The Yamaha YZF-R1, what is it? Basically I would call it big power in a small bike. The first Yamaha YZF-R1 in 1998 was explosive, savage and utterly uncompromising. By 2004 it was ripe for an overhaul: underseat exhaust system, angular bodywork and a claimed 180 horsepower at the rear wheel. In reality, it was within sniffing distance of 150 horses pushing the Yamaha R1, but who is counting.

The Yamaha YZF-R1 is build around an 998cc displacement engine. Over the last 10 years the engine of the Yamaha YZF-R1 did see some changes, the early models where 20 valve, DOHC, liquid-cooled Parallel 4-cylinder engine. It produces a compression ratio of 11.8:1, with a 74mm bore and 58mm Stroke. Equipped with 4 Mikuni CV downdraft BDSR40 carburetors. This specifications changed for the 2006 model of the Yamaha YZF-R1, the cylinder compression ratio went up to 12.4:1and respectively the Bore x Stroke changed to 77mm x 53.6mm. Also the fuel system changed of the Yamaha R1 it was now equipped with Fuel injection, dual-valve throttle bodies with motor-driven secondary valves Fuel Injection with YCC-T and YCC-I Compression Ratio. Some of this specs changed again in the 2007/2008 models.

The engine from the old model Honda CBR600 sportbike, detuned via smaller carburetors for more midrange, in a new steel backbone frame but with wide, flat bars and no fairing. It has budget clocks and basic specifications. Early models had a 16 inch front wheel this was later switched for a 17 inch. A 5mm increase in the wheelbase tamed the Honda Hornet's manic nature a little. Later on there was a half-faired option. The Honda Hornet was revamped in 2003.

Early models of the Honda Hornet CB600F can be twitchy. The engine's great, but the 16 inch front wheel and bouncy suspension can make it a handful on bumpy roads, though the wide bars help you keep it pointing in the right direction. Fuel efficiency and poor range spoil the picture 12.5km/l. And 145km to reserve is typical, so don't try touring on a Honda Hornet CB600F. And forget throw-over panniers with that high-level exhaust. In late 1999 it got a 17 inch front wheel to improve handling, with a 120 section tyre in 2000 to sweeten the steering.

<img width="200" height="124" class="floatleft" src="https://motorcycleinth.com/images/articles/The_Yamaha_XJ6_thecool_new_middleweight_1.jpg" alt="" />2009 sees an addition to Yamaha's middleweight collection in the dynamic new Yamaha XJ6, the naked version of the 2009 Yamaha XJ6 Diversion with a character all of its own. This striking all-new 600 with its lightweight new chassis, stylish bodywork and low seat height is ideal for both new and experienced riders looking for a beautifully-designed performance middleweight.

Technically the Yamaha XJ6 shares the same bases as the Yamaha XJ6 Diversion, but with a contemporary and agile roadster look. Its newly-developed four cylinder engine and responsive torque makes this The cool all-rounder - whether you're on the motorway, in town or on twisting back roads this bike has a consistency of performance to delivery a truly special ride every time.

<img width="200" height="144" class="floatleft" src="https://motorcycleinth.com/images/articles/The_2009_Yamaha_FZ1_Throttle_Response_1.jpg" alt="" />The big question with the new 2009 Yamaha FZ1 is what have Yamaha don with the snatchy throttle?

Answer: they've 'cured' it. It is no more. In fact the Yamaha FZ1 now feels slightly woolly - when you pick up the throttle, it doesn't leap forward with quite the same urgency.

I used inverted commas above because I'm not convinced Yamaha had anything to 'cure'. I was chatting to Suzuki fuel-injection engineers recently and I asked them how they messed up the fueling on the snatchy GSR600. They replied that they know how to make flawless fuel injection - I have to say the fuel-injection of the GSM-R's, Hayabusas, etc works more then fine. But they made the GSR snatchy because they thought that's what we'd want - instant throttle response on a naked bike.

You shouldn't have much trouble locating a used Triumph Rocket III, while you read this, as one of our members is selling his Rocket III right here. Since its 2004 launch, Triumph's 2300cc triple has been one of the top selling cruisers in the world. In Thailand it's still quite unique, and here we've got the Rocket III classic, with foot-boards, pulled-back bars and an armchair seat to transform the world's largest production bike into a sort-of tourer.

Triumph's forthcoming 2009 Rocket III Touring will go even further down that road of becoming the ultimate tourer. As Triumph puts it 'When designing a new long distance touring motorcycle, an engine capable of effortlessly devouring the miles is without doubt the best place to start', and we cannot disagree.

In the meantime, the Triumph Rocket III Classic is the closet thing you can get to a tourer with the big triple's 200Nm @ 2000rpm torque on tap.

Living with the Yamaha Thundercat. The Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat is an easy motorcycle to live alongside. It can go much kilometers, better than any other sports 600cc while also baring a claw or two and getting down to it when the road gets twisty. Simple tuck in behind the roomy bodywork and the Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat will transform into that back lane scratcher it always has been, but never looked like when lined up along others in its class.

The Yamaha engine is well developed with a long service history behind it, having been used, in one form of another, in the earlier FZR and Genesis models and will run without attention being paid to it for many kilometers. It is smooth throughout and, although not the most powerful or toquey of the middleweight bunch, it will roll on from 50km/h in top gear all the way to its heady redline and 245km/h.

<img width="200" height="114" class="floatleft" src="https://motorcycleinth.com/images/articles/The_Suzuki_SV1000S_Good_Secondhand_0.jpg" alt="" />The Suzuki SV1000S is a superb new or secondhand motorcycle choice, the 1000cc V-twin engine is placed in a simple roadster chassis with a frame-mounted half fairing and fully adjustable suspension motorcycle. The Suzuki SV1000S is easy to ride, also very good on the power side and comfort – but somehow just a little bland, which is probably why it never sold in large numbers worldwide. Still the Suzuki SV1000S can be bought relatively cheap compared to what it offers.

The Suzuki SV1000S look similar to the Suzuki SV650, but with twin exhaust pipes. Stock one are quiet but they're easy to replace and replacement can increase the horses pulling this motorcycle.

The liquid-cooled, 4 valve DOHC per cylinder, four-stroke 1000cc V-twin engine is the same as in the Suzuki V-Strom DL1000 big trail style motorcycle. It's then no surprise that the SV1000S engine produces about 120 horsepower.

<img width="200" height="133" class="floatleft" src="https://motorcycleinth.com/images/articles/The_New_2009_Yamaha_WR250F_Fun_Easy_Ride_0.jpg" alt="" />The new 2009 Yamaha WR250F's nimble aluminum frame features geometry and rigidity that enhance overall feel. It is lighter on its feet while hanging onto its first-rate stability at speed. The last year redesigned airbox is accessed by single left-side fastener. Radiators are larger, hang from reinforced brackets for better crash survivability. Yamaha YZ-style bodywork keeps the WR250F looking up to date.

The 249cc liquid-cooled, DOHC four-stroke engine with five titanium valves delivers excellent low- and midrange power, with high over-rev capacity and crisp, linear throttle response. Special WR camshafts, carburetion, and exhaust and ignition systems work together to produce a quick-revving engine with great low- and midrange power. 37mm Keihin FCR flat-slide carburetor with throttle position sensor (TPS) ensures ultra-precise fuel/air mixing and lightning-quick throttle response.

The latest Honda motorcycle in the Thai domestic line up to get the PGM-FI (fuel Injection) upgrade is the Honda Air Blade. At first glance, the new and stylish Honda Air Blade i looks to be no much different than his none fuel injection brother in the range. This doesn't change when you site on the bike as the lightweight and compact dimensions give little indication of the true engine capability.

But twist the throttle, and rocket off you go, pin the throttle back and it soon becomes apparent which machine you actually on. The Honda Air Blade PGM-FI really does lift its skirt and get a move on.

The 108cc liquid-cooled SOHC single-cylinder four-stroke engine, equipped with the latest on fuel injection and electronic ingestion and fuel control systems making the ride both fun and very rapid. The engine is both torquey and revvy, making the most of any available acceleration.

<img width="200" height="131" class="floatleft" src="https://motorcycleinth.com/images/articles/The_new_for_2009_BMW_F_800_R_introduced_1.JPG" alt="" />BMW most recently struck out on a new path in the segment of medium category motorcycles with the BMW F 800 series launched in 2006. In addition to the sporty BMW F 800 S, the first model variation to be presented, and the F 800 ST with its touring capabilities, the fourth BMW Motorrad engine series was supplemented in 2007 with the BMW F 800 GS and the BMW F 650 GS - two dynamic enduro models in the very best BMW GS tradition.

With the new BMW F 800 R, BMW now takes the logical step of expanding the BMW F 800 model series further by presenting at the EICMA 2008 - the Milan motorcycle show - a sporty roadster in the segment of medium category naked bikes designed for a high level of riding dynamics and maximum riding fun. Alongside the two roadsters BMW R 1200 R and BMW K 1300 R, this is now the third BMW roadster to see its world premiere in the BMW Urban world of experience: the new BMW F 800 R, the dynamic BMW naked bike for the medium category.