BIMOTA V-DUE

The Bimota 500 V-Due was originally destine for the world GP circuits, unfortunately this was not meant to be, mainly due to lack of funding – so a decision was made to make the V-Due a street legal racer, at a premium price of $34,000, which was a lot back in 1997. The V-twin engine was the first ever engine that Bimota had produced, before that the company had bought all its motors from other manufactures and slotted them into their own frames. The actual engine took eight years to develop and produce and as you can imagine, for a small company the cost of this was extreme.

The engine itself was 499cc, liquid-cooled, two-stroke, V-twin that produced 126hp at 9000rpm and 90Nm of torque at around 8000rpm. The motor was direct fuel injection­ ­– this was designed so the two-stroke engine could meet stick US and European emission laws.  Eventually, the fuel injection and electrical malfunctions would send the company into receivership as owners started demanding refunds. Only producing 388 bikes out of the 500 they had originally intended.

SPECIFICATIONS: Bimota V-Due

ENGINE
Two-cylinder 500cc two-stroke, liquid-cooled with direct fuel injection with four-port throttle-body and electronic ignition, wet multi-plate hydraulic actuation clutch and electric starter system, six-speed close-ration cassette style gearbox.

CHASSIS & BODYWORK
Carbon-fibre bodywork, alloy and billet CNC frame, cast alloy wheels, Paioli inverted forks and Ohlins shock, Brembo brakes.

PERFORMANCE
126hp@9000rpm

Mick Costin YZR500 Replicas

Mick Costin, owner of Costin Motorcycle Engineering, is a two-stroke maniac probably most famous for the Red Bull Replica Garry McCoy YZR500 back in 2006. In fact, I’d go as far as calling him the mad professor of two-strokes Down Under. Thankfully for die-hard GP fans like me, he specialises in replicating the glory days of the mighty, raw, untamed and awe-inspiring 500cc two-strokes.

In his workshop in Western Sydney, Mick makes these dream bikes for lucky cashed up customers from all over the world. Read our feature on the Costin Engineering Wayne Rainey 500 here. 

SPECIFICATIONS: Costin YZR500 

ENGINE
1985 Yamaha RZ500 V4 two-stroke, bore and stroke 56.65mm x 50.0mm, compression ratio 6.6:1, RZ Performance crankshafts and conrods, bead blasted stock crankcases, stock ported and polished cylinders, machined heads, balanced Mitaka forged pistons and rings, factory six-speed cassette-style gearbox, dry conversion re-built clutch, Boyseen reeds, four 26mm Mikuni flatslide carburettors, Costin Motorcycle Engineering titanium expansion chambers, YZR500 mufflers, all bolts machined stainless steel or titanium, R6 radiator, custom black box incorporating programmable CDI ignition, programmable power-valve controller, CME radiator, 15/36 gearing.

CHASSIS & BODYWORK
Costin Motorcycle Engineering replica 1997 YZR500 frame handmade from 6061 billet and sheet alloy, matte black finish, R6 swingarm, Ohlins shock with custom linkages and Costin Motorcycle Engineering ride-height adjuster, Costin Motorcycle Engineering alloy sub-frame, CME titanium triple-clamps, 43mm Ohlins inverted forks, Brembo alloy 3.5 x 17in wheel (f) and Brembo Alloy 6 x 17in wheel (r), Brembo 320mm rotors with four-piston Brembo calipers (f), 210mm Brembo rotor with Brembo caliper (r), Brembo radial master-cylinder, braided stainless steel brake lines, titanium bolts, Costin Motorcycle Engineering rear quick wheel-change caliper mount. CME two-piece GP ‘bars, YZR500-style switches, STACK tacho, TZ Yamaha temp gauge, Domino GP throttle housing, 1997 YZR500 bodywork, YZR500 seat, TZ250/custom fuel tank, YZR500 front guard, billet alloy fuel cap.

PERFORMANCE
Lots!

THE ORIGINAL SUTER 500

If your after a full factory spec GP racer then look no further – Suter Racing Technology (SRT) had just what you need to impress your mates at the next track day.

What you got for your $96,400 is an alloy twin spar chassis that been partly CNC machined with fully adjustable steering geometry. The suspension is top grade Ohlins front and rear and is fully adjustable. You also get full carbon-fibre bodywork and fuel tank but the main draw card is the engine – it’s a V4 two-stroke that has double counter rotating crankshafts and roller bearings, this is not a rebuild of a RZ or RG engine it’s a true ground up built GP motor.

The induction is modern fuel injection with four port throttle bodies and carbon reed valves, while the gases exit through four single expansion chambers that have electronically controlled valves. The bike only weight 125kg ready to race and is well capable of clocking 300km/h – now all we have to do is sell Jeff’s organs and where in business… Suter Racing Technology are no stranger to racing in the mid ’90 they has world championship success with their 500cc GP bike the MZ Weber that claimed two pole positions and a handful of top ten finished piloted by Luca Cadalora. Suter also developed the Ilmor X3 and the Foggy Petronas FP1 world superbike.

The Suter Company is now concentrating their talents on the new Moto2 category using their Suter-MMX chassis with the controlled 600cc Honda inline four. Teams that use the Suter chassis are Team Forward Racing, Team STR Italrans, Mapfre Aspar Team, MarcvDS Racing Team, Racing Team Germany, Team Technomag CIP and Team Viessman Kiefer Racing. The company even develops some pretty wild looking luxury high-speed catamarans and recreational vehicles, take a look at their web site to find out more suterracing.com.

SPECIFICATIONS: Suter Racing 500 

ENGINE
V4 499cc two-stroke, double counter rotating crankshaft, 54 x 54.5mm bore and stroke, electronic fuel injection, four port throttle bodies with carbon reed valves, double flap electric controlled exhaust flap, SRT six-speed cassette gearbox, SRT multi plate dry clutch, four single resonance expansion pipes, Marelli ECU.

CHASSIS & BODYWORK
Alloy twin spar frame, multi adjustable steering geometry, adjustable wheelbase and ride height pivot position, Ohlins front and rear adjustable suspension, rear linkage adjustment, lightweight OZ wheels, Brembo 320mm steel rotors and four-piston calipers, 218mm single rotor with twin-piston caliper, full carbon-fibre bodywork and fuel tank 125kg ready to race.

PERFORMANCE
195hp@13,000rpm

The post Two-Stroke Tuesday | Three Dream 500s… V-Due, Suter, Costin appeared first on Racing, Riding, Motorcycle Reviews, Race bikes, Tech Tips, Rider Training....

Read our latest XSR900 review here…

Adorned in one of the most iconic Yamaha Grand Prix colours of all time, the XSR900 GP is available in a heritage livery inspired by the machines ridden by legends such as Wayne Rainey to multiple 500cc Grand Prix World Championships, complete with authentic yellow number boards on both front and rear cowlings.

Combining a sense of 1980s Grand Prix nostalgia with the very latest technology including the iconic 890cc CP3 engine, R1-derived six-axis IMU and lean sensitive rider aids, the XSR900 GP combines Yamaha’s Racing history with modern day performance. Yamaha say that the aim was not to create a replica, but instead release a model that pays the utmost respect to the past, while holding its own with the latest in performance and technology. 

The XSR900 GP features an upper cowling reminiscent of this era, not only with a clear influence from the 1980s YZR Grand Prix bikes but also with notes of the FZR and TZR production sports machines of the late 1980s and early 1990s. To maintain the race-bike look, the XSR900’s round LED headlamp is replaced by a compact lens module, neatly hidden in the front cowling.

The bodywork is not only a symbol of the past in looks alone, but the method in which it is fixed in position is also inspired by the 1980s, with a tubed structure connecting the cowling to the frame and straight brackets supporting the dash creating a rider’s view with a genuine golden era feel.

To emphasise the classic cockpit feeling, the upper fairing stay is supported by a nut structure identical to that used for the original TZ250. In true racing style, this structure is fastened with a beta pin, marking the first time Yamaha has used such a fastening on a mass-produced production model for public road use.

The function behind the move from the curvaceous cowlings of the 1970s to the more squared off style of the 1980s was to both improve aerodynamic efficiency and protect the rider from the wind and this is no different with the XSR900 GP.

While the windscreen and individual knuckle guards incorporate a taste of the 1980s; it’s not solely about looks. The power output and gear ratio of the 890cc CP3 engine are identical to that of the XSR900, but the front cowling structure of the XSR900 GP increases both acceleration and top speed while the ducts on the side panels efficiently discharge heat from the radiator to maximise cooling performance. The colour-matched seat cover fits over the passenger seat to complete the racer look with a boxy 1980s style rear end hiding the rear light, while a seat stopper on top of the seat cowling keeps the rider in position.

The Deltabox-style chassis and swingarm are finished in silver to better evoke the era of the 1980s prototypes and emphasise the character of the Deltabox style frame itself.

XSR900 GP SELECTED FEATURES

Race-style clip on handlebars
Separate ‘clip on’ handlebars add to the racer-style cockpit and offer a sportier riding experience. The revised handlebars move the rider further forward on the machine into a sportier riding position, but not excessively. The position offers a balance that can be enjoyed on the road without discomfort. This comfort is emphasised via a thicker, more supportive seat.

The aluminium diecast footrests are adjustable to two different positions but come out of the factory set at the upper position to highlight the sportier riding position.

Tuned rigidity
To accommodate the extra load on the front end of the machine as a result of the more forward riding position, the XSR900 GP areas surrounding the frame have been tuned to optimise stability in turning. The subframe has also been reinforced over the one found on the XSR900.

To further correspond with this front end-led riding style, the XSR900 is the only CP3 model to feature an aluminium steering stem shaft, adjusting rigidity in the steering area to better balance the often conflicting feelings of lightness and stability when changing direction or under rapid deceleration. In conjunction with the lightweight Spinforged wheels and new Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 tyres.

High performance brakes and suspension
In line with the mantra of blending yesterday’s style with modern technology, the XSR900 GP boasts the latest in suspension and braking components. The KYB upside down forks are fully adjustable for preload and compression damping as well as rebound damping.

The link-type rear suspension actuates a forward-inclined fully adjustable KYB shock. Remote pre-load adjustment makes customising the ride a simple task. Also fitted with a Brembo radial front master cylinder for added braking confidence.

Yamaha Ride Control (YRC)
Further maintaining the mix of nostalgic style with the latest in high performance technology, XSR900 GP riders can customise their riding experience via Yamaha Ride Control (YRC).  Three pre-set integrated riding modes, SPORT, STREET and RAIN feature factory settings with different intervention levels to suit different conditions. These are complemented by two custom settings, which enable the rider to manually select their own power and intervention settings for the various electronically controlled, lean-sensitive rider aids – all of which can be set using a smartphone via the MyRide app.

5in TFT meter with full connectivity
A new five-inch full colour TFT display is housed in the retro-styled cockpit. While riders can choose from four different themes to suit a range of mindsets, a traditional analogue-style tachometer theme inspired by race bikes of yesteryear truly enhances the period riding experience.

Smartphone connectivity comes as standard on the XSR900 GP via a built-in Communication Control Unit (CCU), ensuring riders can stay connected while riding by linking their smart phone with their machine via the free MyRide Link app. As well as seeing call and message notifications on the 5in TFT display, a new dimension is added to the ride by the possibility of taking calls and listening to music via a Bluetooth headset (not included). Once connected, riders can also make use of the integrated Garmin StreetCross navigation system which will display Turn-By-Turn navigation on the 5in TFT dashboard. There is also the option to provide power to external devices by the new USB Type C socket located near the dashboard.

New ergonomic switchgear
New integrated handlebar switch assemblies enable the rider to operate the wider range of functions of the new XSR900 GP including smartphone connectivity, navigation and riding modes as well as interrogating the various menu options. To aid navigation of busy road environments, a softclick of the indicator switch will flash the turn signals three times for use when lane-changing or when only brief indication is required. A full-click of the switch will result in continuous flashing until 15 seconds has passed and when the machine has travelled more than 150 metres. A new Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) function reacts to sudden braking by engaging the hazard lights to warn road users behind the vehicle is stopping at speed in an emergency situation.

Extra support from advanced six-axis IMU with lean sensitive rider aids
Developed directly from the electronic systems on the R1, the XSR900 GP’s high-tech six-axis IMU constantly measures acceleration in the forward-backward, up-down and left-right directions – as well as the angular velocity in the machine’s pitch, roll and yaw directions. The six-axis IMU is able to send data in real time to the ECU which controls the suite of electronic rider aids, including the lean sensitive Traction Control System (TCS), Slide Control System (SCS) as well as a front wheel Lift Control System (LIF) and Brake Control System (BC).

XSR900 GP also becomes the first Sport Heritage model to be equipped with the third-generation quick shift system, enhancing the ride by enabling clutchless upshifts while accelerating and clutchless downshifts under deceleration in addition to the standard functionality.

Technical Highlights

• Distinctive design evocative of Grand Prix racers of the 80s and 90s
• New 5-inch full colour TFT display with connectivity
• High grade fully adjustable front and rear KYB suspension
• Newly designed clip-on handlebars and handlebar switches
• Deltabox-style chassis with optimised rigidity
• Comfortable main seat, new side covers and removable seat cover
• New footpeg style and positioning
• Yamaha Ride Control YRC and 6-axis IMU
• Cruise control, third generation Quick Shift System and A&S Clutch
• Sophisticated high-torque CP3 890cc engine
• Yamaha Spinforged wheels fitted with Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23

Colours, availability and price
The new XSR900 GP will be available in two colours Legend Red and Power Grey. Delivery dates to Australian dealers and prices are not set yet, more details will be supplied in due course.

Yamaha Genuine Accessories
Yamaha has developed a range of individual Genuine Accessories that enable the XSR900 GP owner to easily personalise their motorcycle. The genuine accessory list for the XSR900 GP includes a Lower Fairing, a License Plate Holder, a Tinted Screen and an Akrapovič Exhaust System.

2024 Yamaha XSR900 GP Gallery

The post New Model: 2024 Yamaha XSR900 GP appeared first on Racing, Riding, Motorcycle Reviews, Race bikes, Tech Tips, Rider Training....