New 2006 Bikes!

[Zed]

Interesting reading...2006 Bikes (takes a little while to load)

"Currently Yamaha claim 172bhp and 180bhp with ram air on the R1. We believe a new ram air intake, more centralised R6 style, will change the way the front fairing looks today. We can expect something like 185bhp to kick some Gixxer and ZX arse."

I wonder just how much of the material in the link is true? No doubt we'll soon find out!

[bugjuice]

well it is Yama's or Honda's turn at the top this year..

[Sniper]

I'll pick Honda

[Quasievil]

MyMOney will be on the New ZX10R , this bike will be adopting some of the refinments of the chasis and engine of the 05 ZX636, which will make it right up there, it will be a contender to knock of the K5 machine for sure.

[Blackbird]

There's a big difference between owning something with a lot of power and actually being able to use it (as opposed to pose value)

There was a telling comment from Kevin Schwantz in a recent magazine. He said that he prefers the GSX-R750 as a road bike to its bigger brother as he can use most of the power of the 750 and not be at the limit of his ability. Crikey, if he's saying something like that, it really puts the whole power thing into perspective for most road riders!

Geoff

[Quasievil]

This is why I ride a 600 (636 to be precise) on the road Im sure the bike can keep up with a 1000 with a capable rider on it. For me its not about top speed its about cornering and handling, a 600 is more than enough to do this well and if required Fast.
But like anything each to there own.
I think there is a preoccupation with litre bikes in NZ.

[bugjuice]

I'll pick Honda

I reckon Yama. If they put that bike on the road that's in the pics, the K6 is gonna have to work hard, the ZX10 is gonna need some tweaks, and the Honda is really gonna have to lift the game for 2006.. but of course, it's all speculation at the moment.. It's pretty safe to say the K5 is going into next year with very few mods, if any. It's still a new bike, and jaws are still on the floor. But Yama hasn't touched the R1 for a couple of years now, even tho it's still a top bike. Kawa have done well with the ZX10 at the end of 03/start of 04.. May be a few revisions, but nothing too huge. Honda, the Cibber hasn't changed much since 03, hasn't it..?? Which must mean a winning formula, but (imho), they could have a bit more work on their hands to keep up with the new yama..

and then the 6 hundys.. Kawa still resting on the 05s.. don't think that'll change. The R6 might get it with the undertail exhaust and a few bits, which might mean a new bike (would work well with the new R1) and the R6 hasn't changed for a while (has it..??).. Then the CBR600.. that's had it's revision in 03. May be a few tweaks to keep it fresh, wouldn't have thought much else.. And last of the big four would be the Gixer 6 hundy.. may be a revision to get closer lines with it's big bro..?? Engine has always been strong and quick, so wouldn't have thought much there..

Besides, I know I know shit about nuffin.. just my thoughts for now

[zadok]

Thanks for the link to that site Zed. Looks like a ripper.

[vifferman]

Then the CBR600.. that's had it's revision in 03. May be a few tweaks to keep it fresh, wouldn't have thought much else..

Not true.
The '04 CBR didn't stack up well against the other bikes, so the '05 one is lighter, had new suspension and brakes, more power, etc. Much improved.

One thing you need to realise with Honda is that they often don't aim to be the fastest, bestest handling, most powerful, etc. This is reflected in multibike shootouts, where the testers invariably say "the Honda was the easiest to ride in real world situations, like commuting, on roads, etc." and it is therefore often the bike chosen to run an errand on or whatever.

I don't think Honda is unable to make fast or powerful bikes (witness the RC211V), but choose to make bikes with good ergonomics, good standard of finish, forgiving handling, etc.

[Blackbird]

This is why I ride a 600 (636 to be precise) on the road Im sure the bike can keep up with a 1000 with a capable rider on it. For me its not about top speed its about cornering and handling, a 600 is more than enough to do this well and if required Fast.
But like anything each to there own.
I think there is a preoccupation with litre bikes in NZ.

I haven't got a preoccupation with litre bikes, mine is a bigger penis extension at 1.135 litres

Seriously though, I got the 'bird because I like its looks, it suits me 2 up (an important consideration) and unbelievable performance in a straight line. Being a heavy bike coupled with me being a strictly average rider, a 250 would almost certainly screw me in the tight stuff.

Each to his or her own as you correctly say - vive la difference

[vifferman]

Details of the new Hondas will be out in early September. Be interesting to see what the VFR and Blackbird replacements will be like. Lots of rumours floating around, with the scariest one being a VTEC engine that runs on only two cylinders when cruising...

[Zed]

One thing you need to realise with Honda is that they often don't aim to be the fastest, bestest handling, most powerful, etc. This is reflected in multibike shootouts, where the testers invariably say "the Honda was the easiest to ride in real world situations, like commuting, on roads, etc." and it is therefore often the bike chosen to run an errand on or whatever.

I don't think Honda is unable to make fast or powerful bikes (witness the RC211V), but choose to make bikes with good ergonomics, good standard of finish, forgiving handling, etc.

Good points Ian, I've personally always found Honda to be the most *comfortable* sportsbike compared to the other makes I've owned and test ridden. :spudflip:

The link I provided mentions the Honda V5 system and the possiblility that it may be put into future Blackbirds. Do you know much about it Mr V?

[vifferman]

The link I provided mentions the Honda V5 system and the possiblility that it may be put into future Blackbirds. Do you know much about it Mr V?

Only what's been bandied about on the Interdweeb.

I *do* know that unlike the VTR and Blackbird, which are essentially the same as when released, the VFR has had a new model every four years. The next one is to be announced in September. Rumours abound about what it will be, including some 1200CC Blackbird/VFR clone. Here's the pick of them:
http://perso.wanadoo.fr/vfr800-specialparts/gallery.htm

[bugjuice]

Not true.
The '04 CBR didn't stack up well against the other bikes, so the '05 one is lighter, had new suspension and brakes, more power, etc. Much improved.

One thing you need to realise with Honda is that they often don't aim to be the fastest, bestest handling, most powerful, etc. This is reflected in multibike shootouts, where the testers invariably say "the Honda was the easiest to ride in real world situations, like commuting, on roads, etc." and it is therefore often the bike chosen to run an errand on or whatever.

I don't think Honda is unable to make fast or powerful bikes (witness the RC211V), but choose to make bikes with good ergonomics, good standard of finish, forgiving handling, etc.

I sit corrected..
But I have heard that comment, more in a bit of a negative light, about how easy it is to ride.. I'm in two minds about that myself. On one hand, why make things hard? It can be frustrating enough to not get the best line in and out of a corner, so why wrestle with a bike to top it off?
But then, if you're spending a heap of cash, you want a race-bred machine that's good to have a wrestle with.. and demands the highest point of concentration to get the best of it.. apparently, I've gone for point two big time, and so far........ love it..

[vifferman]

But then, if you're spending a heap of cash, you want a race-bred machine that's good to have a wrestle with.. and demands the highest point of concentration to get the best of it.. apparently, I've gone for point two big time, and so far........ love it..

I know what you mean.
We've got three cars: One is easy-peasy to drive, very comfy, but is only 88HP and has soggy suspension. It's great around town, but if you push it, it is very easy to outdrive suspension, tyres, and brakes.
Car two is newish, relaxing to drive, VERY comfy, but the more you push it, the more it makes you smile. It's happy to pootle along, or to be pushed hard on a winding road. It's one of the few cars I've driven which is capable of going faster than I'm willing to push it.
Car three has the same power output as car 2, but weighs about 500kg less. It has no aircon, no power steering, it rattles and bangs over bumps, and it's a little noisy and unsophisticated. It's also not at all relaxing to drive, as it demands a lot of attention, and is always taunting you: "You can drive faster than that, you big pussy! Stop being a wuss - drive faster!" It's the one most likely to score you a ticket, or to bite you.