Just as it did with its four-cylinder Brutale 1090 lineup, MV Agusta announced it is adding an ABS version of its F4 models to its 2013 offerings.

Available for an extra 1000 euros (US$1,311), the Bosch ABS will be available for the baseline MV Agusta F4, the more upscale F4 R and the top-of-the-line F4 RR. That’ s quite a premium, but with base prices starting at 16,990 euros for the F4 R, 19,920 euros for the F4 R and 24,290 euros for the F4 RR, MV Agusta customers might not mind paying a bit more for ABS.

The ABS offers two modes selectable from a handlebar control: Normal for regular use and Race, which reduces the system’s intervention for track use. The system can also be entirely disengaged by the rider. Continue Reading »

The International Motorcycling Federation and the Superbike Racing Commission released a number of amendments to the 2013 World Superbike Championship rulebook including pitstops, fake headlights and a revised starting grid alignment.

We’ve already seen the fake headlights with Kawasaki getting a jump on the new regulation earlier this season with headlight decals on Tom Sykes‘ and Loris Baz‘s ZX-10R. Starting in 2013, all superbikes will have fake headlights to resemble their homologated production models. The idea is create a closer visual tie between the race bikes and their street-legal counterparts. Superbikes will switch to 17-inch wheels from the current 16.5-inch wheels, another move to bring them closer to production models. Continue Reading »

Who says a motorcycle show has to contain Concours-level machinery? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and the 2012 One Motorcycle Show, sponsored by Bell, celebrates motorcycling in a rather unusual way. Continue Reading »

Entrepreneur.com, the web presence of Entrepreneur magazine, has a feature article on Erik Buell and his Erik Buell Racing (EBR) company. While the article reveals some lack of knowledge of the two-wheeled world by overusing the term “crotch rocket” as the generic description for sportbikes, this is forgivable considering it’s coming from a publication specializing in small businesses and, well, entrepreneurs, and not motorcycles.

The article otherwise does a good job of giving a brief but broad synopsis of Buell and the triumphs and tragedies encountered with BMC (Buell Motorcycle Company) — it’s a good primer on Buell if you’re not fully up to speed on Buell’s life in motorcycles. A benefit of the article’s business nature is that we gain some insight and relevant news related to Buell’s plans for EBR and current challenges facing the new-ish company.

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Not one to rest on its laurels, Yamaha’s sportbike/scooter hybrid, the TMax, was unveiled earlier today at EICMA with a few important upgrades to keep it ahead of the competition.

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Suzuki kicked off the modern era of sportbikes when it introduced its lightweight and aluminum-framed GSX-R750 in 1985, and the Gixxer series of 600s, 750s, 1000s and 1100s have delivered unparalleled success in terms of racetrack and sales domination.

Over the past 25 years, Suzuki’s GSX-Rs have been the dominant force in America road racing, earning an incredible 33 AMA championships. In addition to 11 Superbike titles carded by Mat Mladin and Ben Spies, Gixxers have also logged a combined 15 Supersport titles in 600cc and 750cc classes. And let’s not forget three Formula Xtreme and four Superstock 1000 championships.

The evolution continues with the 2011 model year, as Suzuki has introduced the clean-sheet GSX-R600 we recently tested. And let’s not forget the one that started it all, the GSX-R750, also revised for 2011 and tested here.

The GSX-R series has been instrumental in shaping the sportbike landscape. The Suzuki-sourced video after the jump is a great look back at the evolution of the iconic sportbike line.

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UPDATE: Full Review now available on Motorcycle.com

Almost forgotten among a group of new high-profile sportbikes is the new Kawasaki Z1000. After having ridden it yesterday in the twists and hills of the Central California coast, I’m here to tell you that this is a real-world sportbike to be reckoned with.

Forget the old Z1000. It didn’t handle well, its suspension was unbalanced, and its motor – while potent – gave forth too much vibration. These issues are non-existent with the latest Z, which is one of the most entertaining streetable sportbikes we’ve ridden.

Pete gave us an advanced look at the latest Z in an article you should check out here, and I’ll provide a thorough ride report on Monday. But for now, just know that there may not be a better way to spend $10,499 on a sporting motorcycle.

MV Agusta has revealed the latest iterations of its Brutale naked sportbikes. Although looking much like the previous 989R and 1078RR, these new editions have been full overhauled with revisions to their four-cylinder engines and significant chassis tweaks.

Both versions use a lighter engine crankcase than before, and both have names that suggest a displacement different than what is actually under the tank. The 990R has a 998cc motor, up from the 982cc 989R via a stroke increase and a bore reduction. The larger and more expensive Brutale, the 1090RR, retains the old 1078RR’s 1098cc displacement. According to factory claims, both models have less peak horsepower, but the 989R receives a slight bump in torque. Both models include a traction-control system, and the RR adds features like a slipper clutch, larger brake rotors and forged aluminum wheels.

More info and some early riding impressions from Italy after the jump.

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I’m feeling a little uncomfortable after watching Ducati’s recently posted “Colour Therapy” video.  Are you prepared to watch a Ducati technician strip a Ducati Monster of it’s plastic to reveal it’s true nakedness?  Cover your eyes if you are under 18.

Ducati posted this video on YouTube to promote their “Colour Therapy”.  “Colour Therapy” is there way of customizing the colour of your Ducati Monster motorcycle with an easily interchangeable kit that is available at Ducati dealerships.  I have personally picked out a new colour for the Ducati that I don’t own.

Hit the jump to see how a Ducati technician strips a Ducati Monster to “re-dress” it with some new colours.

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