Honda has released official specs for its new NSF250R racebike developed for the new Moto3 class which will debut in the 2012 Grand Prix World Championship season.

The Honda NSF250R’s four-stroke single-cylinder engine was developed specifically for Moto3 competition, promising power delivery in the high rpm range. The engine is equipped with titanium valves and uses an offset cylinder with a nickel silicon carbide surface treatment to reduce friction and improve durability.

According to Honda, the engine has a peak power output of 47.6 hp at 13,000 rpm while peak torque is 20.7 ft-lb. at 10,500 rpm.

The inverted telescopic fork and pro-link rear suspension system use the same structure as the suspension system on the 125cc GP-legal Honda RS125R, though the settings are customized specifically for the NSF250R. The frame is as compact as the RS125R’s frame but has a revised rigidity balance Honda says offers cornering and nimbleness that matches or exceeds the RS125R.

Honda plans to begin sales of the NSF250R in December with a price tag of 23,600 euros (US$34,070).

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[Source: Honda, Honda Specs]

Vespa made its fastest scooter a touch faster with the debut of its GTS 300 Super, which replaces the GTS 250. Upping displacement to 278cc, the four-stroke offers 22 hp and 16.5 ft-lbs of torque, instead of the claimed 22 hp and 14.9 ft-lbs for the 250.

The new GTS 300 Super offers mostly cosmetic changes meant to create a more sporting aesthetic, such as the side grill, a red spring on the front shock, two-tone alloy rims, a black-rimmed headlight and a new chrome air intake. While the range-topping 300still isn’t ideal for highway transportation, the added torque should help with passing or riding two up.

If contemporary society has taught us anything, it is that few things are held as sacred. Shameless film and television remakes are rampant while musicians sample (steal) any beats or mixes they deem suitable that will gain their crumby creation attention. In regards to motorcycles, there are times when retro-inspired modern engineered creations work, like the Triumph Thruxton for instance. Then there are times when they don’t, such as the case with the Confederate B120 Wraith.

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