Bike Match

The new 2010 YZ250F – designed for the ultimate cornering performance

The current YZ250F sets the standard for 250cc-class motocross competition bikes. The updated 2010 YZ250F with an all-new frame, new body styling and a more refined engine leaves the competition behind. It has been designed from the ground up for the ultimate cornering performance. The new, more rigid aluminium Bilateral Beam frame is crafted specifically to work with the 250cc engine. Components such as the radiator and fuel tank have been redistributed to centralise the bike’s mass, creating a perfectly balanced bike that turns-in effortlessly on tight corners.

The liquid-cooled 4-stroke DOHC single-cylinder 5-valve engine features revised carburettor settings and improved ignition characteristics. To minimise power loss and provide more torque at low speeds, the engine’s intake/exhaust valves now feature lightweight aluminium retainers and new valve springs which open more easily. The result of all these modifications is more linear power delivery through the rev-range for better rider control.
For better cushioning performance over bumps in the track, the YZ250F’s long-stroke front suspension has been further refined. Improvements made to the damping valve and the inner rod ensure a better feel when turning-in on fast corners, giving the rider more confidence to power through the bends.

The YZ250F’s greater poise and agility are reflected in new-for-2010 styling. The new bodywork is much sleeker, and the surface area of exterior parts has been minimised – creating a feeling of lightness and accentuating the bike’s compact, dart-like shape.
The leaner YZ250F features new lightweight parts throughout – including a new design sprocket, a more compact oil tank, optimised brake pedals and smaller brake hose guides. Rider ergonomics are better catered for with four-step adjustable handlebars and a newly designed flat seat developed specifically for the YZ250F.

Aprilia Shiver raises the technological bar

After bringing a breath of fresh air to the naked bike category, with Aprilia Shiver raises the technological bar once again in the sports touring segment with the Shiver 750 GT, an innovative Sports Tourer, the perfect combination of sports handling, versatility and value in true Aprilia style.

A two-cylinder engine with almost limitless torque, comfortable for two, excellent aerodynamic protection and a chassis that has become a benchmark, are just some of the distinctive features of the Aprilia Shiver 750 GT which, thanks to its dynamic and technological characteristics, is without a doubt a point of reference of the segment, proving once again that Aprilia has what it takes to offer even the most demanding motorcyclists exactly what they want, also with a high technological content.

The equipment of the bike brings the technical level of the segment to new heights, with Aprilia’s offer far above that of its competitors. The integral Ride by Wire accelerator, the mapping management controlledby the rider (Sport, Touring and Rain), and the brakes with radial calipers, are truly unique solutions for the sports touring segment and make the Aprilia Shiver 750 GT a sophisticated bike, and a real one-of-a-kind.

The half-fairing gives the Shiver 750 GT the chance to exploit the full versatility of its Naked sister. The added aerodynamic protection in fact, expands the range of use of the Shiver 750 GT notably, making it a “all-round” bike with a complete range of use. From daily commuting, to a trip in the summer, the Shiver 750 GT will meet your needs to perfection, making your rides a pleasure – intuitive, brilliant and safe.

Yamaha Hot Wheels, Hot Deals Finance Announced

Until the end of June, Yamaha are offering some hot finance deals on some of the best bikes available.
From the amazing YZF-R6 through the adventure class XT660Z Tenere to the ultimate sport-tourer FJR1300A, with 3 years to pay, no interest and only £99 down, you can make sure that you are armed with a brand new Yamaha to make the best of the BBQ Summer we are just about to experience.

Models included in the promotion are: YZF-R6- FZ6 S2- FZ6 S2 Fazer- FZ6 S2 Fazer ABS- FZ1-FZ1 ABS – FZ1 Fazer – FZ1 Fazer ABS- XT660Z Tenere – XT660X- XT660R- FJR1300A- XJR1300- XVS950- XVS1300A- XV1900

Suzuki Launch White-Hot Limited Edition Range

Suzuki GB has launched a limited run of white colour scheme models this month, with new variants of the GSX-R1000, M1800R and Bandit 1250SA arriving at UK dealers now.

Headlining the limited range is the all-new GSX-R1000. Taking its first global race win in the UK earlier this season, where Sylvain Guintoli piloted his Worx Crescent Suzuki to victory in the British Superbike Championship, the new white colour version of the 2009 model features a glass splash white and silver paint scheme with gold wheels. Limited to just 100 machines, this model is available at the normal recommended retail price of £9,800.

Featuring GSX-R technology, the M1800R offers a fresh alternative to the more traditional cruiser offerings, but the new ‘Z’ model goes one step further, bringing a glass splash white colour scheme, with distinctive blue stripe to the model. With a recommended retail price of £9,500, only 50 versions will be available in the UK.

Bringing white to Suzuki’s street bike range is the new Bandit 1250SA ‘Z’. Featuring a pearl mirage white paint scheme, with revised graphics and metallic silver wheels, the new 1250 will be available for £6,300, with 100 examples coming to the UK.

Suzuki GB sales and marketing director, David Taylor, commented, “These limited run models offer the unusual combination of exclusivity and value. With the GSX-R1000 offered at the same recommended retail price as the standard colours, and a small premium on the Intruder and Bandit, we expect demand to far outstretch supply.”

With such limited availability, interested customers should contact their local authorised Suzuki dealer without delay. Visit www.suzuki.co.uk for more model information.

Suzuki offer 0% finance on 14 models

Story from Visordown

SUZUKI GB has launched one of its biggest ever finance campaigns this month, as the Japanese manufacturer offers 14 new models with 0% APR finance.

Available in the promotion, with just a £500 deposit are the GSX-R600 and 750 models, all Bandit 1250 models, V-Strom 650 variants, as well as the GSX650F, SV650 Sport and DR125SM.

GSX-R750, GSX-R600 Bruce Anstey, GSX-R600, Bandit 1250SA Grand Touring, Bandit 1250 SAZ, Bandit 1250SA, Bandit 1250 Streetfighter, Bandit 1250, V-Strom 650A Grand Touring, V-Strom 650A, V-Strom 650X, GSX650F, SV650 Sport, DR125SM.

As well as the interest free offer, Suzuki authorised dealers are able to offer bespoke finance terms to suit individual customer requirements, with special low rate offers too. Promotion ends 30th June 2009.

For more details visit www.suzuki-gb.co.uk.

Discount insurance offer on Aprilia scooters and 125s

Story from MCN News

Aprilia is offering discounted insurance deals for young riders on a range of 50cc and 125cc scooters and bikes. Aprilia is aiming the range of new insurance deals at under 25s. In the 50cc series, the Aprilia SR 50 sports scooter is available to purchase with third party only insurance absolutely free for 16 to 24 year olds. Third party, fire and theft cover is available at just £199.

Aprilia is also offering a deal on three motorcycles from the 125cc range.
The RS125 supersports machine and the RX125 and SX125 off-road models can all be insured for 17 to 24 year olds for just £249 third party only (£399 third party, fire and theft).

These deals are on offer until 30 June 2009.  Insurance cover is provided by Lexham Insurance Consultants. Terms and conditions apply. Over 25s should call 0845 601 3118 for a low quote.

For those riders who have a full motorbike licence there are also deals. The Aprilia Shiver (£5,999 excluding first registration fee and government road tax) now has a 0% finance scheme with a deposit of £1,199.80 and then 34 monthly payments of £133.31. It also gets discounted insurance at £300.
The Aprilia Dorsoduro (£6,599 excluding first registration fee and government road tax) is on the same 0% finance offer (deposit of £1,319.80, followed by 34 monthly payments of £146.64).

Visit your local dealer for more details, or buy online at http://uk.aprilia.com

New cruiser expected to hit shops in July

Story from Visordown

TRIUMPH Motorcycles has announced the pricing and availability of the new Thunderbird cruiser, which goes on sale this summer. The on the road price will be £9,499, for the non-ABS version, or £10,099 on the road with ABS. The bikes will arrive in the UK in early July, with a range of over 100 Genuine Triumph Accessories available, enabling riders to tailor their machines to their own needs. For further information go to www.triumphthunderbirdcruiser.com

Harley Davidson offer 4500 test rides and a free CVO Springer

Story from MCN News

Harley-Davidson is challenging motorcyclists to try out their machines with a four-week demo test ride campaign in all UK dealerships.
Starting from Saturday 18 April, each week will have a specific themed focus to illustrate the range of the current line-up. Week one is performance, two is touring bikes, three is based around the custom bikes and week four is aimed at people who have just returned to riding, or are thinking of taking it up.
Approximately 4,500 ride opportunities will be available across the four-week period and each person that completes a test ride will be entered into a free prize draw for a Harley-Davidson CVO Springer worth almost £20,000.
Interested motorcyclists can book test ride slots in advance on
www.harley-davidson.co.uk/judgementdays

Ducati hikes prices 10% – but breaks out 0% deals

Story from MCN News

Ducati has raised the price of all its bikes effective immediately, meaning you can no longer buy a liquid-cooled Duke for under five figures. The 848 is now £10,495, the 1198 starts at £12,995 and the Monster 1100 £8,350. But they’ve countered the rises with 0% finance deals across the range meaning you can now pick up an 1198 from £182.17 a month, a new Monster 1100 for £117.65 or a Monster 696 for just £87.72.

All Ducati models except for the Streetfighter range, 1098R, 1098R Troy Bayliss and Desmosedici RR qualify for the finance offer – available until 30 April 2009.

Buyers can choose between 2 schemes: 24 monthly payments with a 30% deposit and 36 monthly payments with a 50% deposit. For examples of the finance package contact your local Ducati dealership (www.ducatiuk.com) or call 0870 1222 996.

Best and worst depreciating bikes revealed

Story from MCN News

The Ducati 1098 Tricolour was the best new bike investment last year, price experts Parkers have revealed. The multicoloured superbike lost less than a quarter of its full sticker-price value. That compares with the worst-performing Ducati – the 749 Dark – which lost almost half its value in 12 months.

If you’re in the market for a bike of any of the big brands, you’ll want to know which of their machines have been best at holding or burning cash in the last year. The wrong choice of model could cost you over £2500 in wasted cash!

Best and worst depreciators by brand in 2008.

	BEST	WORST
DUCATI	1098 Tricolour Lost: 24.1% (£3851)	749 Dark Lost: 48.4%(£3871)
HONDA	VTX1800C-5 Lost: 24.6% (£2519)	VTR1000 F-4 Lost: 41.1% (£2,751)
SUZUKI	GSX-R750 K7 Lost: 24.6% (£1955)	DR-Z400S K7 Lost: 46.2% (£1942)
YAMAHA	FZ1 Fazer Lost: 27.7% (£2105)	XT660R Lost: 43.4% (£1,966)
KAWASAKI	VN1600 D6F Lost: 25.1% (£2413)	ZX1200-B6F Lost: 46.3% (£4323)
TRIUMPH	America Lost: 22.6% (£1,345)	Daytona 955i Lost: 45% (£3,375)
BMW	R1200GS Adventure Lost: 17.5% (£1708)	K1200RS ABS Lost: 44.4% (£4597)