Two weeks ago, I took a break from my regular duties gathering news for Motorcycle.com to fly to Germany to cover the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show for our sister site AutoGuide.com.

For two hectic days, AutoGuide editor Colum Wood and I scrambled across the massive 6.2 million square foot Messe Frankfurt trade fair compound, running from press conference to press conference to get the latest on exotic sport cars, futuristic concept models and international unveilings from the automotive world.

It was heaven for car lovers, but for me, it meant fighting my way through hordes of photogs, auto-journalists and car show models to get the first photos of four-wheeled goodies from MINI, Ferrari and Lotus. Okay, I didn’t mind the car show models that much.

But I didn’t forget my day job with MO. Through this Cagers’ Paradise, I managed to find some gems for the loyal Motorcycle.com Readers.

Check out the photo gallery after the jump.

BMW, Suzuki and Can-Am displayed some of their latest two-wheeled (or in Can-Am’s case, three-wheeled) vehicles. The Big Red was a no-show unfortunately, but it wasn’t a surprise as Honda seems to be pulling out of everything lately. But I did manage to find a customized Harley-Davidson V-Rod at one of the vendor booths.

But a picture is worth a thousand words, so I think I’ll let the photos do most of the talking.

BMW displayed their new S1000RR Superbike as well as the K1300S.

BRP Germany had an exhibit for the European introduction of the Can-Am Spyder RT. A BRP rep told me the new trailer hasn’t been homologated for Europe yet. BRP also had a Spyder hanging from the rafters, and thankfully, its “webbing” was strong enough to provide a rare view of the three-wheeler’s underbelly.

Suzuki had the largest display of motorcycles. The highlights include MotoGP racer Loris Capirossi’s GSVR and World Superbike racer Max Neukirchner’s GSXR.

Suzuki also had some of their Euro-only models such as the 2010 GSX1250F and the Bandit GSF1250.

Check out the gold details on this white Harley-Davidson V-Rod.

For more pictures, visit the Gallery page. And if you are into cars, don’t forget to stop by AutoGuide.com for our coverage of the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show.

This year you can get one of the 10 least expensive sportbikes for anywhere from $7000 right down to half that ($3500) for the least expensive bike. Spending as little as possible on a Sportbike doesn’t mean your ride is going to suck. The main thing you will have to sacrifice is power, but depending on your needs you could be perfectly happy on one of these bikes low priced putters.

Interestingly we see how the bikes power dissipates as the price tag shrinks. 250’s rule the top 5 of the top 10 Least Expensive Sportbikes of 2009, although there is some power on this list. Several 500’s even 650’s are very affordable and will romance you with slightly more powerful rev’s.

Asian market brands dominate this top 10; Kawasaki, Hyosung, Suzuki and QLINK all of whom presumably have much lower manufacturing costs and choose to pass the savings onto the customer.

#10 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 650R MSRP $6,799 (find a better price)

• Kawasaki Motorcycles
• 2006 Suzuki SV650S v. 2006 Kawasaki Ninja 650R
• First Ride: 2006 Kawasaki Ninja 650R

#9 2009 United Motors V2S 650R MSRP $6,399 (find a better price)

#8 2009 Hyosung GT 650R MSRP $6,099 (find a better price)

• Hyosung Motorcycles

#7 2009 Suzuki GS 500F MSRP $5,899 (find a better price)

• Suzuki Motorcycles

#6 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 500R MSRP $5,499 (find a better price)

• Kawasaki Motorcycles
• 2004 Middleweight Standards

#5 2009 United Motors V2S 250R MSRP $4,399 (find a better price)

#4 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R MSRP $3,999 (find a better price)

• Kawasaki Motorcycles
• 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Review

#3 2009 United Motors V2S 250 MSRP $3,899 (find a better price)

#2 2009 Hyosung GT 250R MSRP $3,799 (find a better price)

• Hyosung Motorcycles

#1 2009 QLINK Megelli 250r MSRP $3,499 (find a better price)

• QLINK Motorcycles

Top 10 Least Expensive Sportbikes of 2009 Summary

1. 2009 QLINK Megelli 250r MSRP $3,499.00
2. 2009 Hyosung GT 250R MSRP $3,799.00
3. 2009 United Motors V2S 250 MSRP $3,899.00
4. 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R MSRP $3,999.00
5. 2009 United Motors V2S 250R MSRP $4,399.00
6. 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 500R MSRP $5,499.00
7. 2009 Suzuki GS 500F MSRP $5,899.00
8. 2009 Hyosung GT 650R MSRP $6,099.00
9. 2009 United Motors V2S 650R MSRP $6,399.00
10. 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 650R MSRP $6,799.00

Next 10 Least Expensive Sportbikes of 2009

• 2009 Yamaha FZ 6 R MSRP $6,990.00
• 2009 Suzuki SV 650SF MSRP $7,499.00
• 2009 Suzuki GSX 650F MSRP $7,899.00
• 2009 Suzuki SV 650SF ABS MSRP $7,999.00
• 2009 Yamaha YZF R6S MSRP $8,690.00
• 2009 Aprilia SMV 750 Dorsoduro MSRP $9,599.00
• 2009 Honda CBR® 600RR MSRP $9,799.00
• 2009 Triumph Daytona 675 MSRP $9,799.00
• 2009 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R MSRP $9,799.00
• 2009 Yamaha YZF R6 MSRP $9,990.00

If you liked this post you might like:
Top 10 Best Sportbikes of 2009 by Viewers Choice

Since it’s inception Motorcycle.com Specs has been the best place for bikers and enthusiasts (like you) to voice their opinions; there has been a lot to spout-off about too! Over 528 Motorcycle models have been updated for you to review in 2009 alone. It’s great to see what the Motorcycle Community has to say about the bikes they ride. We’ve taken all your reviews and ratings (good and bad) to figure out which sport bikes our viewers ultimately chose as the best SportBike of 2009.

But… Reviews are still rolling in (so go review your bike if you haven’t already!) you never know which machine may be the victor before years end. Without any further adieu and with no spoilers.. drum-roll please.. The Top 10 Sportbikes of 2009 by Viewers Choice..

(or click here for the best of 2009 list from the editors at Motorcycle.com)

#10 Suzuki GSX-R 1000

User Reviews:

• “Beast from the East!” – Mike(Owner), Jan. 8, 2009
• “Everything about the GSXR 100 is outstanding!!!” – Jacob Mata(Enthusiast), Nov. 21, 2008

Motorcycle.com Review: 2009 Suzuki GSX-R1000 Review – Getting better with age: An all-new Gixxer Thousand

Specs:

• MSRP: $12,899.0
• Cylinders: 4
• Engine Stroke: 4-Stroke
• Displacement (cc/ci): 999 / 60.9
• Compression Ratio: 12.8:1

#9 BMW F 800 ST

User Reviews:

“F800ST Absolutely Awesome!” – Chris(Owner), May. 15, 2009

Motorcycle.com Shootout: 2008 Middleweight Sport-Touring Shootout: BMW F800ST vs. Honda VFR800 Interceptor – Two 800s to the 800s

Specs:

• MSRP: $10,600.00
• Engine Type: Parallel Twin
• Cylinders: 2
• Engine Stroke: 4-Stroke
• Valves: 8
• Valves Per Cylinder: 4
• Compression Ratio: 12.0:1
• Displacement (cc/ci): 798 / 48.7

#8 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14

User Reviews:

• “by far the best bike I have ever owned” – Mike McSween(Owner), Dec. 26, 2008
• “Incredible is all I can say.” – Chase(Owner), Jun. 11, 2009

Specs:

• MSRP: $12,099.00
• Engine Type: Horizontal In-line
• Cylinders: 4
• Engine Stroke: 4-Stroke
• Valves: 16
• Valves Per Cylinder: 4
• Displacement (cc/ci): 1352 / 82.5
• Compression Ratio: 12.0:1

#7 Kawasaki Ninja 650R

User Reviews:

• “Perfect balance of performance and comfort” – Erik Tyler(Owner), May. 16, 2009
• “I love this bike!!” – Larry L.(Owner), May. 6, 2009

Specs:

• MSRP: $6,799.00
• Engine Type: Parallel Twin
• Cylinders: 2
• Engine Stroke: 4-Stroke
• Valves: 8
• Valves Per Cylinder: 4
• Valve Configuration: DOHC
• Displacement (cc/ci): 649 / 39.6
• Compression Ratio: 11.3:1

#6 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14 Monster Energy

User Reviews:

• “What a bike!” – Jeff(Owner), Apr. 10, 2009
• “I recommend everyone to get the bike. Smooth RIDE. Sick looking bike!!!!!!” – Nick(Owner), May. 25, 2009

Specs:

• MSRP: $12,399.00
• Engine Type: Horizontal In-line
• Cylinders: 4
• Engine Stroke: 4-Stroke
• Valves: 16
• Valves Per Cylinder: 4
• Valve Configuration: DOHC
• Displacement (cc/ci): 1352 / 82.5
• Compression Ratio: 12.0:1

#5 Harley-Davidson VRSC V-Rod Muscle

User Reviews:

• “AWESOME!!! V-R0DI traded in my ‘05 vrscb for a new Muscle WOW what a change!! I love the new rod! every thing is sweet the only thing needs work is the license plate mount! Other then that Great investment!!! “- Samuel (Owner), Oct. 12, 2008
• “Totally Satisfied!I’ve owned my new Muscle now for over 6 weeks, and I must say…WOW. Everything about this bike is amazing, performance is out of this world, coupled with the ins and outs you’d hope to find on a HD. I can’t even ride any other bikes anymore, I totally recommend this ride…you won’t regret it.”- Bryan (Owner), Jan. 3, 2009
• “AWESOMEMy first Harley and LOVE LOVE LOVE it! Was concerned that my 5′6, 125 (female) body could handle it but after 300 miles I am in love. Handles great, looks great, highly recommended for anyone who wants something right in between a crotch rocket and a contemporary HD. AWESOME! (License plate suggesti…on: tilt it vertically, looks way better)”- Sabrina (Owner), Jun. 3, 2009

Motorcycle.com Review: 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCF V-Rod Muscle Review – Harley gets some Muscle

Specs:

• MSRP: $17,199.00
• Engine Type: V Twin
• Cylinders: 2
• Engine Stroke: 4-Stroke
• Valves: 8
• Valves Per Cylinder: 4
• Valve Configuration: DOHC
• Compression Ratio: 11.5:1

#4 Buell Firebolt® XB12R

User Reviews:

• “Very fun bike“- Joe (Owner), Nov. 3, 2008
• “died and went to heaven xb12r” – John Moore (Owner), Jun. 19, 2009

Specs:

• MSRP: $9,995.00
• Engine Type: V Twin
• Cylinders: 2
• Engine Stroke: 4-Stroke
• Valves: 4
• Valves Per Cylinder: 2
• Valve Configuration: OHV – Pushrod
• Compression Ratio: 10.0:1

#3 Kawasaki Ninja 250R

User Reviews:

• “My First Motorcycle I would recommend th…is bike for any beginning sport bike rider. It’s not a bike you’ll want to trade in after a year. I’m ready to keep mine for quite some time.- Kristi Bluhm(Owner), Jan. 12, 2009
• “Don’t be fooled… this bike will kick @$$ I was the proud owner of a yamaha R6 for many years. The R6 was fast, responsive, nimble, and very uncomfortable on long rides. I sold it last year when it started to give me transmission issues (I bought it used with high mileage). As I was looking for a new bike to buy the ergonomically designe…d ninja 250r caught my eye. Sure it was only a 250 but the seating position along with the handle bars were very comfy..”- David Medeiros(Owner), Mar. 26, 2009
• “2009 250 Ninja – Best Bang 4 The Buck!!! Okay, I went into the dealer the day before thanksgiving to look for an entry level bike for my petite wife, who has decided she’d rather learn to ride her own scooter, than ride on the back of mine. I got the 2009 250 Ninja for less than MSRP, due to the time of year and the economy, and was total…ly surprised when I took it home! It feels like a bicycle with an engine! This bike corners, brakes, and handles like it was formed to me, and I still haven’t broke it in yet!..”- Joe Hawes(Owner), Dec. 19, 2008

Specs:

• MSRP: $3,999.00
• Engine Type: Parallel Twin
• Cylinders: 2
• Engine Stroke: 4-Stroke
• Valves: 8
• Valves Per Cylinder: 4
• Valve Configuration: DOHC
• Compression Ratio: 11.6:1

#2 Suzuki Hayabusa™ 1340

User Reviews:

• “Sweet machine Just had her first service and haven’t been able to wipe the smile off my face yet. Suzuki has great quality, and the flag ship bike definately shows that. The only down side to this bike is that evryone wants to look at it and talk about it, which doesn’t seem that bad, but it cuts into riding time…”- Jun. 11, 2009
• “Great Bike! Absolutely taken with the 2009 Hayabusa!” – G Hep(Enthusiast), Dec. 4, 2008
• “So easy to ride!! Bought my new Busa over a month ago. After having my 04 GSXR 1000 for more than two years I thought it was time to offer my wife a bike that was easier for her sit on and easier on my body to ride, but didn’t wanna give up the horsepower. Well I definately chose the right bike. Abundant power, rides… like your sitting on a lazy boy..” – Brandon (Enthusiast), May. 9, 2009

Specs:

• MSRP: $13,199.00
• Engine Type: Horizontal In-line
• Cylinders: 4
• Engine Stroke: 4-Stroke
• Cooling: Liquid
• Valves: 16
• Valves Per Cylinder: 4
• Valve Configuration: DOHC
• Compression Ratio: 12.5:1

#1 Suzuki GSX-R 600

User Reviews:

• “Highly Satisfied Have about 500 miles on it now and loved every single mile. This bike is quick. It is comfortable, sounds great, looks great and is easy to ride. It has been years since I rode a sport bike and within hours I was right back into it. Still breaking it in but so far it has handled everything I have thrown at it…”- Steve(Owner), May. 26, 2009
• “Ive had my 09 for about 600 miles and also enjoyed every mile. Took her in for the first service and wasnt to thrilled to be without her for a couple days. Easy to ride,plenty of power, turns heads “- Andrew Lewis(Owner), Jun. 1, 2009

Specs:

• MSRP: $10,399.00
• Engine Type: Horizontal In-line
• Cylinders: 4
• Engine Stroke: 4-Stroke
• Valves: 16
• Valves Per Cylinder: 4
• Valve Configuration: DOHC
• Compression Ratio: 12.8:1

Top 10 User Rated Sportbikes of 2009

1. Suzuki GSX-R 600
2. Suzuki Hayabusa™ 1340
3. Kawasaki Ninja 250R
4. Buell Firebolt® XB12R
5. Harley-Davidson VRSC V-Rod Muscle
6. Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14 Monster Energy
7. Kawasaki Ninja 650R
8. Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14
9. BMW F 800 ST
10. Suzuki GSX-R 1000

Although not currently included in the Viewers Choice Top 10 Sportbikes of 2009 these ‘Close Contenders’ are still within reach. Yamaha, Honda and Ducati who are not currently represented in the Top 10 could rally their loyal followings to boost rank and steal the victory. Kawasaki and Harley also have more top-ranking machines. Last but not least United Motors a loner within the Top 20 could be the under-dog who steals it all at the last moment. You never know..

Close Contenders

• 2009 Yamaha YZF R1
• 2009 Yamaha YZF R6
• 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 500R
• 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSC Night Rod Special
• 2009 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R
• 2009 Honda CBR® 600RR
• 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSC V-Rod
• 2009 Ducati 848 Base
• 2009 Honda CBR® 1000RR ABS
• 2009 United Motors V2S 650R

The Showdown

Who knows what the ultimate outcome may be? You, the users are the ultimate judge of the Viewers Choice Top 10 Sportbikes of 2009 on Motorcycle.com Specs.

Got something to say? Disagree with this list? Don’t see ‘The Best‘ bike ranked here? Don’t complain about it, do something! Go rank the sportbike you want to win UP or if you’ve ridden a bike you really don’t like, you can give it an honest review too. It’s all up to you! So, lets see which bike takes it all for the Viewers Choice 2009 Sportbike of the Year.

• 2009 Literbike Shootout
  • Honda CBR1000RR
  • Kawi ZX-10R
  • Suzuki GSX-R1000
  • Yamaha YZF-R1
  • Ducati 1198S
• 2009 Supersport Racetrack Shootout
  • Yamaha YZF-R6
  • Honda CBR600RR
  • Suzuki GSX-R600
  • Kawasaki ZX-6R
• 2009 Supersport Shootout
  • Honda CBR600RR
  • Kawi ZX-6R
  • Suzuki GSX-R600
  • Yamaha YZF-R6
• 2009 Streetfighters Shootout
  • Aprilia Tuono 1000 R
  • Buell 1125CR
  • Triumph Speed Triple

Check out the video after the jump.

UPDATE: Poor sti2gsxr has made it on to the Comedy Central website.

I’m shaking my head right now but I’m also thinking “Kudos, NOS, for making your energy drink so convincing that someone thought you actually use it as a fuel additive”.

Poor poor sti2gsxr over on the Gixxer.com boards posted:

My bike was running like crap on my way home from work so I stopped at a gas station to get some NOS. I poured in 2 bottles and rode it home. Well I don’t think it helped because it ran even worse on the way home and now it won’t start. Any ideas?

When shown pics of actual NOS performance enhancer and NOS energy drink, our dear friend sti2gsxr replied:

are you f@#king kidding me! now what do I do?

His post was followed up by 900+ forum members posting to make fun of him and almost 300,000 people just watching and laughing.

An Epic Fail, if I do say so myself.

Head over there to have a laugh, or better yet, SIGN UP and show sti2gsxr some love!

See the rest of the post for a collection of pics and a keyboard cat video dedicated to sti2gsxr and his NOS energy drink additive.

Let’s not forget Keyboard Cat to rub it in:

Thanks to sti2gsxr, when searching for “NOS energy”, his post shows up right after the NOS Energy Drink official website in the Google search results.

Thanks sti2gsxr!  The thread really is Epic.  Head over there to have a laugh, or better yet, SIGN UP and show sti2gsxr some love!

UPDATE: Review is now on motorcycle.com

Coming to you live from the U.S. press launch of the 2009 Suzuki GSX-R1000 at Willow Springs International Raceway in Rosamond, CA!

In many ways you can call the Gixxer Thou “all-new.” The venerable AMA Superbike multi-time championship-winning machine has received numerous updates to the engine, chassis, brakes, bodywork, etc, etc.

The new mill has revised cases, now two-piece instead of three from ‘08; bore and stroke is now more oversquare (74.5 x 57.3mm from 73.4 x 59.0mm) for higher-revving performance and is joined by bigger pistons; the cylinder head is new and joined by larger Ti valves and new and improved camshafts; the pistons are now larger; new crankshaft has new crankshaft-end oiling system; airbox is new. This is just a smattering of the many changes to the new and very powerful liter engine.

Changes to the chassis include a shorter wheelbase (now 1405mm), but a longer swingarm improves stability while providing better drive out of corners. Showa’s new BPF (Big Piston Fork) handles suspension duties up front while a Showa shock with improved linkage works out back. The exhaust is all new with lots of Titanium bits; the Tokico brakes are now monoblock style.

Additionally, bodywork has been updated for improved aero performance; all-new instrument cluster includes new programmable sequential 3-light system shift light; mirrors have been improved for better visibility via less vibration.

Lastly, Suzuki reps say the all-new Gixxer has lost approximately 6 lbs over 2008 model wet weight. The bike will have an MSRP of $12,899, and is making its way to dealers now.

The bottom line

Right out of the gate first impressions reveal a strong, grunty motor. Fueling is excellent, power builds in a very linear manner and never seems to stop pulling all the way to redline. But more importantly, all the incredible force that you’ve harnessed at your right wrist is very accessible and manageable; no surprising, unpredictable smacks of power, just smoothness.

The new monoblock caliper brakes have heaps of power and feel: top notch stuff here.

But perhaps the most impressive aspect of the new GSX-R for me, beyond the motor, is how friendly, predictable and compliant the chassis is. Steering is traditionally light and quick, but more than that, the bike leans into turns in a very linear manner, only doing what you ask of it. However, the chassis will respond very quickly, say, during increased lean angle or mid-corner line changes. Be careful where you look, ‘cause that’s where the bike is headed! That is to say, that’s just how responsive steering is on the new GSX-R1000.

We’ll have more details and updates on the bike in a few days, so stay tuned. For now, know that this Gixxer is like a well-trained pit-bull: tame and obedient, but full of incredible power and ready to strike at a moment’s notice!

The bike gets about 35 miles per charge at a maximum speed of 55mph. The six batteries used are good for 300 to 500 charges and take 12 to 18 hours to completely charge when fully drained, according to Higginbotham Sr.
Now, I know going electric is not just about saving gas money but I did a quick calculation: The conversion works out to about 20 cents per mile, not including the cost of the electricity. That is also assuming you are able to use the batteries to their full lifespan. That seems a little steep to me, especially now that gas prices have calmed down. It is impressive that a father and son worked together to accomplish such a goal, without much help.

Source

The kit will not be available until early 2009, no pricing was available on their site at this time. If your interested in receiving updates, you can email Hartley (jhartleyjr@wi.rr.com) and add “H2 BUSA update” in the subject line.

Based on the chassis of a Suzuki GSX750, the TTX01 utilizes two 43 bhp Agni Lynch electric motors equivalent to the peak power of a 600cc gasoline powered motorcycle.

Even more surprising is that the TTX01 has an additional motor on the front wheel that creates a two-wheel-drive motorcycle.

The TTX01 was produced under commission by the organisers of the TTX GP in order to demonstrate the potential and usability of the electric motorcycle. TTXGP founder Azhar Hussain. Currently the TTX01 has 14 kWh battery packs, but the goal is to have hot swappable 20 kWh batteries which will power the bike at normal road speeds for about 50 miles.

For the next six months the TTX01 will be on a promotional tour of Europe, before returning to the UK for the TTX GP race on the Isle of Man next June. A limited number of the bikes will be for sale by the close of 2009 for a cost of $30,000.