powerhouse.

Lest anyone forget, the original air/oil-cooled Suzuki GSX-R750, designed by a team under engineer Etsuo Yokouchi, was a revolution in power-to-weight ratio when it was introduced here in 1986. Essentially 100 pounds lighter than other machines in its class, the GSX-R quickly became the enduring backbone of high-performance motorcycling in the U.S.
Why chrome, translucent paint and blue anodizing? Why not special performance features derived from the bike Suzuki will use in its return to MotoGP in 2015? I may be a motorhead, but I understand that few Americans buy a bike for its compression ratio or valve overlap. They buy the look and they buy the rep, both of which this GSX-R has in plenty. Suzuki studies the market and builds to suit.

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2015 Honda CRF 250R

Over the past few years, Honda has introduced dozens of new powersports products. And this latest introduction of 2015 models keeps that momentum rolling significant updates to the CRF450R and CRF250R motocross machines, and the return of popular off-road products.  

“We’re unveiling some exciting new models along with returning favorites,” said Lee Edmunds, Manager of Motorcycle Marketing Communications. “Our motocross bikes incorporate more race-proven technology for added performance. We’re also rolling out the CRF150R/CRF150R-Expert, CRF230F, CRF150F and CRF125F/CRF125F Big Wheel that have proven to be so popular over the years.”

The big news is Honda’s 2015 CRF250R will be equipped with a new-generation Showa Separate Function, Triple Air Chamber Fork (SFF-Air), the first reported 250cc machine to do so. Also, both bikes will have a new Engine Mode Select button that allows selection of one of three EFI/ignition maps.

In 2014, the Honda CRF250R earned another AMA 250 Supercross championship. Equally important, the CRF250R stood out as the ride of choice for Pro Supercross racers. An impressive 48 percent of all competitors in the 250 class rode Honda’s CRF250R in 2014. With a great powerband and nimble handling, the CRF250R strikes a unique balance that makes it fun to ride for both professional racers and weekend warriors alike. For 2015, the CRF250R offers a host of improvements, with a new-generation 49mm Showa Separate Function Fork, Triple Air Chamber (SFF-Air) air fork leading the way. This fork eliminates steel springs for less weight (2.8 pounds lighter) while offering a wider range of adjustments than a conventional spring fork. A redesigned muffler and new fuel map settings for the Dual-Timing PGM-FI fuel injection system increase engine performance for smoother acceleration, improved throttle response, quicker revving and more peak power. Like the CRF450R, the CRF250R also incorporates Honda’s new Engine Mode Select button that allows the rider to easily select one of three different EFI/ignition maps to match track/riding conditions. The CRF250R also features new front/rear wave-style rotors, a larger 260mm front disc brake and new graphics for a fresh look.

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