MIDALU FGR 2500 V6 - Aiming for the Sky

When one talks about Czechoslovakia and Motorcycle in the same breath, the name of CZ JAWA comes to mind. The brand is very much active, thank you but now there is a new brand coming out from the Czech Republic which will make people stand up and notice. For fans that follow the 125 Moto GP circuit, you might be familiar with the brand name of MIDALU. This brand has a 125 cc Moto GP bike which came out 2 years back and now they are venturing out to the complete other side of the spectrum. They have come out with a prototype with a V6 engine displacing a humongous 2500cc claiming it to be the world’s most powerful production motorcycle in the world. It is said heavy he feels who wears the crown and so why would a 125cc manufacturer come out with a Boss Hoss kind of a machine?
And talking about crown, just last year we saw the Vyrus and Asphalt motorcycles claiming to be ‘Fastest Production Motorcycles’ and now we have the ‘Most Powerful Production Motorcycle’. I believed that crown was held firm by the Munch Mammut, so let us take a peek as what is this about the MIDALU FGR 2500 V6.

Midalu is a family-run business in Czech Republic. Miroslav Felgr incepted the idea of producing the biggest displacement bike in a mass production stage back in 2004. A designer by profession, along with Oldrich Kreuz, he began working on motorcycles in 2005, but he started out with the Moto GP bike, the FGR 125 GP. Moto GP bikes are very complicated to make as it involves a huge amount of dynamics and ergonomics to scream at those high speeds. By February, 2007, they had their first motorcycle ready to run. The motorcycle was showcased in the MOTOCYKL 2008 exhibition and in the same event, it was announced that Midalu is planning for a much much bigger bike. A completion was held for interested designers to design the proposed 2.5 liter engine along with the bike. Out of 45 proposals, 11 were shortlisted for round 2 and finally 3 were selected by February 2009. Stanislav Hanus, Ladislav Skoda and Petr Vanek later joined hands with Hanus, the winner, taking the lead and started working out from base up. It was pre decided as to what they needed to work with in regards to engine size and capacity, so the motorcycle had to be built with that in mind. The frame came first, followed by the forks and things started adding and stacking up on it. Of course the final design saw varied changes and finally everything fell into place last year and they were ready with their first prototype. There, the first Midalu FGR 2500V6 was born.

The 2442cc V6 engine is said to belt out 240HP, and something like 150lb/ft of torque. The V-Twin is configured at 90-degree adequately supported with liquid cooling technology. The supposed icing on the cake is the very tempting mileage figures of is 12 to 16km/l depending on how you run the bike. The enthusiasm of the Midalu family is very evident from the displayed prototype. The bike has been designed with the finest materials available in the market. Not only the design and accessories, it has some of the best cutting edge technology to assist many innovations going inside the bike and the engine. Keeping it naked, which of course highlights the massive engine, the bike has a very clean, yet distinctive look to it. Styling is minimal and with the trellis frame, it will remind you vaguely remind you of a Ducati Monster added with that Ducatisque headlamp, but just that, this is a real big Monster. Interestingly, since the family was not a big name, finance was always an issue when you think about such a big project. So they had approached the Ministry of Industry for grants, initially not for the FGR 2500 V6, but for the FGR125 GP. After listening out, the Ministry not only approved the 125 GP project but also gave the go ahead with the v6 project.

The 4-stroke engine, supported by a tubular chassis, has a six-speed gearbox, slipper clutch and carbon tank built into the saddle, with a capacity of 18.5 liters. The 6 cylinders will go through bore and stroke dimensions of 90 x 64 mm with a compression ratio of 9.9:1 to get to those claimed power figures. Dry weight of this beauty is 269 kg. The bike was unveiled mid-January, 2011 and this year, the prototype will undergo track and road testing. Launch of the bike is scheduled for 2012. Of course, the bike will have a premium cost and will probably cost anything around 50, 000 USD. Whether the FGR 2500 V6 will be able to beat the 2000cc, 260 hp, 295 Nm, 86mm bore engine of Munch Mammut, we will only get to know it by next year, but rest assured, you will be getting one hell of a hell –ride!
You may visit the FGR 2500 V6 Official website for more information. All photos courtesy of the Gallery section of the website.

The Hundred Roadster from WAKAN

WAKAN has a special place for this blog as it was one of the very first posts, to be precise; it was the second post of the blog. Now after 200 odd posts, this is the second post on the firm from France that makes only a single bike, but what a bike!
Well, the first post was on the WAKAN 1640 and this is all about the Roadster Hundred. Basically it is the same bike but then it is not. The engine size and lot of specifications are same but this is almost a new bike. Joël Domergue is the man behind the movement of WAKAN. The Roadster is his creation as a tribute to American Muscle cars and particularly the Shelby's AC Cobra. The Roadster is powered by the American company S&S and its V-Twin engine displacing 100 cubic inches.
At the last EICMA, the bike received a very positive and enthusiastic reception. No doubt the bike looks fine in its naked styling and brawny looks. Fit and finish is high class and what adds to the bike’s overall look is the minimalist execution and of course you can make out that this bike has been hand-built. The huge massive S7S engine forms the heart of the bike and its appeal. Look at the monster exhaust. All finish in fine silver colour with the black left panel cover adding to the appeal. The very stylish tank and the overall curvy frame end with a nice minimal tail section. The handles are clip on and in between you find the fully digital console.

Take a look at the first picture. The bike with the single naked round headlamp and a small wind screen looks ready to pound or jump on you. WAKAN, means "spirit in ours" according to the Lakota Sioux language and is used as a sacred word. And that thing ‘spirit in ours’, is literally translates to ‘ours’ like in ‘our world’. You see, this is a ‘world’ product. I really don’t know what a ‘Andrews’ transmission is and particularly what a ‘Gates’ belt drive, but whatever it is, it sure looks nice! I am sure the Andrews and Gates thing are from U.S just like the S&S motor. Add to it, the the 41mm Keihin carburetor from Japan, then add the Italian components like the forged-aluminum Marchesini wheels and 46mm Ceriani inverted fork and everything gets together in France, so you se this is a world product. The TIG-welded chrome molybdenum steel-tube backbone supports the S7S motor and doubles up as an oil tank. Just like the 1640, the fuel tank is below the seat, molded to double as a sort of rear mudguard with the filler mounted on the tail section. Intake air enters through a supercharger muzzle a top the airbox disguised as a fuel tank, which feeds the carburetor. The wheels are forged aluminium Marchesinis and the meaty swingarm is made of aluminium alloy. The bike rides on 17-inch wheels, shod with 120/70 & 180/55 Michelin Pilot Power rubber at the front and rear respectively. If you have gone through the Wakan 1640 post, you will notice lots of similarities. The Roadster 100 is may be fitted with the same 1,640cc, 45-degree v-twin as all other Wakan machines, but power output has been increased from 115bhp to 120 bhp at a lesser rpm from 6,250rpm to 5750 rpm. Also the torque figures are more healthy at 165 Nm from the previous 156Nm at the same rpm figures of 4250. What this means is definitely more ‘usable’ power at even low rpm. The clutch is dry and the machine makes use of a dry sump. The bike weighs 177kg dry.

The engine has been balanced to in a manner to negate vibration and to help them are the bar end weights. For some critics, braking was in question last time around too just as it has been with the Roadster. You see this is a monster bike with a 1600 plus engine and 100 plus bhp of power. So why is Joel still providing a single disc on the front is not really well known. On the first series, Alan Cathcart said it was “OK” . Another thing was the lack of Fuel injection. It was missing then and although Joel mentions that there is a possibility of the Roadster getting a FI, at least for now, it will stay carb fed. Cathcart mentioned the first series of bikes performance is similar to the Buell Firebolt XB12R but a step up, so expect the Roadster to be several steps up in that front. Performance wise, the engine can hit out over 150mph or 140kmph, but the thing is that this is a roadster with no fairings, so it will be better that the rider for occasional spell only presses on the full throttle. Actually even knowing that your bike is capable of something like that does get you on a high, doesn’t it? Just for the information, the claimed top speed is 250kmph or 156 mph. And all this figures are on the lowest state of tune. So the good thing or better part is that there is more to extrude from the engine and also Wakan will provide a range of factory-fitted modifications including exhaust systems, including the necessary fuel-map and ignition-map adaptations that are available to suit the owner’s wishes.

Looking back, Joel Domergue has started out with Scorpa, a company working on trials motorcycles but he gave up his job (actually sold off Scorpa) to start WAKAN and started out with the 1640.
The bike comes in four colours, Black, White, Red and Silver, but Every Wakan Roadster can be personalized to the colour scheme preordered by the owner. It also comes with LeMans Legends white pearl and royal blue stripes. The targeted market is the U.S where Domergue figures to sell 75 percent of the limited-production Roadster. It is Euro 3 complaint but according to the website, it still has to get EPA/ DoT approval and as such the buyer from U.S would be responsible for the registration for on road purposes. As for the pricing, now that is something. The 1640 was costing $35,000 which was priced for the initial 15 bikes and was expected to get lower with more production. The Roadster is going to cost you dearly at $39,000 and whether there will be a subsequent fall in the price is not known. For a nicely styled machine with an S&S motor, the price does seem somewhat justified, but this is entering the Agusta and Ducati territory of high end bikes. Actually it is not entering, it is in that territory. Look back at the motorcycle with all the components and high end parts and the price do seem to be justified giving its custom status. So just for the lack of a disc brake and FI, don’t let it dampen your spirits, if you have the money, the WAKAN Roadster is definitely worth it. And if you still donot feel convinced, I am sure you have not seen video for if you did, just the sound of the bike would have tempted you to call up Mr. Joel.

Source of Photos: Wakan website & Roadster Photo page. To contact Wakan, click here and they promise to get back to you within 2 days.

Specifications
Engine – 1640cc, S&S, 4 stroke, 45-deg. V-twin, OHV, 4v with dry sump
Bore & Stroke – 101.6 x 101.6mm
Transmission – 5 speed
Maximum power & torque – 120 bhp @ 5750 rpm & 165 Nm @ 4250 rpm
Compression ratio – 10.3:1
Ignition – CDI
Primary Drive – Gates belt / Carbon Kevlar cover
Clutch – Dry Wakan multi plate with hydraulic right side actuation
Gearbox – Wakan specific Andrews close ratio cluster
Frame – TIG welded chrome molybdenum steel tubular backbone
Front & Rear suspension – 46mm Ceriani inverted fork & Sachs shock (both with adjustable spring preload, compression and rebound damping)
Front & Rear brake – Six-piston AJP caliper, 340mm disc & Two-piston AJP caliper, 220mm disc
Front & Rear tyres – 120/70ZR-17 & 180/55ZR-17 (both Michelin Pilot Power)
Seat height – 31.0 in.
Wheelbase – 54.3 in.
Fuel capacity – 3.4 gal.
Consumption – 5.8 liters per 100kms/ 41 miles per US gallonDry weight – 177 kg /403 lbs
Top Speed – 250kmph (156mph)
Price – $39,000

In The News - World's Fastest Bike, Multistrada 1200

Received this through the subscription of DUCATI newsletter. So, the news is that the Ducati Multistrada 1100 will get a bigger brother, the Multistrada 1200 and this is probably not just a bigger bored engine as from the looks of it, the 1200 is going to have a new body as well. Well, there is not much or any info on it. And the video is not very revealing either. But you don’t have to wait for too long. In 9 days, 17 hours and some minutes, or to be precise, on 9th November, Ducati is going to unveil the new Multistrada 1200.
There are some scoop photos on the always reliable Solomoto30. And from the internet news, it can be said that the 1200 engine is derived from the World Championship-winning Superbike 1198 Testastretta engine. Visit the official Multistrada 1200 website.

And here is the big news. It has only been this month that VYRUS released the ‘World’s Fastest Bike’ in the form of the 987 C3 4V in an astounding price of $112,000 for the top model, but now its Breaking News! In 28 days, on November 28th, at the Essen Motor Show, you will be able to watch the bike which is going to beat the Vyrus 987 C3 4V.

The Asphaltfighters® STORMBRINGER powered by WARM UP celebrates its world debut as the world's fastest street bike at the ESSEN MOTOR SHOW 2009 on November 28th, 2009, at 10 a.m.

proclaims the Asphaltfighters STROMBRINGER website. Sorry, but I have never heard about them before so cannot give any info. According to the website, The ‘World's Fastest Street Bike’ will have a top speed of more than 320 km/h, that is 200mph, a power output of MotoGP proportions of 220 hp / 161.9 kW, which with booster is capable of further 60 hp belting out and astounding 280 280 hp / 206 kW. From the website...

Spectacular design and systematic light-weight construction combined with revolutionary features never before seen on a motorcycle. The ultra-high-performance bike will be on display at the Speed Bike Show in hall 6 at the Essen Expo Center starting November 28th.
The Asphaltfighters® STORMBRINGER concept is transformed by WARM UP Zweiradtechnik GmbH, one of the world's leading custom bike manufacturers based in Germany, into an ultra-high-performance motorcycle that is in a class of its own. This motorcycle offers not only a unique symbiosis of superior performance and extremely sporty handling but also an exclusive equipment level with innovative
and thrilling details.
A large contribution to the realization of this dream on two wheels comes from the Asphaltfighters® STORMBRINGER technology partners. Only the very best addresses in the world of motorcycles suffice: ABM, Akrapovic, BelRay, Beutler Lackdesign, BIKERBOX, gilles tooling, Kellermann, Melvin, OZ Motorbike, Puig, Emil Schwarz, Spiegler and WAECO contribute their collective know-how and their best components to this High Tech bike.

The CONFEDERATE Fighter at the Salts

If you have stopped salivating and if you can just pick up your dropped jaw from the floor (Yes! you have dropped it without even realizing it!), you need to know that you need not be embarrassed by your behavior, its very common to drool over the CONFEDERATE bikes. Okay, now that you have done the drooling, I am sure you know that this is the P120 Fighter Combat. Another luxury bike from the team of Matt Chambers with no plastic and all metal, just the way bikes are meant to be. Yes, very very powerful and fast.
Specifications:
Engine: V-Twin, 1670cc,
Max Torque and Power: 135 ft lbs & 160 hp
Chassis & Swingarm: CM design triple load path 6061 aircraft grade aluminum monocoque backbone, bulkhead, fuselage side plate construction; oil/fuel in frame
Wheel Base: 64 inches; Seat Height: 27 inches; Weight: 460 lbs;
Fuel: 4 gallons;
Front: CM design double wishbone machined from 6061 aircraft grade aluminum linked to aerodynamic dual lightweight tubular wing blades
Primary Drive: Belt, CM design; machined from 6061 aircraft grade aluminum
Transmission: 5 speed
Suspension: Race tech; low/high speed compression and rebound adjustable
Brakes: Brembo 4 piston; radial pumps; carbon, ceramic, aluminum matrix lightweight discs
Wheels: Front: 19” x 3” Rear: 18” x 8”
Console: Precision integrated analogue meter; warning, speed, RPM

My favorite ‘non-affordable-in-this-lifetime’ bike is the CONFEDERATE Motorcycles, any and all of them. So to get as close as to the real thing, all I can do is look and gawk at the bikes and a good thing I did was subscribe to their blog. Well, the posts are very few, but I eagerly wait for each new post, something around 1 in 2 to 3 months. This is the latest I received.
Now, you must have been aware of the latest motorcycle from CONFEDERATE. You might remember last year $110,000 Christmas gift (not for you, silly!), The Renaissance Fighter, now the bike goes into ‘mass’ production with as many as 50 copies titled P120 Fighter Combat. This 160 hp bike is capable of speeds of over 300kmph and while that remains, the guys at CONFEDERATE tried this monster at the Salts recently. Here is the blog extract from the original source.

The P120 The Sodium Assault
Our circa ‘09 Bonneville Salt Flats sojourn was the most memorable to date. Our Arabic 1 pre-production prototype fired a mere 96 hours prior to hitting the Salt.
The sodium assault was indeed hard as we ran several 155+ mph passes. Please understand that this represents a one mile average on conditions which were sticky and wet compared to the ideal. I made a call to change gearing early in the week when a bump in the rev limiter was a more appropriate choice. Had I made the right decision, it is likely we would have surpassed our own record set on the Wraith in 08. Nevertheless, a very smooth riding, easy to start, linear to modulate, vibration free, raw, naked confederate that will run 155.8 mph on wet salt is something we can all be proud of. The fact that it was accomplished on the first build of the Fighter model
production run calibrating less than 10 miles on the odometer is cool. The fact that the same machines was tested on the Race Tech chassis dyno and determined to be the truest and straightest of the 360 OEM machines previously evaluated thereon is an accurate validation of the precision which our design and craft team brings to the business of creating the greatest American motorcycle it is possible to make.
The family and friends component of the annual event grew considerably this year. Conversations revolved around all manner of things, transcending the lust for speed on racing’s most hallowed ground into areas both frivolous, serious and outright amusing in a “you had to be there” kind of way.We have a top secret game changing initiative for 2010. Please stay tuned; you will be glad you did!

I am always game for such news, of course I know I cannot afford it, but who can stop me from salivating, certainly not Matt Chambers!
Original Source: http://confederate.wordpress.com/2009/10/01/the-sodium-assault/. The brilliant images are captured by none other than Randal Crow.
Visit CONFEDERATE yet again to lose your senses, or you can get to know more of the monster P120 Combat Fighter’s characters and prowess. There is also a previous post of the bike in this blog.
Below are also some additional photos (also taken from their blog) of the P120 Combat Fighter at the Quail Logde. Source: Photos from CM - The Quail Lodge A Motorsports Gathering

In the News - Speed Shop, Viper V10, Kalex, V-Quad

So much has been happening in the motorcycle world recently that it is difficult to keep pace with the new things. Just wanted to put some new 'things' that got attention of the world in the past one and half weeks. I am sure you must have caught the info and news, but in case you haven't, links are provided of the original source for full stories.

After the recent AMD mind blowing beauties, here is another one which should have easily gone to the AMD. It's so beautiful, it is almost unreal and of course credit goes to photgrapher Jim Gianatsis of Fast Dates for depicting the beautiful handcrafted bike in such fine visual delight. OH! the bike... Yes, this is #6 (that's the name of the bike) from Seattle-based Chris Flechtner. And his approach got a big tick from the judges at last month’s Calendar Bike Building Championship in Long Beach as it walked off with the Pro Builder trophy. The bike was three years in the making at Speed Shop Design, and uses many hand-crafted parts. Sitting in the custom frame is a 1978 Sportster motor—a 38mm Mikuni VM carb supplies the gas, and air arrives through a modified horn scoop from a 1936 Ford. The front suspension, an 18” internal springer, is a Flechtner one-off. Chris Flechtner is a builder, has been for quite some time, starting out with RC model cars, then hand built bicycle frames and then a custom from a Honda CB350. The tank is a heavily modified Yamaha RD200 unit. He kept building while earning his MFA in design and metal arts from Cranbrook Academy of Art. Then he apprenticed under one of Japan’s most accomplished sword polishers and restorers, Tatsuhiko Konno, where he is still involved in the restoration of priceless samurai swords and armor. It’s not the usual path to custom motorcycle building but it lays a great foundation. Visit SPEED SHOP DESIGN although currently, it is inactive but has a flickr link for more photos. But you can also vist Chris Blog.

Source: BIKE EXIF & Knee Slider.

Brit bike builder Allen Millyard has launched his biggest and best machine yet - a 500bhp monster powered by a V10 Dodge Viper supercar engine. This is a street-legal motorcycle that’s powered by an 8,400cc motor. The V10 really needs no special tuning to get that output so all you have to do is fit the engine into a frame, Millyard has built a lot of interesting customs over the years, like a V12 Kawasaki from two 1300cc straight sixes, among others. Source: Faster and Faster through MCN.

Well that was the first one. Though not as massive as the Millyard motorcycle, the second one is a Arizona Boss Hoss Viper V10. It was posted in Kneeslider and one of the reader, Nawitus sends the link of the official source of this Arizona Boss Hoss. Apparently, these guys sale a lot of monster bikes and trikes. It’s really amazing how different the two bikes look while using the same powerplant. Visit the Arizona Boss Hoss websit to have a look at their lineup. including a 6000cc, 425 hp freaking liquid cooled V8, made from a Chevy, the 57 Chevy Trike. Sweet!

There is a new Superbike firm in the news and this is something similar ro the HD Roehr firm. Meant only for racing, very very costly as expected and what stunner to look at. A Superbike has hardly looked this good before. The stylish machine is the AV1 from Kalex Engineering. This is a limited production track weapon with space-age chassis engineering—and the Rotax V990R motor from an Aprilia RSV bored out to 1100 cc. Described by Performance Bike magazine as 'The best bike since the Britten', it was created by Alex Baumgärtel and Klaus Hirsekorn for trackday enthusiasts and riders in the European ‘Sound of Thunder’ race series. The AV1 is about to be joined by the Kalex Moto2, which is on a drawing board right now in Bobingen, Germany. It’s being developed for the Moto2 race category, which uses modified 150 bhp Honda CBR600RR engines and will replace the 250cc class in 2010. Source of info: BIKE EXIF and you can visit Kalex Engineering for more details. Pssst! They are also working on a customized Triumph.

And here it is. The fastest bike in the world. this is a V-Quad engine from Nelson Engineering. V-Quad sets new world record at the Bonneville Salt Flats then breaks that record too! The final record speed is now 164.172 mph. Mike Maggio rode his V-Quad bike to the new record on Wednesday 8/12/09. The V-Quad engine, basically a side by side V-Twin, that Greg Nelson produces, was installed in a custom motorcycle built by Brouhard Design for owner Mike Maggio. They took it to Bonneville recently and Maggio ran 164.172 mph for a new record in the APGU class. This is an open motorcycle (no fairings or streamlining), push rod, gas, unlimited engine size above 3,000 cc’s. This is the production V-Quad engine you can buy. Greg says they’re already working on an upgrade with plans for 180 mph in October at El Mirage. Mike Maggio's twin turbo V-Quad is on the cover of September's issue of America Cycle magazine. Check out the V-Quad website for lots of interesting stuff and all the details of the Carl Brouhard built award winning custom and there is also a video of the bike on the Salts.

Source: The Knee Slider

Listen to This!!!

That's Jay Leno's MTT Y2K Turbine Motorcycle

See all his bikes in Jay Leno's Garage

Urban Muscle - The YAMAHA XJR 1300

Another of the big brawny bikes I adore is the YAMAHA XJR1300. Naked, powerful, 80s styling, new age gizmos and very refined, really what more can you want from a bike? The biggest thing in these new-age retro is the *FUN* you can get. Very suitable for city riding, you can keep on riding it for hours and these bikes also has very very capable handling abilities almost similar to a sports bike. And hey! these bikes are torquey! All these and it wont burn a hole in your pocket. Its difficult to categorize these bikes as 'Standard' or 'Tourer' or 'Street Bike' as they are usually capable of all these, but what these bikes definitely are... Musclebike.

When it comes to look, really the XJR is a thing to behold. All muscular, from the tank, to the 4x1 exhaust to the engine to the tyres, it exudes raw appeal. Pictures just cannot do justice to the bike. So typical 80s bike, those twin pods, that round headlamp, those rectungular rear-view mirrors, the seat, those massive twin Ohlins rear shocks, what synergy in creation! Yes, its a showoff and its meant to be. Yamaha has been very successful in enhancing the XJR is this avtaar, the urban muscled bad guy! And its big too.! It scales up to 230kg (dry).

Yamaha lays a lot of focus to the XJR as they know this particular model cater to a wide range of bikers. This model has seen success all over the world since its inception and it continues still now and of course, Yamaha has made it sure by upgrading it time to time. The liquid-cooled, four-stroke, in-line four, DOHC 16-valve powerplant has R1-sourced Sumitomo brakes and the 43mm conventional forks to go with those Michelin Macadam radials are standard fitment. It started out as a 1200cc model in early 90s, actually 1188cc to be precise, and the engine was taken from the FJ series Yamaha took the tried-and-proven 1188cc air-cooled four from the FJ and fitted 36mm Mikuni CV carbs, a new exhaust system and a new cylinder-head in an effort to obtain even better low-down grunt. Later the engine was bored out to 1251cc by increasing the bore from 77 to 79mm. Yamaha also bought in some more changes over the time period with forged pistons replacing the aluminium diecast items along with new connecting rods, chrome-plated aluminium cylinders and carburettors equipped with Yamaha Throttle Position Sensors (YTPS). The oil cooler was increased in width by 50mm to cope with the additional power of the new engine. The steel-tube frame sports increased rigidity, with the front anchors (calipers and discs) now lifted from the YZF-R1. Up-rated front suspension features preload adjustment, steering is sharpened with a narrower front tyre (120/70-17), while a fatter 180/55-17 tyre is found out back.

The XJR is a proper strret bike with its riding position and easy handlebars, but in fact if you look at the other parameters also, you will find it very versatile. Its power graph and chart will state a engine linear enough to cruise around town but having more than enough in its pocket when given a bit of stick. Many critics have said that among the naked class, the XJR1300 is the most refined in its ride and quality, its immediate contenders being the Bandit and the ZRX1100. Compared to the Bandit, the Yamaha's chassis is taught, not only in the suspenders department but even the frame, making it the most stable mount through medium to high-speed sweepers although it does tend to feel a bit soft on the front when put up against the ZRX1100 probably because of its shorter wheelbase and sharper geometry, but with preload adjustment available, you can easily suit the shock to various loads.

The engine has enough raw power and grunt to satsify many a hardcore speed junkies. Maybe a respectable 98bhp and a super impressive 108ft-lbs of torque figures might not sound enough for many blokes, but with a little tweaking here and there can get you a seriously healthy power output of 120bhp. But more than that, the engine is so well adapted to different add-ons and modifications, I mean its still air-cooled and carbed, so you can just churn out more and more and all help from the Yamaha store. In terms of performance, you can say, its an updated version of the legend RD350, but in a more refined way, you know 4 stroke and all. So you do have to LEARN the bike and so it will also be immensely satisfying once you learn to control the bike. Although as mentioned, the front side is a little soft, the Rear Ohlins work exceptionally well in keeping the beast in track.

And of course again as mentioned earlier, it has the R1 brakes doing duty here so stopping should not even be a concern, I mean it does and can stop a 300kmph superhero, right? Top speed is a very acceptable 210kmph. The overall handling of the XJR is very good for a bike that has a somewhat old-fashioned steel double cradle frame. It does the corners well and is less frightening than the ZRX. We shouldn't even talk of its torque, what can you say about a bike which has a ton of torque literally speaking! Probably a little screen would have helped at speeds in excess of 120kmph, but it would have taken away the look somehow. Massive grunt, incredible street presence... it qualifies every bit the hooligan bike that it is although a wheelie might be difficult now and then. Bottomline is, this is a Man's bike, meaning one who are into the old school and appreciates the windblast hitting the chest type of thing! Visit the official site of XJR 1300 for more information and pictures.

Engine type: Air-cooled, DOHC, 1,251 cc, 4S, in-line 4-cylinder, 4-valves

Bore x stroke & Compression ratio: 79.0 x 63.8 mm & 9.7 : 1

Maximum power & torque: 98 PS @ 8,000 rpm & 108.4 Nm @ 6,000 rpm

Carburettor & Clutch type: Fuel injection & Wet, multiple-disc coil spring

Ignition & Starter system: TCI & Electric

Transmission & Final drive: Constant mesh, 5-speed & Chain

Chassis: Steel double cradle

Front & Rear suspension system (& travel): Telescopic forks (130 mm) & Swingarm (120 mm) Front & Rear brake: Dual discs, 298 mm & Single disc, 267 mm

Front & Rear tyre: 120/70 ZR17 & 180/55 ZR17

Dimensions - L x B x H & Wheel base (mm): 2,175 x 765 x 1,115 & 1,500 mm

Seat height & Minimum ground clearance (mm): 795 & 125