| Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade 2006 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade-Blade keeps on rolling    Leaner and meaner are words you’d use to describe a boxer in his prime. Sharper and more focused than ever are words for the 2006 ‘Blade. And the Fireblade has been sharpened indeed, but is the blade sharp enough to tackle a battle with ninjas and Gixxers?
Words: Tor Sagen/Photography: Claire McHugh Gallery and text here  | | Buy this space |
| Honda XL1000V Varadero 2006 Honda XL1000V Varadero-One wheel drive SUV   The big XL Varadero is still going strong. In 2006 it is still very comfortable, big and with more Adventure looks than go. It was never in the exact same playing field as the mighty BMW GS or KTM Adventure, but more in-line with Aprilia ETV1000 Caponord and Triumph Tiger 955.
Words: Tor Sagen/Photography: Claire McHugh & Tor Sagen Gallery and text here | | Buy this space |
| BMW R1200 GS Adventure 2006 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure-Brutal Adventure    R 1200 GS has been a huge success for BMW and time was right to introduce the Adventure version in 2006. My adventure ended brutally in a farmer’s stone wall.
Words: Tor Sagen/Photography: Carlos Ballester People seemed desperate for a little adventure of their own after seeing the Long way around TV series that featured actors Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman on BMW R 1150 GS Adventure bikes travelling the world. BMW sold something like 1.400 R 1200 GS in the UK in 2005 following the media circus surrounding the GS in various shapes. Gallery and text here | | Buy this space |
| Suzuki GSX-R750   Gallery here
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| Suzuki GSX-R600 K6 Suzuki GSX-R 600 - Speed for the people   Since the very first launch of the GSX-R600 in 1992 many advances has been made. From a 106bhp, 208kg lump of metal (well, it was fast enough for its time) it has now become a 124bhp, 161kg lean sportsbike bred for racing. Bred directly from the legendary GSX-R750 that has been developed side by side with the 600 ever since.
Words: Tor Sagen/Photography: Claire McHugh After testing the 2006 Yamaha R6 and Triumph Daytona 675 the smallest GSX-R was the last of the new 600’s I slung a foot over this year. I was going to look at the midrange, handling and the general feel of the new bike. More here | | Buy this space |
| Triumph Rocket III Classic Triumph Rocket III Classic-King Kong of classic tourers   When Triumph launched the majestic Rocket III in 2004 it was to be the most spectacular flagship model since Hondas Gold Wing. The inevitable has happened and the Rocket III has evolved into a Classic version with a comfortable seat and big footboards. It still packs almost as much torque as two 999Rs so don’t let the cosy cruiser looks deceive you. Read more here.
Words: Tor Sagen/Photography: Claire McHugh | Advertisers contact for details | Buy this space |
| 2008 Victory Vision Tour & Street 2008 Victory Vision Tour and Street launch-Cruisin’ with the alien    In 1998 Polaris launched Victory motorcycles and 6 years ago work started on the Vision luxury tourers. Six years and 20 million dollars later the Vision Tour and Street is a finished product. We were granted 450 miles in the seat of the Vision touring bike in Minnesota, USA.
Words: Tor Sagen/Photography: Tor Sagen/Wayne Davies Gallery and text here. | | Advertisers contact for details |
| Bimota DB6 Delirio 1000 Bimota DB6 Delirio-Delirious and delicious from Bimota   Delirious in the magical world of Bimota and Italian exotica translates to high wheelies and loads of fun. Delirio is Bimota’s go at a naked DB5 that already featured some highly technical chassis innovations where the trellis frame extends to both the swing arm and even the pillion footrest support on DB6. Delirio DB6 is fun to look at, fun to ride but at around 19.000 Euro not that much fun for your wallet. Read more here
Words: Tor Sagen/Photography: Brodolini e Fotosport | | Buy this space |
| Moto Guzzi Norge 1200 Moto Guzzi Norge 1200-Guzzi back with new Grand Tourer    Norge is Norwegian for Norway and how appropriate it was that Moto Guzzi launched the bike at just Norway’s national day, May 17th. Moto Guzzi literally invented the Grand Turismo for long journeys on two wheels with the 1928 Norge GT 500. Guiseppe Guzzi invented swing arm mounted rear suspension just for that GT. After making a 4000 mile journey from the home of Moto Guzzi in Mandello del Lario to the arctic circle in Norway, he was so happy with his new suspension system that he called the GT Norge. In 2006 Norge is back in the shape of a fully faired 1200cc tourer. The world launch took place in Mandello del Lario at the foot of the Italian alps, but the launch did not last long enough for us to reach the arctic circle this time. More here
Words: Tor Sagen/Photography: Milagro | | Buy this space |
| Derbi Mulhacen 659 Derbi Mulhacen 659-Spanish Scrambler   Scramblers are high fashion at the moment and Derbi has had the Mulhacen concept ready for a few years now. Finally the Spanish street scrambler has been launched and in 2006 style is everything. Mulhacen 659 is Derbi’s largest capacity motorcycle ever. More here
Words: Tor Sagen/Photography: Derbi | | Buy this space |
| Ducati GT1000 Ducati GT 1000-Everyday Treat   The Ducati GT 1000 is a real surprise. It might belong to the Sport Classic family, but it boasts of certain qualities that make it stand apart from the Paul Smart and the Sport 1000. With its straight handlebars, a really tight turning radius and a wet multiplate clutch, it’s the perfect Ducati for everyday use. More here
Words by: Kostas Gazis/Photography: Milagro | | Buy this space |
| Kawasaki Z1000 Kawasaki Z1000-Z and the art of creating a street fighter   Kawasaki’s Z1000 is now on its third year holding Japan's honour high in the big nakeds market. The titanium colour scheme is the only new thing on the 2006 Z1000. The big Z is still one of the fastest naked things around, however the European manufacturers have stepped up their game with Aprilia Tuono R, BMW K1200R, Triumph Speed Triple and Ducati Monster S4RS-all more powerful or lighter. More here
Words: Tor Sagen/Photography: Claire McHugh | | Buy this space |
| Kawasaki Z750S & Z750 Kawasaki Z750 vs. Z750S-To Z or not to Z   Kawasaki restarted its naked programme in 2003 with the aggressive Z1000. One year later the Z750 was born, and a year after that the Z750S, and a year after that we test them all. To Z with S or not is the question in this test. More here
Words: Tor Sagen/Photography: Claire McHugh | | Buy this space |
| Honda FMX 650 Honda FMX 650-Honda joins the fun   With the FMX 650 Honda has made supermotard fun and games accessible to a lot more people. Gone are the days where you had to buy expensive wheels with your XR enduro to get a Honda supermotard. True, the ultimate is still a CRF with supermoto wheels. But FMX 650 is not about ultimate performance, it’s about honest and cheap fun. More here
Words: Tor Sagen/Photography: Claire McHugh | | Buy this space |
| Moto Guzzi California Vintage Moto Guzzi California Vintage-Vintage Rock n’ roll from Moto Guzzi  If you’re a Guzzisti California is one of the absolute epic names in Moto Guzzi history. To celebrate the great California model Moto Guzzi has launched the black and white Vintage. With great attention to detail and finish Moto Guzzi makes the only Italian cruisers. And it sure is unique. More here
Words: Tor Sagen/Photography: Milagro | | Buy this space |
| Moto Guzzi Griso & Breva 850 Moto Guzzi Griso 850- Moto Guzzi back with the glorious 850   Last year Moto Guzzi launched the muscle bike Griso 1100. It has been a great success in countries such as the UK whilst the Breva 1100 has done well on the continent. Both Griso and Breva have convinced Moto Guzzi that the time was right to re-introduce the 850-from the Le Mans and T3’s of the 70’s to the modern V90 Griso and Breva. On the stunning roads just outside the Moto Guzzi factory gates we got to sample the new 850’s. More here
Words: Tor Sagen/Photography: Milagro | | Buy this space |
| BMW F800S/ST BMW F800S & ST- Parallel sport and touring  The parallel twin is back with BMW’s extension of the F series. BMW launched two new motorcycles with parallel twin engines in South Africa. On sun drenched mountain roads we got to sample BMW’s attack on the midrange motorcycle market. F800S & ST is an instant bull’s eye and we predict a riot, at the BMW dealer. More here
Words: Tor Sagen/Photography: BMW | | Buy this space |
| BMW R1200S  BMW R1200S- Boxer for connoisseurs 7000 rpm and the R1200S surges forward with a kick worthy of a sportsbike. 122 horsepower in an air-cooled twin is a BMW revolution. Nothing less, however no one else makes flat-twin Boxer engines. Fact is that the new BMW is more powerful than most liquid cooled V-twin sports tourers. Problem is that R1200S is not designed to be a tourer. We sampled the new BMW sports bike on South African mountain roads and on Killarney race track just outside Cape Town. More here
Words: Tor Sagen/Photography: BMW | | Buy this space |
Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K6 GSX-R1000-Simply the best   When Suzuki launched the latest incarnation of the GSX-R 1000, they did so knowing it had been the king of the litre class since 2001. The K6 is unchanged from its huge update in 2005. That supremely powerful and smooth engine is the very best engine there is. Is all that power overkill on a dirty B-road (or mind)? More here
Words: Tor Sagen/Photography: Tor Sagen | | Buy this space |
| Suzuki GSR 600 Bandit replacement with no name    As I struggled to find the correct headline for this article, I also struggled to see where the new Suzuki naked would fit in the model range. GSR 600 is the perfect answer to Honda Hornet, Yamaha FZ6 and even Kawasaki Z750. However in Suzuki’s own model range there’s a GSF 650 and SV650 already and that would seem to be enough middleweights for any manufacturer. It is therefore expected that GSR 600 is the Bandit 650 replacement, but Suzuki just forgot to remove the long serving Bandit from its model range. More here
Words: Tor Sagen/Photography: Claire McHugh | | Buy this space |
| Yamaha MT-03    Playful single
Two years ago Yamaha launched a big Confederate inspired sports roadster in MT-01. The problem is that MT-01 was only launched in the European market. Europeans seem to prefer small fast café racers, such as the new MT-03, whilst Americans seem to prefer big naked V-twins, such as the  MT-01. We are confused, and it seems the market is a bit confused too. Whilst we await the next MT, probably a 1000cc twin based on the TDM, we have ridden the latest addition to a growing range. MT-03 is a big single in a small package. More here By: Tor Sagen/Photo: Claire McHugh | | Buy this space |
| Yamaha YZF R6  Techno six
In September 2005 Yamaha dropped the bombshell of a brand new R6 with space-age technology all over. It was a dream come true for the techno freaks; rev counter graded to 20.000 rpms, fly-by-wire throttle and MotoGP exhaust. Pamela Anderson posters were ripped off the walls and replaced with the new sex on two wheels. Yamaha R6 is here. More here By: Tor Sagen/ Photo: Claire McHugh | | Buy this space |
| Triumph Scrambler 900 Surfing with the Scrambler  How can you prepare for a test of the Scrambler without giving old Steve McQueen a thought? On any Sunday, The great escape… “I live for myself and I answer to nobody” McQueen said. Scrambler 900 is all about lifestyle, a lazy sun-drenched surfin’ California lifestyle. More here
By Tor Sagen/Photo: Claire McQueen (McHugh that is…) | | Buy this space |
| Triumph Daytona 675 Triple torque for third Daytona 6’   Since Triumph decided that the middle-class sports bike should be called Daytona and not TT, Hinckley has tried three times. First the four-cylinder engine in 600 and 650cc were created and now the three-cylinder 675. All good things come in threes these days for Triumph and it has been decided in the highest places that exclusivity will be connected with the make. So has Triumph got it this time? More here
Text: Tor Sagen/Photo: Claire McHugh | | Buy this space |
| KTM 990 Adventure & 990 Adventure S Dakar Adventures on a small island.  Since 2003 KTM has  had a big Adventure Enduro on offer. This year KTM has treated Adventure fans with the latest 999cc engine from 990 Superduke. We attended the world launch at the far away Island of Fuerteventura on the west coast of North Africa. If you look the Canary Islands up on a map you will see that the Islands are parallel with the greatest desert in the world, Sahara. KTM had a great adventure awaiting the lucky journalists that had made the journey from all over the world. More here Words: Tor Sagen/Photography: Red eye, Peuker and Halwax | | Buy this space |
| Aprilia RXV/SXV  V-powered racing motard. “Mr. Supermoto (Van den Bosch) slides past me as if I was a lost chicken in town. I wring the throttle on the SXV 550 as early as I dare out onto the straight. The small powerful V-twin develops instant horsepower that easily spins up the 180 section Dunlop D208RR rear tyre”. The front lifts and stays up for most of the straight on this sunny day on the go-cart track in Sicily. More here and here
Words: Tor Sagen/Photography: Milagro | | Buy this space |
| BMW HP2 Enduro Kraftwerk from Germany  Little Frodo the Elf (or Hobbit, whatever…) had just ridden the HP2 Enduro before I picked it up. The rear end looked like a sad beaten dog before I pumped it up to an Enduro man’s size with my cycle pump. I had been having nightmares about this mud pit filled with water followed by a very steep hill. There was no two ways about it, the HP2 had to go in, whether I wanted to or not. More here Words: Tor Sagen, Photography: Claire McHugh/Tor Sagen | | Buy this space |
| KTM 950 Supermoto This is excerpts from the article where I compared the 950 SM to the 990 Superduke (pictures of Superduke are further down on the page):  ”This is really a motorbike with a capital ’M’ for me” I think to myself inside my helmet after riding several miles on the KTM 950 Supermoto. There are loads of dream bikes out there and I have ridden most of them. But even so, the 950 SM rumbles the loudest of my built-in Richter scale. However, 990 Superduke is speedier on the motorway and the engine sings in my head until it takes over. But which shall I choose? More here
words: Tor Sagen/pics: Claire McHugh | | Buy this space |
| Aprilia Tuono R   “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC comes to mind after the first open stretch of tarmac on the new Tuono 1000 R. When first hearing the Euro 3 homologated RSV derived Tuono on idle, I thought that it might sound slightly better than the 05’ Tuono I rode last year. But I was probably thunder-stricken by the new sexy, very sports bike-like rear end and double highly swung pipes. We thundered it through the country side and on the motorway. More here
Words: Tor Sagen/Photography: Claire McHugh & Tor Sagen | | Buy this space |
| KTM Superduke   KTM released images of a mad looking new concept street bike in September 2003. That is the same mad looking Superduke as you can see on our pictures. The road from concept to reality is very short at the KTM factory in Mattighofen close to the Austrian alps. KTM has also managed to make orange the in-house colour in the same way as a Kawasaki ZX-R's are lime green. Almost any KTM appeals to the youthful playfulness in biking. The 990  Superduke and the Adventure models are the most grown up models. Still they are just as fun to ride as you would expect looking at one. Ride a chrome infested cruiser or pompous sports tourer and you feel slightly more responsible on the road. None of that when riding the big Duke. KTM has been in the Supermoto game since the very beginning so all they needed was a big bore V-twin and a beefed up race-proven chassis. The wings on the sides of the petrol tank reminds us of KTM's offroad/SM heritage. Just a shame that the fuel range reminds us of those 9 litre petrol tanks on the dirt bikes too. More here
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| BMW K 1200 R  When it was hinted early in 2005 that BMW also had developed a naked streetfighter version of the high speed K1200S with almost the same engine configuration it truly amazed us. But it also brought memory back to Honda's failed Blackbird based X11 model that was withdrawn from the market. BMW claims to be in it for the long run and BMW has never had the habit of withdrawing models from the market. So the K 1200 R is here to stay. One thing has to be said and that is that even before riding the K1200R it was easily the most exciting bike BMW has ever made. More than 160bhp on tap in a naked chassis from BMW is nothing short of a revolution. Still we find most of the technology people love and hate about the Beemers also on the K1200R. Telelever, Duolever, BMW controls, ABS brakes, big and solid build quality, ESA and heated grips. More here
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| Ducati Multistrada 620  Ducati's Multistrada range got two additions to the range in 2005 in the 620 and the 1000S DS. Multistrada 620 shares its engine with the smallest Ducati Monster, the 620 i.e. Multistrada is a concept where Ducati has mixed up supermoto, slight trail styling and sports touring. The original philosophy was that the Multistrada should be 85% functional on all roads. We rode it on motorways, A-roads and B-roads (and 50 metres on gravel) There is no doubts the 1000 works better on the motorway due to a good extra portion of torque, but the 620 is surprisingly not bad at all on the motorways. The weird looking fairing windshield makes sure a good portion of the wind resistance is lead away from the rider. We tried to creep under the fairing and it is possible to hide completely from the tiring wind on the motorway but at the cost of a very cramped riding position. More here
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| MV Agusta Brutale 910  MV Agusta Brutale 910 is a mirror of the Brutale 750 S. We really enjoyed riding the 750, but the 910 has got something more. Its rev-range is like a 600 on steroids with more oomph than any 750. The new midrange really impresses us and on the road it feels as if it is never ending and power is portioned smoothly with a proper kick at the top. The handling package is as great as ever and the new Dunlop D208RR's work well on both the dry and wet. We would still like more feel from the six-piston Nissin callipers but both the magnum 50mm Marzocchi fork and Sachs mono shock works perfect with the rest of the chassis. More here
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| Honda Gold Wing 
The old Gold Wing is 30 years in 2005. To celebrate Honda made a 30th Anniversary model. It is not too different from last years model, but has got special 30th Anniversary plaques on the dashboard and on the trunk. The '05 Wing features motor-assisted preload adjustment, push-button electric reverse, cruise control and an RDS radio entertainment system. Our Wing has got a CD shifter (room for 6 CD's), extra speakers by the pillion seat, carpets in all panniers with special 30th anniversary emblem, brake disc covers in chrome, rear spoiler and special stylish exhaust ends. These are extra's and there is almost no limit to how much you can "factory customize" the Gold Wing. The CD shifter and the rear spoiler are "musts" for any Gold Wing fan and the accessories we would have opted for ourselves. More here | | Buy this space |
| Triumph Sprint ST ABS  Is the 2005 Triumph Sprint ST ABS the ultimate sports tourer today? Maybe it is, it certainly is very fast and unashamedly flickable for its weight of well over 200kg. We went on several fast runs on our High Peaks route and we could go very fast because the whole bike feels solid whether we are jumping sideways or braking hard. The chassis and suspension set up is ideal for these far from perfect surfaced roads, but on the slight soft side for more serious stuff. We noticed on the standard ST we tested earlier this year that the top fairing and mirrors start vibrating when speeds above 100mph is reached. We did not notice this on the ST ABS and it seems it had a different screen. The triple engine still satisfies when it reaches the higher rpm's above 6.000. And at the same time the new 1050 cc engine pulls like a Massey Ferguson from 4.000 rpm's. Only a big twin can rival the feel but not as smooth as the big triple. The gear box is still not the smoothest and it has a annoying resistance to click up like it should (for example compared to any modern Suzuki) But the gearbox has improved that's for sure, just not spot-on yet. The ABS brakes stops the bike with great force but horrible feedback. When we engage the front brake really hard the front brake lever pumps in and out forcefully. This happens due to the ABS system feels that the front wheel locks and then release. With a servo such as on any BMW this "pump" would disappear. Personally I am fairly neutral to the ABS discussion. On the ST ABS is in its place, on the S3 it's more fun without the ABS. One thing is for sure and that is that ABS stops the bike and it does it very fast. If my right foot and hand hurts afterwards so be it. TS
 Aprilia Pegaso 650 Strada
Pegaso 650 Strada is pure agility on the roads, specially the twisty mountainous ones. The new 660cc single cylinder engine from Yamaha's Italy factory is a major contributor. The engine is not as strong as lets say KTM's Duke II, but has got plenty of what you need on the twisty roads. This bike maxed out at 113mph but we could not care less about the top speed when riding this bike. If we had bought one we would have tried to free up a few horses by changing exhaust and air filter. Mostly to let it breathe a bit more and free some more sound of course. The new Pegaso is full of practical detail and the new petrol tank cover is one of them. Made in sturdy hard plastic that is scratch resistant and fairly flat that makes it the ideal location for a tank bag. Push the button on the left handlebar to activate the small electric motor that opens the cover for you before you can access the petrol filler cap. Very neat design on a motorbike. The tachometer includes everything you could wish for and you can use the functions from the left handlebar without taking your eyes of the road. Both hands still controlling the bike. For a single the Pegaso is a smooth ride. The suspension is very well set up for the kind of riding you would do everyday. Not too hard and not too soft. We felt we could go very fast on our test route in the Peaks with no nervousness from the steering or chassis whatsoever. The seat is on the deluxe side of things with KTM's Duke II fresh in mind. The seat height is low enough to fit almost any rider and our pillion test doll really liked this one. The new front looks a bit like Judge Dredd or Darth Vader maybe directly from the front. Other than that the Pegaso 650 Strada leaves us with a fresh impression. Perfect for both beginners and riders looking for a pure motorcycling experience. Good both to improve your skills and also to push the limits a bit if that's your thing. Click on title for video. Tor Sagen. |
 Suzuki GSX-R 600
One of the all times most successful 600's has GSX-R written on the side of it. Suzuki has done a good job making it more exciting to ride than Yamaha and Honda's 600. Not performance wise where it's on par, but how that angry sound develops in a hectic pace from the double air intakes. Revs are up. Click on title for video. Copyright Tor Sagen 2005 |
 MZ1000 SF
MZ1000 Superfighter sounds like Anakin Skywalker's spaceship and looks just as mean as his darker half Darth Vader. "I am your father" I thought I heard recoiled between the double exhaust pipes whilst riding it around Poole harbour. The motor is a parallel twin of 1000cc's and that and the fact it is a German streetfighter makes it fairly exotic. Easier to just twist and go than Aprilia Tuono and it handles just as well as Triumph Speed Triple. To be followed. 113bhp@9000rpms. 98NM@7000rpms. Copyright Tor Sagen 2005 Click on title for video. |
 Yamaha MT-01
After the first ride on the MT01 I am really impressed! I have during the last year tested the Triumph Rocket III, H-D Street Rod, Honda VTX1800 and Victory Vegas. The MT01 is positively different in the fact it has got outstanding handling and even a certain degree of flickability! Great chassis on a extra large bike in other words. Awesome brakes and comfy as very few naked bikes are. More as we go along. Tor. Some high rez pics here: http://www.bikepics.com/members/sagtor/05mt01/ as well. Copyright Tor Sagen 2005. Click on title for video. |
 MZ125 SM
Nice little four stroke 125. Supermotard has always been fun in the city and the 125 SM is no exception. Check for more images here: http://www.bikepics.com/members/sagtor/05mz125sm/. Copyright Tor Sagen 2005 |
 Triumph Sprint ST 1050
Our first impression after riding the 05 Speed Triple for a week is that this is a much more stable handling touring orientated machine just as Triumph always intended it to be. That new 1050cc engine makes the ST quicker everywhere. Extra power from start to end helped by a super strong midrange. TS. Copyright Tor Sagen 2005 |
| Triumph Speed Triple 05 Unreserved British triple  The Speed Triple has been around for some years now and was given a serious update for 2005. The British by nature are reserved, but the Speed Triple is as unreserved as you can get. A minimalist triple that at the same time is as luxurious as a naked bike can get. Text: Tor Sagen/Photo: Carlos Ballester, Claire McHugh The first thing that hits you with this bike is that the torque in this big 1050cc engine is shifted to the bottom of the register. Right from 4.000 rpms it’s approaching top torque. We’re storming through the roundabouts like they don’t exist and grinning at how lightly this new Speed Triple handles. The broad handlebars shake from side to side when gassing hard in first, second and third gears. The Speed Triple is a bit two-faced in that it feels aggressive and rip-roaringly fast with a three-toned shriek in the high revs. In the low revs it is still rudely quick (and this is down to the new torque register) but the engine is so gentle and flexible that you won’t believe it from the rider’s seat. More here |
 Benelli TNT
Dynamite TNT. Seat is good during acceleration but not for much else. Nice minimalist design. 1.130cc triple, 140 bhp and 100nm @7.000 rpm. |
 Aprilia RSV-R
Top twin that has been the benchmark for twin power the last two years. Starch competition from Ducati with the 05 999, but the Lion symbolises the RSV's intentions. 140bhp is very good for a bog standard Italian supertwin and it cost less than £9000! Quite large compared to a R1 or ZX10, but superior aerodynamics keeps this twin very close to the road going fours. Tor Sagen. Photo: Carlos Ballester More pics: http://www.bikepics.com/members/sagtor/05rsv1000r/ video; http://www.aprilia.com/portale/eng/../../video/giropista-1.wmv |
 H-D Street Rod VRSCR
2006 model already from Harley-Davidson. The newest member of the VRSC family is more aggressive with its upright riding position, inverted front forks, 40-degree lean angle, 1130cc Revolution V-Twin engine and tuned suspension. Double Brembo at the front and solidly stable when leant over on its ear. Great power above 6000rpms and peak at 9000rpms. The Street Rod will rule the streets with some Screamin` Eagle. Still not the fastest though. More pics: http://www.bikepics.com/members/sagtor/05streetrod/ |
 Triumph Rocket III
2.3litre triple. The worlds largest triple, larger than life. Extreme torque that is easy to handle. Believe it or not! See it spin up that 240 rear section before shooting the front wheel to the skies on Raptors & Rockets the DVD. Rider: Tor Gustav Sagen Photos: Dr Claire McHugh 140bhp 200NM 2300cc triple |
 Victory Kingpin
 Buckets of torque and more powerful with its 1507cc(92cu) engine than the Twin Cam88B Harley-Davidson motor. The acceleration does not stop even at 120mph. With Victory's stage 1 kit it sounds awesome as well. Rock solid in a straight line and great stoppers from Brembo. More confidence inspiring front end than Vegas due to the USD front fork. Rear wheel seems to lack a bit of traction though... Beautiful the teardrop A & C Ness designed petrol tank and the lines of those gigantic fenders...
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| Harley-Davidson Springer Classic |  | The most classic looking new bike? Twin cam torque machine with looks g + g would die for! Understated compared to the Deluxe and that's not necessarily a bad thing. Springer front fork works ok with the lazy package, but this machine isn't really made for fast motorway use. Best suited on route 66 or sightseeing on a scenic B road. But still fast enough for everyday use as well. Rider: Tor. Photo: Claire McHugh
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 Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe
Very classy cruiser from Harley-Davidson. The bike equivalent of the pimp mobile... A bit of a woman's bike compared to the Springer Classic. Very bling. we certainly enjoyed our allocated time on it. |
 MZ1000SF Spain launch
SF for Superfighter. Great funbike. Handles very well and surprisingly lacking in turbulence at high speeds for a naked bike. Bye, bye old east block reputation and welcome high tech MZ. 113bhp@9000 rpms. 98NM@7000rpms. Rider :Tor Sagen. Picks: Jonathan Sauer Pixelrace Copyright Tor Sagen 2005 |
| Buell City-X |  | See through city slick Buell. So tiny that you could carry it in a backpack. Torque is good and the seat is high enough for a commanding view through traffic. A city centre favourite and beats riding a supermotard.
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| Ducati 749S | Excellent handling as you would except from any S spec Ducati. A few problems with the electrics and the EFI caused it to stop quite a few times. Temperamental in other words. The perfect track tool.
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 Honda CBF 600
Hondas 2004 effort towards a user-friendly bike that does everything effortlessly. It does not exceed in any particular area but is comfy and safe. However it has not got the same coolness of the Suzuki Bandit and Yamaha Fazer. A dull boy but unarguably a good bike. Rider and photos: Tor Sagen 76bhp/58NM in line 599cc four. No video of the CBF. We'll shoot some next time we ride it. |
 Yamaha YZF R1
Fantastic top end rush of power! Beats everything from 9000 rpms and to the top. Very enjoyable. 172bhp 110Nm 998cc 172kg No video of the R1 because the files has been corrupted. We'll shoot some next time we ride it. |
 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade
Neutral and powerful all in one flawless package. Beautiful steering and fairly comfortable. Great torque. How does 170bhp sound like? See it on Raptors & Rockets the DVD. Rider: Tor. Photo: Dr Claire McHugh 171bhp 115NM |
 MV Agusta F41000 S
Fantastic on the eye and brilliant with the 1000cc engine. Revvy as the R1 and hardcore as a 999. It truly is the Ferrari among bikes. We would like better suspension and radial brakes before it is a AA+. See it roar with a CBR1000RR in the "RR Orchestra" in the Raptors & Rocket DVD. Rider: Tor. Photos: Carlos Ballester. 166bhp(156bhp on the rear wheel on this one) 109NM |
 KTM Duke II
Supermoto with street styling. The ultimate fun machine. Rider: Tor Photos: Carlos Ballester 55bhp 58Nm Single four stroke 625cc |
 MZ1000 S
Very nice 1000 cc parallel twin with more beautiful lines than anything we have seen from MZ in the past. MZ1000S is a very fast machine indeed. See it in Raptors & Rockets the DVD. This pick is taken at Millbrook proving grounds when MZ launched the 1000S on British soil. First launch outside Germany actually. The general thought was that the launch was a bit overdue for a bike that had existed for a couple of years. 117bhp 95NM Rider: Tor Photo: Dr Claire McHugh |
 Triumph Daytona 650
Brand new 2005 Triumph Daytona now 650cc. The new longer stroke engine has got buckets of midrange for a 600 in line four, 646cc that is. It only weighs 165kg and with 112bhp and 68NM that makes for a very quick bike indeed. Probably the quickest bike Triumph has ever made. Rider: Tor. Photos: Claire McHugh Video: Daytona 600 and Daytona 955i |
 Aprilia MX 125 Supermotard
Aprilias new supermotard in 30bhp unrestricted shape. Very entertaining two stroke 125. Rider: Tor. Photos: Claire McHugh. All film of the MX125 deleted by accident. |
 Kawasaki KLR650 SM
Supermoto modified off-road bike. Michelin Pilot Race 120/60-17 front tyre. Great, cheap fun!! Rider: Tor Photos: Daniel Sagen 47bhp |
 Cagiva Raptor 1000
Latest addition to the fleet. Beautiful TL1000 engine 1997 spec and MV Agusta chassis with Cagiva on the petrol tank. Latest update: lost the single seat conversion on the M6 and replaced the stock exhaust with some lovely Leovinci carbon pipes. Very noisy they are. Fuel pump is a bit rubbish and is letting me down at the moment. New Bridgestone BT014s just fitted and a gold X ring Renthal chain and sprockets. Rider: Tor Photos: Carlos Ballester 125bhp 103Nm 996cc V-twin. |
 Cagiva Xtra Raptor
The most extravagant bird of prey with TL1000s engine 1997 spec. For those that does not know what that means, you are missing out on possibly the best v-twin engine ever built. This is a tarted up V-raptor. Carbon and mean looks. See it in Raptors & Rockets the DVD. Rider: Tor&Claire Photos: Dr Claire McHugh 116BHP 106NM 996cc V-twin. |
 Cagiva Raptor 125
Mito engined two stroke with 29BHP! Good fun! |
| Aprilia Tuono 125 RS 
Unrestricted Aprilia Tuono RS125 which means 29 bhp of two stroke fun. A bit softer than the Raptor 125 and more average brakes. Very nice handling. Rider: Tor. Photos: Carlos Ballester. No film of the Tuono. |
 Aprilia Tuono R
Unchanged superbike RSV Mille with wide bars! Rider: Tor Photo Daniel Sagen and Tor Sagen 998cc 60 degree V-twin 130bhp |
 Buell XB12R Firebolt
Little bike with brute low revving 1200cc engine. Great fun and fast enough for B road fun. Rider: Tor Photos: Carlos Ballester V-twin 101BHP 110NM. No video of the Firebolt. |
| Honda VTX1800 
Biig cruiser. 1800 cc V-twin. More than decent torque. It glides effortlessly through town or on B roads. We had a problem with the EFI on this one. Unusual for a Honda. Rider: Tor Photos: Dr Claire McHugh |
 Victory Vegas Stage 1
Stage one fitted. Sounds very nice. Fast for a cruiser too and great brakes and handling. Better than the rubber as a matter of fact. Brembos front and back. Designed by Corey and Arlen Ness and it shows ... Hear it roar in Raptors & Rockets the DVD. Rider: Tor Photos: Tor Sagen |
 Ducati Monster S4R
Excellent Chassis, engine, suspension and brakes. What more do you want? Rider: Tor Photos: Dr Claire McHugh 113bhp 100NM L-twin 996cc |
 MV Agusta Brutale S
As beautiful as they get. And the sound ... See this Brutale wheelie in the Raptors & Rockets DVD. Rider: Tor Photos: Dr Claire McHugh 127bhp 79NM In-line four 750cc |
 Triumph Thruxton 900
Cafe' racer deluxe from Triumph. Parallel twin, 900cc. Rider: Tor Photo: Tor Sagen 69bhp 72Nm 865cc No video of Thruxton. We'll make up for it when we ride Scrambler. |
 Triumph Speedmaster
Yet another parallel twin from Triumph. Almost the same bike as the America. Slow and easy cruiser. |
 Suzuki SV650 S
Great balanced bike with something for both the experienced and the inexperienced rider. It shows on the roads as well as Suzuki has sold shiploads of it. No video of SV650S. |
 Sachs X-Road
Does this look mad or what? Supermoto/trail styling with the EXC 125cc single cylinder four stroke detuned engine. Top speed 62MPH/100km/h |
 Ducati 999
999 is one of the strongest V-twins out there with a rock solid chassis. More stable in the middle of a corner than in a straight line in high speed. Here a pic with Benelli Tornado. The Benelli is no match for the 999 anymore, but they look good together! Rider: Tor Photos: Carlos Ballester and Tor Sagen |
 Benelli Tornado RS
Radial brakes, unbelievable beauty and great engine. But is it reliable? Sounds absolutely amazing with the Arrow standard muffler. Feels like there's a turbo somewhere and it revs beautifully. The slipper clutch is an amazing thing as well, until it died ... See it in the Raptors & Rockets DVD. Rider: Tor Photos: Dr Claire McHugh 147hp, 100NM Triple 899cc. |
 Cagiva Mito
Top 125 with 916 looks. Every 16 year olds dream bike. Looks bigger than it is and it's front fairing measures just about the same size as a MV Agusta F4. Not as fast though. |
 Triumph Tiger
Big triple engined traile which actually goes ok on gravel as well. Heavy for serious stuff, but good for a thrill. Very comfortable as well which makes it a excellent tourer. Rider: Tor Photos: Dr Claire McHugh Video Sprint ST 955i |
 Aprilia Caponord
Detuned Mille mill in travel enduro chassis. Surprisingly fast through the twisties. Too heavy for off road glory. Caponord is comfortable enough for a trip to the North cape. Rider: Tor Photos: Carlos Ballester 98bhp 96Nm V-twin 998cc |
 Ducati Multistrada 1000DS
Toured Ireland and the Dublin area in particular. Excellent tourer, fun bike and handles really well the Multistrada. A shame I could not reward it with a pint of Guinness. Article published in Norwegian under the Multistrada link. Rider: Tor Photos: Dr Claire McHugh and Tor Sagen 84bhp 85NM L-twin 992cc |
 Harley-Davidson V-Rod
Some people think this is the best Harley ever built. Who am I to disagree? Great engine that revs to 9000 rpms with plenty of power all the way! Rider: Tor Photos: Carlos Ballester V-twin 115BHP. Video Harley-Davidson XL1200C Sportster. No video of the V-rod unfortunately. |
 Peugeot Jetforce Compressor
This is the ABS version but later this year we will also see a version with compressor as a first on a production scooter! They don't come more sport orientated than this. Actually my photos were a bit grey so used this which is the 20bhp compressor version. |
 Honda NES @125
Nice little town scooter from Honda. Room for a full-face helmet under the seat and 15bhp ready to go. |
 Sachs B805
Rode this oddball last year. Limited edition and number 122 of 150. Suzuki VX800 engine that never fails. It is bomb proof if I may say so. Photos : Claire McHugh and Tor Sagen. Rider: Tor 58bhp 70NM, V-twin 800cc |
 Suzuki TL1000R
Still a bike I like very much. It's not the best or most beautiful v-twin superbike out there, but still one of the all time favourite twins. It's got what so many Japanese bikes lack, cult status! The photo was taken outside a stainless steel warehouse in Oslo, Norway which I found to be appropriate location for the photo shootout. Digitally scanned back in the stone ages. Photo: Erik Wengerud Rider: Tor 135bhp 110nm V-twin 996cc No video of the TLR. |
 Ducati Monster 620i
The smallest Ducati available is the 620 Monster. The mini Monster has got great Brembo brakes and top chassis. Not as practical as Suzuki's SV650, but style in plenty. Great bike for the conscious beginner or just as a cheap second bike. With some carbon pipes it sounds great too. No video of the Monster. |
 Suzuki GSF600 Bandit
Suzuki Bandit is iconic already and is one of the most popular midrange motorcycles of all times. Loads of bikers own one or has once owned one including both Carlos and myself. Pictured is a 2002 model. Now you can get it with the new 650cc motor, but it still is the same as always. An air cooled naked midrange Bandit for the punter. No video of the Bandit. |
 Suzuki GSF1200 Bandit S
The S model is the Bandit for racking up the miles. This one was equipped with hard luggage as well which makes it practical as few other bikes. Simple air cooled powerful and proven engine. No video of the Bandit. |
 Yamaha FZ1
The Yamaha FZ1 was the first touring bike to receive an extremely powerful 1000cc performance engine. Donated by the R1 in 2001. this is a picture from the Norway launch where we tested it against Suzuki Bandit 1200 and BMW R1150R. The Fazer won. FZS1000 Fazer is the name in Europe and FZ1 in the US. Great all-rounder. No video of FZ1. |
 Yamaha FJR1300
Yamaha's mega tourer was launched in 2001 with a bored R1 engine. So powerful that I got a big speeding ticket when riding it the first time. Very comfortable with electrically adjustable windscreen and tall clip ons. No video of FJR. |
 Suzuki GSX1400
I rode this bike on both track and the road when it was launched. Vaaler roadracing track in Norway. It is tuned for torque and top end is not that great. People love tuning it with Turbo's etc. Still a very large in line four by anyone's standard. No video og GSX1400. |
 Yamaha YZF R6 00-01
The R6 was launched in 1999 and revolutionized the 600 class in the same way the R1 had done the year before in the 1000 class. Both the 00 and 01 is still great buys. Copyright Tor Sagen 2005 No video of the R6. |
 | 2000 Yamaha R6
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 | | 2001 Yamaha R6 |
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