2009 STAR MOTORCYCLE V STAR 950

Key Features:
ALL-NEW FOR 2009
As a new benchmark in middleweight cruiser class, the V Star 950 brings it all together in an exciting new package. A muscular 942cc air-cooled V-twin engine with plenty of distinctive, big-cruiser character and pulsing torque feel. A full-sized chassis for spacious comfort, with a long, low look that also means an extra-low seat height so valued by riders without extra-long inseams. Sporty, responsive handling that makes riding on curvy back roads or commuting around town as much fun as cruising the open highway. V Star 950 has the credentials to appeal to seasoned riders just as much as those looking for an entry-level, confidence-inspiring machine.
The new 942cc 60° V-twin engine is both simple and sophisticated. Traditional air cooling is used, but this engine also has four-valve cylinder heads, ceramic-composite-lined cylinders, forged aluminum pistons, and fuel injection for spirited performance. A straightforward SOHC design is used, with special compact roller-type rocker arms, helps to keep the top end lighter for more mass centralization. The stylish 2-into-1 exhaust system has been meticulously tuned to provide an exceptionally pleasing, yet throaty exhaust note, yet it also includes 3-way catalyst technology to reduce air pollution.
There’s more going on in the newly designed double-cradle steel frame than its decidedly clean, simple appearance. The steel main frame, which uses the engine as a stressed member of the chassis, has been carefully designed to offer an ideal rigidity balance in the longitudinal, lateral, and torsional directions. That translates to an exceptionally light feeling that riders are sure to appreciate. The front tire is mounted on a large diameter, 18-inch wheel, and engine mounting position is slightly forward to optimize front-rear weight distribution, all of which contributes to the V Star 950’s outstanding handling performance, not only in cruising but on winding roads as well.
The V Star 950 brings styling to a sleek new level, one we call ”Sport Classic.” There are many “classic” cruiser styling characteristics. However, what’s unique is the V Star 950’s light and sporty look characterized by the large diameter front & rear wheels with low profile tires, thin body shape, and fenders that have just the right amount of volume and draw. The headlight and low-profile fuel tank are designed to accentuate the bike’s light, low look, as is the openness around the engine and front wheel.

Engine:
The 942cc (57.5 cu. in) engine is an air-cooled SOHC 60° V twin. With four valves per head, a pent-roof shaped combustion chamber, and 9.0:1 compression ratio, this engine has been carefully designed to produce excellent power characteristics – and best-in-class acceleration.
To keep friction loss to a minimum and help the engine achieve the ideal performance characteristics, special compact roller-type rocker arms with needle bearings are used.
The combustion chamber shape was precisely engineered to direct the fuel air charge into the center of the piston for faster combustion and maximum power. Ceramic-composite-plated cylinders provide excellent heat dissipation and reduced oil consumption.
High-quality forged aluminum pistons have a lightweight, high-strength compact design that contributes to reduce vibration.
The designers realized that engine’s V twin character was so pleasing on its own that a counterbalancer was unnecessary. This also contributes to simplicity and less operating noise.
Sophisticated fuel injection is used on the V Star 950. The injectors are 4-hole, two-directional types with spray aimed at the valve surfaces. That produces good fuel atomization for faster and more complete combustion which contributes to excellent drivability. The fuel injection system also adopts an ISC (Idling Speed Control) valve for outstanding idling stability.
Lubrication is provided by a simple, reliable wet sump system

Chassis/Suspension:
The steel double-cradle frame is long and low, contributing to the bike’s spacious 95.9-inch (2435mm) overall length and 66.3-inch wheelbase. That means a great ride to go along with the great looks.
With a seat height a mere 26.5 inches off the pavement, one of the lowest around, and a fuel tank that’s made as narrow as possible where it meets the seat, it is easy for most riders to put both feet firmly on the ground.
The big 18-inch front wheel helps deliver this cruiser motorcycle’s sporty handling characteristics and “Sport Classic” cruiser looks. The low-profile 130/70-18 tire is mounted on a newly designed 8-spoke lightweight aluminum wheel. The 170/70-16 bias ply rear tire adds a beefy look and helps transfer all that torque and power to the pavement.
Large 320mm front and 298mm rear discs provide strong braking capacity with excellent feel.
Front forks feature big 41mm tubes, and rear suspension is a bottom-link-type monocross shock. Settings are calibrated to deliver a plush ride that is increasingly firm as the suspension is compressed for good handling and comfort over bigger bumps in the road.
The V Star 950 has a wonderfully light feel. Surprisingly, even though it has a full-size chassis, the bike weighs just 612 pounds wet, with a full tank of gas and all fluids

Additional Features:
The newly designed large-diameter meter is mounted on the fuel tank for a traditional look. Meter functions include speedometer, fuel level warning light, oil level warning light, and odometer with two trip meter functions, fuel trip meter, and clock display. The LCD display illumination can be adjusted using a right side handlebar switch.

Engine
Type 942cc air-cooled 4-stroke, V-twin, SOHC, 4-valve
Bore x Stroke 85.0mm x 83.0mm
Compression Ratio 9.0:1
Fuel Delivery Fuel injection
Ignition TCI
Transmission 5-speed; multiplate wet clutch
Final Drive Belt

Chassis
Suspension/Front Telescopic fork, 5.3-in.travel
Suspension/Rear Single shock, 4.3-in travel
Brakes/Front Hydraulic disc, 320mm
Brakes/Rear Hydraulic disc, 298mm
Tires/Front 130/70-18M/C 63H
Tires/Rear 170/70-16 M/C 75H
Wheels 8-spoke cast

Dimensions
Length 95.9 in
Width 39.4 in
Height 42.5 in
Seat Height 26.5 in
Wheelbase 66.3 in
Rake (Caster Angle) 32.0°
Trail 5.7 in
Fuel Capacity 4.4 gal
Fuel Economy** 47 mpg
Wet Weight 612 lb

STAR MOTORCYCLE V-MAX

Key Features:
All-New for 2009 - The long-awaited ultimate power cruiser delivers unmatched performance from its all-new 65-degree, four-valves-per-cylinder, 1679cc V4—plenty of eye-opening, controllable acceleration from a compact engine that looks as powerful as it is.
Downdraft four-bore fuel injection with YCC-I intake technology and YCC-T fly-by-wire throttle provide awesome acceleration throughout the broad powerband.
Lightweight aluminum chassis puts the engine low and forward for mass centralization, resulting in a machine designed to handle curves as well as straightaways.
Borrowing liberally from advanced sportbike technology, VMAX features a slipper clutch, wave-style brake discs with ABS and Brembo® master cylinders and complete suspension adjustability front and rear.

Engine:
A new-generation V4: The thunderous 1679cc, 65-degree, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected four-valves-per-cylinder, DOHC engine pumps out astonishing power to reinvent the VMAX legend.
The sportbike-proven Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake (YCC-I) switches nearly instantaneously between 150mm and 54mm intake funnels as needed for a broad powerband that delivers optimum performance at any rpm.
Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T), the fly-by-wire system, delivers flawless response every time the rider twists the throttle.
Engine combines four-valve technology with a high 11.3:1 compression ratio, forged aluminum pistons and NGK® Iridium spark plugs with R1-type direct ignition coils to extract maximum horsepower from the fuel charge.
Cams are driven by a combined chain and gear system to precisely control valves while keeping cylinder heads remarkably compact for such a large displacement engine.
Hydraulically activated clutch includes racetrack-proven ramp-type slipper clutch system that makes braking from speed while downshifting smoother.
Five-speed transmission has superbly spaced gear ratios to take full advantage of the engine’s awesome power in straight-line acceleration or through the canyons.
Delivering this power cruiser’s muscle to the street means a beefy shaft drive just like its predecessor. Special shaft design includes two cross joints to accommodate the fat 200/50 R18 rear tire.
The high-performance engine is cooled by two radiators for efficiency and clean looks. Lubrication is via a simple, reliable wet sump system.
Four-into-one-into-two-into-four exhaust system with EXUP (Exhaust Ultimate Power valve) delivers a broad, seamless powerband with the right VMAX look.
The iconic VMAX aluminum intake covers are hand buffed by craftsmen for superb quality and individuality.

Chassis/Suspension:
The newly designed chassis is light and compact, with a cast aluminum main frame, CF die-cast and extruded aluminum rear frame and cast aluminum swingarm. The result is superb rigidity balance for both hard acceleration off the line and corner carving.
Cartridge-damper-type front forks have substantial 52mm inner tubes with oxidized titanium coating. Forks have both compression and rebound damping adjustability plus spring preload.
Link-type Monocross® rear suspension has a piggyback reservoir and features compression and rebound clickers, plus remote preload adjustment.
VMAX uses Brembo®-designed master cylinders, the front with radial pump and reserve tank. Large 320mm wave-style dual front discs are matched to radial-mounted mono block 6-piston calipers. On the rear wheel, there’s a 298mm disc, also wave design, and single-piston caliper. These high-tech brakes also incorporate three-position ABS.
Tapered handlebar provides a muscular 1-1/8” diameter look at the triple clamp while using conventionally sized controls.
Newly designed 18-inch radial tires, 120/70 R18 front and 200/50 R18 rear, are mounted on cast aluminum five-spoke wheels.
For mass centralization that contributes to the bike’s lean looks, the 4 gallon (15-liter) fuel tank is mounted under the seat, with the filler under the rider’s backrest. Tank is constructed of fluorinated polyethylene with superb permeability resistance.

Additional Features:
The Electronic Control Unit (ECU) uses three microprocessors to control fuel injection, ignition, YCC-T, YCC-I, meters and other electrical components.
The instrument panel includes an analog, step-motor driven tachometer and digital speedometer with LED indicator lights. Prominent LED shift timing indicator adds to the performance character of the new VMAX.
Organic electro luminescence multi-function display provides a more precise display vs. LCD and includes clock, fuel meter, trip meter with fuel reserve trip meter, transmission gear position, coolant temperature, stopwatch and more.
Distinctive key design reinforces the unique character of this new VMAX.
H4 60/55W headlight provides excellent visibility and distinctive style, while the trick-looking LED taillight is light, bright and highly efficient.
Rare earth magnet AC magneto puts out a robust 420W at 5000 rpm.

Engine
Type 1679cc liquid-cooled 65° V-4, DOHC, 4 valves/cylinder
Bore x Stroke 90.0mm x 66.0mm
Compression Ratio 11.3:1
Fuel Delivery Fuel Injection with YCC-T and YCC-I
Ignition TCI
Transmission 5-speed, multiplate slipper clutch
Final Drive Shaft

Chassis
Suspension/Front 52mm telescopic cartridge fork w/oxidized titanium coating. Fully adjustable preload, compression and rebound; 4.7 in travel
Suspension/Rear Single shock w/remote reservoir and remote adjustable for preload, compression and rebound
Brakes/Front Dual 320mm wave-type discs; radial mount 6-piston calipers, Brembo® radial pump master cylinder
Brakes/Rear 298mm wave-type disc, single-piston caliper and Brembo® master cylinder
Tires/Front Bridgestone® Radial 120/70-R18 59V
Tires/Rear Bridgestone® Radial 200/50-R18 76V

Dimensions
Length 94.3 in
Width 32.3 in
Height 46.8 in
Seat Height 30.5 in
Wheelbase 66.9 in
Rake (Caster Angle) 31.0 in
Fuel Capacity 4.0 gal
Fuel Economy** Spec currently not available
Wet Weight 683 lb / 685 lb (CA model)

HUSABERG MOTORCYCLE FE 570

Engine
Engine type Single cylinder, 4-stroke
Displacement 565.5 cc
Bore/Stroke 100 / 72 mm
Compression ratio 11.8 : 1
Starter/Battery Electric starter/12 V 7 Ah
Transmission 6 gears
Fuel system Keihin EFI
Control
Lubrication Pressure lubrication with 2 oil pumps
Engine Oil Motorex, SAE 10W-50
Primary ratio 33 : 76
Secondary drive 13 : 38 (13 : 52)
Cooling Liquid cooling
Clutch Wet multi-disc clutch, hydraulically operated
Engine Management System Keihin

Chasis
Frame Double cradle perimeter design 25CrMo4
Subframe Cross-linked Polyethylene (PE)
Handlebar Magura, Aluminium Ø 28 / 22 mm
Front suspension WP-USD Ø 48 mm
Rear suspension WP-PDS shock absorber
Suspension travel front/rear 300 / 335 mm
Front/rear brakes Disc brake Ø 260 mm/Disc brake Ø 220 mm
Front/rear rims 1.60 x 21" DID/2.15 x 18" DID
Front/rear tires 90/90-21"; 140/80-18"
Chain 5/8 x 1/4"
Silencer Aluminium
Steering Head Angle 63.5°
Wheel base 1,475 ± 10 mm
Ground clearance 390 mm
Seat height 985 mm
Tank capacitiy approx. 8.5 litres
Dry Weight approx. 114,5 kg

Honda motorcycles to get Variable Cylinder Management and more

by Jeremy Korzeniewski
Honda has been producing V6 engines with Variable Cylinder Management for their line of automobiles and minivans for the past few years. Consumers can see a fuel savings of around ten percent when the engine is allowed to switch between six, four or even just three of its cylinders. According to Honda President and CEO Takeo Fukui, the company has plans to begin introducing its Variable Cylinder Management technology to its line of motorcycles beginning in 2010. Another possible fuel and emissions-savings technology will appear on every one of its bikes at the end of that same year in the form of Programmed Fuel Injection. No Honda motorcycles will be equipped with old-school carburetors any longer. Honda has been producing motorcycles with its VTEC system for some time now.

BMW MOTORCYCLE S1000RR Superbike

BMW will race this in World Superbikes in 2009. In order to meet homologation standards, 1000 bikes will be in dealers in December 2009 but that's just purely so that they can qualify to run them in WSB in 2009. The bike itself won't be available to us mere mortals to buy until 2010.


The target is 190kg with 190bhp for the road bike. It will come with a quickshifter, Ohlins front and rear, Brembo brakes and there's a lot of talk about the engine's head too; something is special about it, there's a possibility it contains pneumatic valves but BMW are being really cagey about it all.