Motorbike News

YAMAHA'S RADICAL NEW OFFERING FOR 2008 Among Yamaha's fantastic 2008 line-up, revealed only last week, is the all-new YZF-R6…

YAMAHA'S RADICAL NEW OFFERING FOR 2008Among Yamaha's fantastic 2008 line-up, revealed only last week, is the all-new YZF-R6. Although it may look like the old model, this new machine features a re-worked 599cc engine, new slipper clutch, improved front brakes and more aerodynamic bodywork.

With awesome power, the new engine "delivers the most incredible hit of power from 10,000rpm upwards," according to Yamaha.

This new beast also possesses the Yamaha Chip Control Intake (YCC-I) system that made its debut on the 2007 YZF-R1. Put in simple terms, this system boosts power at high revs by lengthening the inlet tracts to increase the amount of air entering the engine.

Along with the YCC-I system, there is a YCC-Throttle system which, combined, further increase this bike's power and performance making the power this mighty machine possesses easier to avail of. Other changes include newly designed compression pistons at a ratio of 13.1:1, which is the highest compression ratio ever used on a production Yamaha motorcycle.There's also a larger exhaust connecting pipe. "The 2008 R6 exhaust is equipped with a 30 per cent larger diameter connecting pipe which is designed to further improve the bike's torque characteristics at higher rpm," according to Yamaha.

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And a more efficient air box design, "which features a more efficient intake mouth for reduced airflow resistance and better cylinder-filling properties," adds Yamaha. Available in three colours, Yamaha Blue, Competition White and Graphite.

INQUIRY INTO DEATH OF BIKING LEGEND

The fatal crash inquiry into the death of former 11-time Isle of Man TT winner and British Superbike champion Steve Hislop will begin on December 11th at Jedburgh Sheriff Court in Scotland, four years after his death."Hizzy" was killed in August 2003 when his helicopter crashed near his hometown of Hawick, in Scotland.

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch report, published in 2005, attributed the crash to the rotor blades striking the tail boom of his helicopter, which "could have caused spatial disorientation and mishandling of the controls". A preliminary hearing for the inquiry will be held on October 19th.

CHANCE TO VIEW BMW'S G650 RANGE

BMW Motorrad would like to invite bikers to view its G650 range at its dealership off the M50 North Road, Finglas.

They promise "spine-tingling thrills from just €199 per month". The new G650 series consists of the G650 X-Country, the G650 X-Challenge and the G650 X-Moto. For more information, see www.joeduffymotorrad.com

If you have motorbike news, e-mail motorbikes@irish-times.ie