The International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) has released an updated list of motorcycles homologated for the 2013 Superbike, Supersport, and Superstock racing season. Notable additions include the new BMW S1000RR HP4, the MV Agusta F3 and the Superbike-spec Ducati 1199 Panigale R.

To qualify a production-based racebike for FIM homologations, manufacturers have to meet certain production thresholds. Manufacturers must first produce 125 units ahead of a homologation inspection. After that, manufacturers have to produce a minimum of 500 units by June 30 and 1000 units by December 31 of the current year, and a minimum of 2000 units by the December 31 of the following year.

Production counts include both ABS and non-ABS versions of the same model, and at least 250 units of each version have to be produced. Production models must also be available for sale in either the U.S., Europe or Japan by the end of April of the current year to qualify. Continue Reading »

When Kawasaki announced it was upping the engine displacement for the Ninja ZX-6R to 636cc, the immediate question on many Team Green fans’ minds was what it would mean for the company’s supersport racing efforts. Kenan Sofuloglu won the 2012 World Supersport Championship on a Kawasaki ZX-6R, but under the regulations, he may not be allowed to defend his title next season on the 2013 model as homologation requirements in Supersport racing series limit Inline-Fours to displacements smaller than 600cc.

Fear not however, as Kawasaki will be producing a special version of the ZX-6R with an engine displacement of 599cc, the same as the 2012 version. When Kawasaki last produced a 636cc ZX-6R from 2003-2006, it also produced a 599cc ZX-6RR for racing purposes. The 2013 Kawasaki ZX-6R racing homologation special will be available in Japan for a price of 898,000 yen (US$11,240). Continue Reading »

We expected more from Ducati at the 2012 Intermot show as the Italian manufacturer makes its first appearance at the Cologne show under its new German owners at Audi and the Volkswagen Group. Instead, Ducati chose to keep its juiciest reveals for its home market at EICMA in November while revealing a number of color updates to returning models at Intermot.

Ordinarily, we’d call this disappointing but one look at the 2013 Ducati 848 EVO Corse changed our minds. Yes, it’s just a color update to the red and white version unveiled last year, but the matte black and matte gray color of what Ducati calls its Test Team livery and red trellis frame really stands out. Look for more pictures of the Corse Edition and the base model after the jump. Continue Reading »

Honda Chief Executive Officer Takanobu Ito announced plans to produce a new super sports bike derived from its RC213V MotoGP race bike.

A V4 Honda sportsbike has long been rumored to be in development but it finally appears the project is getting the green light. Speaking about Honda’s plans for the next five years, Ito confirmed the sportbike is on its way, using technology from the company’s successful MotoGP program.

“Since its market introduction in 1987, the RC30 (VFR750R) super sports bike has been loved by a large number of fans,” says Ito. “With a goal to create a new history, passionate Honda engineers have gotten together and have begun development of a new super sports bike to which new technologies from MotoGP machines will be applied.” Continue Reading »

Those of you hoping for an updated Yamaha YZF-R6 will have to wait for at least another year, as Yamaha announced the 599cc sportbike is returning for 2013 unchanged except for new colors and graphics.

Yamaha last updated the R6 in 2008, equipping it with the company’s Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake (YCC-T) variable-length intake system. The lack of any significant updates to the 2013 R6 must be disappointing to Yamaha fans, especially as the color updates were announced the same day Kawasaki is expected to reveal a new 636cc ZX-6R.

The 2013 color options are Matte Gray and Rapid Red with Pearl White, both for $10,990, as well as a Team Yamaha Blue and White version for $11,190. Expect the 2013 Yamaha R6 to arrive in dealerships in October. Check after the jump for a full gallery of images. Continue Reading »

Michael Dunlop added another chapter to the Dunlop family history in the Isle of Man TT, winning the second Monster Energy Supersport race of the 2012 event.

Dunlop led at the end of all four laps for his third career TT win. His uncle, Joey Dunlop, is the all-time leader in TT wins at 26 while his father Robert Dunlop has five.

It was actually his brother William Dunlop who took the early lead in the second Supersport race. Michael Dunlop took over the lead on his Yamaha R6 after his brother retired about halfway through the opening lap. Continue Reading »

The long-anticipated three-cylinder MV Agusta F3 675 is now ready for production, almost exactly a year after its unveiling at the 2010 EICMA show. The F3 was initially supposed to begin production in September but now that November has started, MV Agusta’s new supersport is ready to go.

The 2012 MV Agusta F3 675 comes equipped with a four-map ride-by-wire throttle control and eight-level traction control. Also available with optional launch control, quick shifter and lean sensor, MV Agusta is calling the F3 the world’s most sophisticated supersport. And with a claimed weight of 173 kg (381 pounds), MV Agusta is calling it the lightest in its class as well.

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Chaz Davies has captured the 2011 Supersport World Championship, completing a triumphant return to the series for Yamaha.

Davies, the 2008 Daytona 200 winner, finished the Magny-Cours round in sixth place, giving him an insurmountable 35-point lead over Hannspree Ten Kate Honda‘s Fabien Foret with one race remaining.

The championship comes in Yamaha‘s return from a one-year absence from the series. Yamaha withdrew from World Supersport competition after winning the 2009 title but returned this year. The one-year hiatus did not appear to be a problem for Yamaha or the YZF-R6.

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Ducati’s 848 impressed us when it was introduced in 2007, offering exotic Italian style along with more power than any 600 supersport. Now Ducati offers a significant upgrade to it called the 848 EVO, which we had a chance to sample at the historic circuit in the town of Imola, Italy.

The EVO package includes 6 extra horsepower, a higher rev limit, upgraded Brembo monobloc brakes, and the addition of a steering damper.

That’s the short story for now. Stay tuned for a full report on the EVO, plus a sampling of the bitchin’ new SP version of the top-dog 1198.

UPDATE:  Full Review now on Motorcycle.com (with video)

We just spent the day ripping it up around the fabulous Portimao race circuit in Portugal on BMW’s new S1000RR supersport literbike, and it’s set to blow away perceptions of what a BMW motorcycle is.

With 193 crankshaft horsepower and a claimed dry weight of 404 pounds, BMW says the S1000RR has the best power-to-weight ratio of any production bike. And, by the way the S1000 lofts its front wheel onto Portimao’s front straight at 150 mph, we’re becoming believers!

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