With a whopping 215hp and 90ft-lbs on tap, powering only 146kg dry, combined with an electronics system that would be at home in MotoGP and the same level of suspension and brakes as World SBK, this is one serious track bike. In fact, with a carbon-fibre frame and carbon-fibre wheels the HP4 chassis is higher-spec than a factory World SBK racer.

The frame weighs only 7.8kg and is the very first all carbon-fibre production frame in the world. The Ohlins FGR 300 forks and TTX 36 GP shock are identical to those used in MotoGP and World SBK while the milled and sheet aluminium swingarm is directly from SBK. The incredible brakes are similarly high-spec, being Brembo GP4 PR monoblock calipers, are World SBK specification as are the 6.75mm thick 320mm T-type racing steel brake rotors.

The 215hp@13900rpm engine revs to a staggering 14500rpm and makes 90ft-lbs@10000rpm. It has a close-ratio gearbox, reverse quickshifter and is World SBK and World Endurance specification.

The electronics are mind blowing with a 2D logger and 2D dash. Wheelie control, traction control, engine braking control, pit lane limiter, launch control and lots more. Of course, being a track bike there is no ABS system. The bodywork is all carbon-fibre and the bikes, including the engine, are all hand assembled.

For more info on the amazing $114,500* BMW HP4 Race visit this BMW link here.

BMW HP4 Race Specifications

bmw-motorrad.com.au

Price: $114,500* RRP (*NSW delivery).
Claimed power: 158kW[215hp]@13900rpm
Claimed torque: 120Nm[90ft-lbs]@10000rpm
Dry weight: 146kg
Fuel capacity: 17.5L

Engine: Liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder four-stroke, DOHC, individual rocker arm valve actuation, 16-valve, 33.5IN/27.2EX, 48mm throttle-valves, 999cc
Gearbox: Six-speed, close-ratio EVO gearbox (Primary: 1.652, 1st: 2.388, 2nd: 2.000, 3rd: 1.727, 4th: 1.545, 5th: 1.400, 6th: 1.291 Final 2.647. Two-way quickshifter.
Clutch: Wet multi-plate, cable actuation

Frame: Carbon-fibre monocoque RTM frame with adjustable steering head angle and swingarm pivot point, load bearing engine. Aluminium swingarm, 604mm L, centre of rotation -3mm compared to K46MR3 (adj + – 4mm, + – 3mm, + – 2mm, + – 1mm). Rearsets eight-way adjustable, seat height three-way adjustable. Adjustable quick-change racing handlebars.
Suspension: Ohlins FGR 300 forks, SD052 Ohlins steering damper, quick wheel change system, 130mm travel. Ohlins TTX36 GP shock, adjustable strut height and tension strut length, 120mm travel.
Brakes: Brembo GP4-PR monoblock 320 x 6.75mm our-piston calipers, T-floating racing brake 320mm rotors, RCS19 x 18 radial-pull master-cylinder. Brembo four-piston World SBK rear caliper, 220mm rotor, Titanium pistons.
Wheels & Tyres: 3.50 x 17in (f), 6.00 x 17in (r), carbon-fibre wheels, 120/70-17 Pirelli Diablo SC2 slick / 200/60-17 Pirelli Diablo SC2 slick.

Wheelbase: 1440mm
Rake: 65.5° adjustable +or- .5º, Offset: 30mm (adj 26, 28, 32mm) Trail: 102.5mm (adj 95 – 112mm)
Seat height: Adjustable

Electronics: 15-level DTC, 15-level EBC multi-adjustable for multiple parameters. 2D dashboard, 2D datalogger, lap timer, GPS, recorder. Pit lane limiter, launch control, HP4 Race Shift Assist, World SBK buttons.

The post Video Review: BMW HP4 Race appeared first on Racing, Riding, Motorcycle Reviews, Race bikes, Tech Tips, Rider Training....

2018 MV Agusta F3 675 RC Tech Talk 

The F3 675 RC offers 128hp (94kW) at 14,500 rpm with 71Nm of torque at 10,900 rpm, with the most significant technical redesigns on the 2018 models concerning the balance shaft, the primary gearing, the intake cam profiles and the valves.

The gearbox has undergone a complete overhaul to make shifting easier and reduce clutch lever effort. Exhaust manifolds have also been redesigned, while the F3 RC silencer – supplied by the SC Project in the Race Kit – derives directly from the unit used by the Racing Department that significantly increases the power.

The F3 675 RC control platform, developed through racing, is based on the MVICS (Motor & Vehicle Integrated Control System). Key developments on the 2018 models include improved Ride By Wire performance, now with personalised mappings. Parameters on the eight-level traction control have also been fully revised to enhance effectiveness and fluidity. The EAS 2.0 electronic shifter has also been optimised for smoother shifting.

A new frame mount point for the three-cylinder engine ensures increased overall rigidity and the tubular steel trellis frame, closed off with aluminium alloy plates, is designed to offer maximum handling performance, as is evident from the wheelbase of just 1380mm, despite the long 576.5mm single-sided swingarm.

Each of the 350 limited edition F3 RC bikes comes with a top-drawer kit that boosts bike performance even further, effectively making it identical to the race version in terms of equipment and appearance. In just a few simple steps, the kit can be used to transform the F3 RC road bike into a perfect track day machine. The titanium exhaust system, with carbon fiber silencer, is supplied by SC Project and comes complete with carbon-fibre heel guard and aluminium silencer support brackets.

Also included in the kit is the electronic control unit with a dedicated mapping to maximise the increase in performance (133hp at 14,570rpm on the F3 675 RC and 153hp at 13,250rpm on the F3 800 RC).

The rear seat cowl (for single- seat use) adds a touch of style, as do the machined from billet brake and clutch levers. The included rear sprocket is for race track gearing, while the rear stand and bike cover are for maintenance purposes. As proof of its uniqueness, each RC comes with its own certificate of origin.

2018 MV Agusta F3 675 RC Specifications

mvagusta.com.au

PRICE: $28,590 Ride Away
Warranty: Two-year, unlimited kilometer, two-year roadside assistance
Colours: Red/Pearl RC White/Green
Claimed power: 94kW[128hp]@14570rpm
Claimed torque: 71Nm[52.4ft-lbs]10900rpm
Dry weight: 173kg
Fuel capacity: 16.5L

Engine: Liquid-cooled, three-cylinder, four-stroke, 12-valve, DOHC, 675cc, 13:1 compression, 79mm x 45.9mm bore x stroke, MVICS, six-injectors, Mikuni RbW, ride maps, TC, EAS Gearbox: Six speed, cassette style Clutch: Wet, multi-disc slipper clutch

Chassis: ALS Steel tubular trellis frame, aluminium alloy single-sided swingarm, Rake: N/A, Trail: 99mm
Suspension: Marzocchi 43mm USD forks, rebound, compression and preload adjustable, 125mm travel, Progressive Sachs shock, rebound, compression and preload adjustable, 123mm travel
Brakes: Bosch 9+ ABS with Race Mode & RLM, dual 320mm floating front rotors, Brembo radial Monobloc four-piston calipers, 220mm rear rotor, Brembo two-piston caliper
Wheels & TYRES: 10-spoke aluminium alloy, 3.50 x 17in, 5.50 x 17in, 120/70 – 17, 180/55 – 17, Pirelli Rosso Corsa

Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 1380mm
Seat height: 805mm
Overall length: 2060mm
Overall width: 725mm

Instruments: Digital multifunction display

Racing Kit Parts: SC Project exhaust silencer; Power unit for SC exhaust silencer carry-over (with special mapping and traction control for race mode); Anodized aluminum mirror caps kit; Billet aluminum Brake/Clutch levers; Billet aluminum Foot peg kit; Fiberglass rear seat cover; “Sport”License Plate holder; Dedicated bike cover; Rear paddock stand; Rear sprocket Z43; Certificate of origin.

The post Video Review: 2018 MV Agusta F3 675 RC appeared first on Racing, Riding, Motorcycle Reviews, Race bikes, Tech Tips, Rider Training....

We had the V4 S for a week or so and Jeff covered 600km on the bike including a day at our proving ground working through the huge array of electronic settings on the bike. Check out the video to see how the Panigale V4 S handled The Farm!

2018 Ducati Panigale V4 S Specifications

ducati.com.au

Price: $37,490 + ORC (standard model $28,900 + ORC).
Warranty: Two years/unlimited kilometre
Colours: Red
Claimed power: 157.3kW [211hp]@13,000rpm
Claimed torque: 124Nm[91.5ft-lbs]@10,000rpm
Wet weight: 195kg
Fuel capacity: 16 litres

Engine: Liquid-cooled 1103cc 16-valve DOHC Desmo V4, 81 x 53.5mm bore x stroke, 14.01:1 compression, twin injectors per cylinder, elliptical throttle-bodies, 4-2-1-2 exhaust.
Gearbox: Six speed, quickshifter
Clutch: Wet multi-plate slipper Final ratio: N/A Final drive: Chain

Chassis: Aluminium steering head, engine stressed member, aluminium swingarm
Wheelbase: 1469mm
Rake: 24.5 degrees
Trail: 100mm
Suspension: 43mm Ohlins NIX30 forks, 120mm travel, Smart EC Semi-active adjustment. Rear: Ohlins Monoshock, 130mm travel, Smart EC semi-active adjustment.
Brakes: 330mm Brembo rotors, Brembo four-piston monobloc Stylema calipers, ABS, 245mm rear rotor, twin-piston caliper.
Wheels & Tyres: Forged alloy Marchesini wheels, 120/70-17, 200/60-17 Pirelli SC.

Instruments: TFT Display unit.

The post Video Review: 2018 Ducati Panigale V4 S appeared first on Racing, Riding, Motorcycle Reviews, Race bikes, Tech Tips, Rider Training....

The ZX-6R is an excellent little road or track day bike. The extra capacity gives it broad, useable torque for daily road riding and the overall chassis set-up provides comfort and stability on even the worst of our Aussie roads. While the styling is definitely 2021, the rest of the bike is slightly old school, despite having traction control, ABS, a quickshifter and ride modes, in terms of electronics the systems are a few years old now. However, at $15.199 + ORC, you are getting a lot of motorcycle. Anyway, check out the video review for all the info and don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel!

2021 KAWASAKI ZX-6R KRT EDITION VIDEO REVIEW

TECH TALK, 2021 KAWASAKI ZX-6R 636

The Kawasaki ZX-6R 636 was an early adopter of a range of rider aid technologies, including power modes, traction control and their own ABS system, which continue to be found on these machines. The updated Ninja ZX-6R ‘636’ features gearing aimed at delivering stronger low-end response, making the new model even more fun on the street and winding roads, and goes from 43/16 to 43/15, in a move that no doubt mirrors the choice of many owners on the previous edition.

KQS (Kawasaki Quick Shift) is standard equipment, complementing advanced support technology like three-mode KTRC (Kawasaki Traction Control), Power Mode selection and KIBS (Kawasaki Intelligent Braking System). New styling also offers the next evolution of Ninja design, and gives the new Ninja ZX-6R strong family looks to the brand’s highly successful WorldSBK winning machinery, with a revised front fairing and the adoption of twin LED headlights. The tail has also been revised and now also incorporates an LED taillight.

Kawasaki are also boasting improved performance with the 636cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke in-line four-cylinder engine, which offers greater performance across the rpm range, particularly for low and mid-range torque for usability in everyday riding situations. Updates also ensure emissions clear Euro4.

Shorter gearing care of the revised final ratio works alongside race-inspired clutch technology offering both a back-torque limiting function as well as a light feel at the lever. In addition to the standard fit assist and slipper clutch, other rider friendly features include a handy 12V power outlet.

The race-developed perimeter frame is the key to balanced flickable handling, mid-corner composure and an ability to change lines on command, along with excellent chassis feedback. SFF-BP forks (Separate Function Fork – Big Piston) offer both racetrack performance and everyday usability, while preload and damping (rebound and compression) are separated, facilitating setup to suit owner’s needs. Adjustability for the rear monoshock includes preload, rebound damping and compression.

A two-piece rear frame is an aluminium die-casting consisting of a front and rear section. This layout enables a very lightweight construction, which is also very narrow, allowing the rear of the bike to be very compact and slim. Bridgestone’s Battlax Hypersport S22 tyres are also standard fitment, to contribute to lighter handling, while offering superior grip in both dry and wet conditions, which translates to greater rider confidence and enjoyment.

Large 310mm petal rotors, radial-mount monobloc calipers and a radial-pump front brake master-cylinder complete the front brake package. A 220mm rear petal rotor and lightweight caliper slow the rear wheel.

The LED dash feature a large analogue tachometer flanked by warning lamps on one side, and a gear position indicator, fuel gauge and remaining range function and multi-function LCD screen on the other.

2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R 636 KRT Specifications

Kawasaki.com.au

Price: $15,199 + ORC (Click here and add your postcode for R/A pricing)
Claimed Power: 95.4kW[130PS]@13,500rpm (136hp with ram air)
Claimed Torque: 70.8Nm@11,000rpm
Wet Weight: 196kg
Fuel capacity: 17L

Engine: Liquid-cooled, four-stroke, four-cylinder, DOHC, 636cc, 67 x 45.1mm bore x stroke, 12.9:1 compression ratio, EFI, KRTC, Ride Modes, KQS
Gearbox: Six-speed, return Clutch: Wet multi-disc, slip and assist

Chassis: Perimeter pressed-aluminium tubular diamond frame, two-piece die-cast subframe
Rake: 23.5° Trail: 101mm
Suspension: 41mm Showa SFF-BP forks, rebound, compression and preload adjustable, Bottom-Link Uni Track rear shock, piggyback reservoir, compression, rebound and preload adjustable
Brakes: KIBS, semi-floating 310mm stainless-steel front petal rotors, radial-mount four-piston monoblock calipers, radial-pump master cylinder, 220mm rear rotor, single-bore pin-slide caliper
Wheels & Tyres: 120/70 – 17, 180/55 – 17, Bridgestone S22.

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 1400mm
Seat height: 830mm
Ground clearance: 130mm
Overall width: 710mm
Overall Length: 2025mm
Overall height: 1100mm

Instruments & Electronics: Analogue tacho, digital multifunction display, KQS, Dual Throttle Valves, A&S Clutch, KIBS, ABS, KRTC, ECO Mode, Power Modes

The post Video Review: 2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R 636 KRT Edition appeared first on Racing, Riding, Motorcycle Reviews, Race bikes, Tech Tips, Rider Training....