I have been dreaming of a big bike for decades now and thought that I can make it comes true as 2009 ends. Unfortunately things changed, I rearranged my focus, all ending up in not seeing any lights at least in the next two years, maybe more. Knowing that I was making the right decision does not ease the grief. But that the way life goes, no one is rich enough to make all their wishes come true at the same time. I consider myself among a small group of lucky persons who – at least – have a list of choices to choose from.
Anyway, I have listed 2010 dream monster, one of which I expected to be my daily ride these days.
Yamaha V-Max VMX17
The 2010 version is a continuation of development journey since 1985 when it was introduced for the first time. The core is stil the same, the original Mad Max DNA then improved with Yamaha’s latest sport bike technologies like chip controlled variable intake stacks, a high tech fuel injection system and famous fly by wire throttle. Reviews commented that the new generation of V-Max inherits the legendary sound, character and amazing acceleration but offers truly sporty handling, thanks to its lightweight aluminium chassis and fully adjustable suspension.
Engine: Liquid cooled, DOHC, 4 valve, 65 degree V4. Displacement: 1,679cc. Bore and stroke: 90 x 66mm. Compression ratio: 11.3:1. Maximum torque: 17 kg-m (123 ft-lb) at 6,500 rpm. Fuel delivery: Mikuni 48mm fuel injection. Estimated fuel consumption: 11.4 kpl (32 mpg). Lubrication: wet sump. Ignition: TCI / electric start. Transmission: 5 speed with slipper clutch. Final drive: shaft.
Aprilia RSV4 Factory
The Aprilia RSV4 has been designed and developed with competition in mind, and naturally offers all the adjustments normally found on racing machines. It is owered by the most revolutionary and most powerful engine ever developed by Aprilia. This 65° V four unit is based on an architecture that is unique in the world of supersport motorcycles, and features refined engineering combined with prestigious materials and advanced electronic management solutions.
The new engine uses multi-mapping ride-by-wire technology, a solution that opens up new horizons in engine control, and offers virtually infinite opportunities for power delivery and traction control. All components are naturally of the highest calibre. They include an Öhlins fork, rear monoshock and steering damper, Brembo monobloc brake calipers and forged alloy wheels.
Engine capacity: 999.6cc. Architecture: 65 degree V4. Power: 180HP (132.4kW) at 12,500 rpm. Crankcase: monobloc with integrated cylinder liners. Timing system: 4 valves per cylinder (Titanium and Nymonic) operated directly by a camshaft driven by a mixed chain/gear system (lateral timing chain, central gear train). Fuel system: Magneti Marelli electronic injection with two injectors per cylinder and integrated independent Ride by Wire system for each bank. Antivibration countershaft. Maximum RPM: 14,100 rpm. Compression ratio: 13:1. Transmission: 6 speed direct-control cassette gearbox. Clutch: multiplate wet clutch with mecanical slipper system. Exhaust: 4-2-1 headers with oxygen sensor and single silencer with integrated catalytic converter and butterfly valve.
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14
No company knows more about in-line fours than Kawasaki. From the early Z-1 to our factory MotoGP bikes, our knowledge about the in-line four-cylinder engine is unsurpassed. The virtues of this design are many: powerful, smooth running and very compact, if it’s a Kawasaki superbike, it has to be an in-line four. Each component of this amazing engine was thoroughly developed to deliver the perfect balance of power, torque, and ridability.
The ZX-14’s chassis design is every bit the equal of its power plant. Using an advanced version of Kawasaki’s unique aluminum monocoque design, its frame is lightweight and very strong. Die cast aluminum sections on the main frame make for lighter parts, keeping the weight down even more on the slim and compact frame.
The Ninja ZX-14’s blend of power, handling and style perfectly illustrates the potent technological know-how of Kawasaki’s highly-trained engineers.
Engine: four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valve per cylinder, inline-four. Displacement: 1,352cc. Bore x stroke: 84.0 x 61.0mm. Compression ratio: 12.0:1. Fuel system: DFI with four 44mm Mikuni throttle bodies. Ignition: TCBI with digital advance. Transmission: 6-speed. Final drive: x-ring chain. Rake/trail: 23 degrees / 3.7 in. Front tire: 120/70 ZR17. Rear tire: 190/50 ZR19.
