RubberSideDown

Those numbers are less than I expected- it's weighs 20kg less than a ZX-14R (6kg less after the huge exhaust is dumped), and it makes the same horsepower and 30nM (20lb/ft) less torque. It probably has a lot of tuning potential, though. I don't think it will be the fastest literbike on the street, let alone the fastest bike period.

$16,490 ($21,990 for R1M track version).

The new Panigale looks amazing (especially the new R model which retains the previous engine displacement to qualify for SBK- it's basically a Superleggera without the CF bodywork.

Prices aren't too bad (USD)- if Ducati remains consistent in their pricing, multiply by ~2.1 for LOS:

1299 - $19,295 MSRP

1299S - $24,995 MSRP

Panigale R - $33,995 MSRP

1299 and 1299 S in RED only to start with.

899 unchanged for 2015.

Not bad at all- no power specs yet but it probably won't be less than 200hp:

I understand its uses for the track, where milliseconds count. But for the road?

If you're interested in pure acceleration, a quick-shifter equipped motorcycle will pull about a bike-length per shift at WFO vs a similar bike without one. It's more of a toy than anything else for the road, but, like most toys, it's fun to play with.

^^

8 seconds (or less)? Not without quite a bit of modification and a great rider. The current best time was set by Ricky Gadson, who ran 9.25@151mph on a stock ZX-14R (it may have been strapped or lowered) and he's one of the best motorcycle drag racers in the business- I might be able to run a high nine on mine, but it would take a lot of practice and many runs. Guys running eights on street-legal bikes usually have extended swingarms and many other mods.

There are several bikes that are capable of running nines (most literbikes, i.e.), but there aren't many riders who could hit that time. Maybe the new H2 will be first stock bike to hit eights.

The quicker HDs (aside from the VRod, which can run 11s) can hit mid 13s, which is about what you'd get out of a somewhat fast car.

The Nightster weighs 562lbs wet- I rode bikes of similar weight for years through Tokyo traffic- while it ain't gonna handle or feel like a scooter, if your used to such a big bike it's no big deal in the city.

Juiced S1000RR vs claimed 1000hp Porsche 996 from a roll:

Not a new video, but a good one. Owning an electric bike is no barrier to riding like a nitwit:

It looked like the bike stalled- it's not meant to be ridden that slowly, I guess.

^

Yeah, I saw that- Kawi is really getting annoying with the over-the-top hype- it's time to show the bike- I haven't even watched the latest videos.

I think that the new R1 is going to steal a lot of their thunder at the next show.

On a group ride, you're responsible for others, and they're responsible for you- that means if you crash, you become, in essence, my only priority- I will patch you up as much as possible, and I will get help and transportation to a hospital if necessary (I will also take care of your bike, but that's secondary).

That probably seems obvious (as it should)- however, you also have the responsibility to protect yourself as much as possible- that means not riding like a moron, and wearing proper gear (which I consider to include a certified full-face helmet). The worse you get hurt, the worse it will be for me- if you're not willing to take every possible precaution as far as gear is concerned, then I don't want to ride with you (though I'll still help out if you need assistance and I encounter you on the road- that's part of being a good rider).

You can expect me to do everything I can to avoid burdening you with having to assist me (though of course that might still happen, but it won't be because of lack of preparation)- I expect the same from you if we're riding together.

Riding a motorcycle is a huge amount of fun, but it has to be taken seriously as far as safety is concerned. It's because of disagreement and contention about what's necessary that I tend to avoid group rides.

Very good post. I don't agree with some of your points, but your post is well thought out and well articulated. As far as what you say, the major factor in the potential "burden/liability" that a rider in a group adds is his/her skill and ability as a rider of a motorcycle. But because that is difficult or impossible in the "broad public invitation" forum, people choose to impose conditions like "full-face helmets" and "gloves", etc., which have a marginal impact at best (feel free to disagree with that) on the group's safety or the enjoyment of the ride. The best way, I think, to make an open ride safe and hazard free is to keep it slow, make sure that no one is fatigued, and keep off of the highways. Long, faster rides are better done with riders that you know and have confidence in their skills or done solo. I just did Phuket to Pattaya in 2 days solo, and I loved it. But it certainly was not a ride that I would have considered doing in a group, even a small one with good equipment.

And any rider down will get my help and support to the best I am able. Riding in a group really doesn't add to or detract from that feeling of responsibility or obligation. I hope that we all ride safely and wisely.

A small spill that a properly-geared rider would shake off and continue on from (provided the bike is still capable) can become a ride altering or ending situation for the group. Setting speed or distance limits might make that scenario less likely, but so will top-notch gear. If you feel it's acceptable to impose any type of limit as far as riding style goes, then the organizer of a ride can impose rules regarding gear, regardless of the forum from which it's proposed.

Gear is never 'marginal'- it's either needed or it's not, and if it's needed it should be the best available. It's not about 'group safety'- it's about your safety and its effect on the group.

If you're not going to take every precaution, you're a potential liability, and that's something a group ride can do without as there is enough risk for skilled, fully-geared riders without possibly adding to my it.

If the group wants to relax the gear rules, that's fine, but the organizer can set the criteria, and riders can join or not as they see fit.

^

If you like Alpinestars, check out their Supertech R boots- I've got a pair, and the ankle protection is excellent- the Sidi Vortice are really nice as well (I also have a pair of them and they're a bit heavy- the new Mag-1 boots are worth a look and are lighter).

I also wear the SMX-1 boots on a lot of rides- it's the best short boot, IMHO, and comfortable enough if you have to walk around a bit.

The Slingshot has excellent PTW (2.4 DOHC 4-banger with 175hp/150lb/ft pushing 1750lbs) and can achieve 1G of lateral acceleration- it doesn't sound like it's made for geriatrics or the disabled.

This is a trike (IMHO) and does nothing for me- the Can Am Spyder F3

The Slingshot is a sports car (again, IMHO- it's officially classified as a 'motorcycle') and is a great way to have a cheap road-burner in LOS (if it's brought here):

It's as practical as a Caterham.

Kinda makes me wonder what happens if the ass end shouuld slide out or rear brake lockup in the rear may cause the front forks to dip at different rates & eject you onto the pavement.

I would imagine the traction control and ABS (both of which come standard on the Slingshot) would come in handy in either situation.

In the vids testers make note of how it holds its line even with the rear spinning.

I've watched several of the video reviews of the Polaris- I think it looks like a load of fun, and it's priced at not much more than a premium motorcycle (if it comes to LOS- and I bet it will- it will be ~1.1m for the base model)- it would be a great toy to own alongside a bike.

^

That's not the original nose on the 1100- which bike did that fairing come from? I had a '90 and a '94 (I had a '00 Busa as well)- nice bikes.

I bought one at Real Motosports in BKK- it would be worth checking at your local dealership. It was less than 4K for a folding aluminum (not as strong as steel, but much lighter) ramp.

I've read it's due to the side-mounted radiators, which was a styling decision.