The Z1000 is a beautiful naked standard that all 3 of us loved immediately - tons of usable torque, amazing chassis, nice open & upright riding position, and the acceleration above 7000 rmp was incredible! I really enjoyed ALL of the 138 hp!

It corners well, too!

CBF600 background; CBR600RR foreground

So what is the difference between a CBF and CBR? That was my first question. When you stand before them side by side, you don’t really notice the differences, other than the obvious colour,  until they are pointed out to you. However, take each one for a ride and the differences will present themselves.

The CBF seating position is pretty much a 90 degree ride with feet on pegs with straight legs. The CBR is a super sport designed for the track so seating position is more like a 45 degree, one with the bike, with foot pegs and controls placed behind so that your legs are hugging the frame of the bike as you ride. That is the difference you will notice without ever leaving the parking lot. But I couldn’t leave it at that. “Whose got the keys?”

Both models offer the liquid cooled inline-four cylinder 599 cc engine. Both are fuel injected so no throttle required when using the push button start. ABS brakes are another commonality as is the six speed transmission.

2010 Honda CBF 600 - photo by Marissa Baecker

On the road, the CBF is easy to operate. Visual bar displays are easy to see and read, seating position is very comfortable which makes this a great bike for every day use. Ease of acceleration through the gears and enough compression that when you let off the throttle you will slow down but not with a jerk that will cause you whiplash. Rapid acceleration makes the transition from city to highway speed effortlessly. When on the highway, the bike is very lightweight so expect some shimmy when trucks pass by or you come to an open area where wind gusts are free to flow.

Mount a CBR600RR and your adrenaline just gets pumping. Head out on the road and you’re in for some fun. Suspension on this model has a completely different feel while riding compared to the CBF600 even though both models have an adjustable rear suspension. CBF offers single shock with adjustable preload and 4.9″ of travel while CBR has a Unit Pro-Link HMAS single shock with full adjustability and 5.1″ travel. The difference is a smooth ride versus a bit more ruggedness over bumps and pavement flaws.

Full fairing on the CBR has you cutting through any wind and maintaining speed without body stress that you will face with the CBF. Both models boast ABS brakes and dual seating in case you ride with a passenger. Three colour options with the CBR and black only for the CBF.

The only challenge I had while riding was the angle on my wrists while riding the CBR. Due to the layout of the bike, your wrists take the weight of your body and the angle tests your endurance. However, compared to the smile on your face, the wrist pain becomes forgotten.

If you are looking for an entry level bike that will give you room to grow and develop your skills, I would highly recommend either of these two models. For first time riders, go with the CBF, for riders upgrading from the CBR125, go with the CBR.

Suggested retail price for these bikes is approximately $10K for the CBF and around $13K for the CBR. In the Kelowna go visit Kelowna Honda Powerhouse and tell them the Galz sent you.

Kathy Hubble riding Gladius 650, Jasmin riding Boulevard M50 and Marissa riding V-Strom 650, photo by Tim Swanky - swankyphotographic.com

One thing we have learned this year in testing out all the different models of motorcycles is that changing it up and switching riding styles can improve your overall riding skills. Learning how different bikes move based on their build, center of gravity, horsepower etc. is definitely practical knowledge worth obtaining.

Suzuki Canada recently gave us the opportunity to switch it up with three of their 2010 lineup. The Suzuki SFV650A – the Gladius (sport); The V-Strom 650 ABS (dual sport); and the M50 Boulevard (cruiser). We brought along former motorcycle racer, Kathy Hubble, as our technical go to gal who could push the limits of each bike much more than we could.

The Gladius: this bike offers a 645cc, two cylinder, four stroke 90 degree V-Twin engine with a six speed transmission. It is a single headlight, naked sport bike meaning it has no fairing or windshield. Available in two colours – pearl nebular black or pearl mira red – the bike’s seat height is just shy of 31 inches making this model available to a variety of riders.

I found the Gladius to be a great sport bike to switch to from a cruiser. Ergonomically I had room to move on the seat and the gear shifter and brake lever were perfectly placed for a comfortable ride no matter the length of your legs. Completing the riding triangle (seat, pegs, handlebars), the bars offered me a more upright position than the usual sport bike style. Gears changing was effortless and smooth.

Marissa riding the V-Strom 650 - photo by Tim Swanky

V-Strom: This is Suzuki’s answer to the adventure bike. With a seat height of 33 inches, this bike is definitely for the taller rider offering a 90 degree seating triangle. Available in pearl mirage white, candy max orange or pearl black with matching colour seat and side bags. Engine is a 645 cc, 90 degree V-Twin and the bike weighs in at 485 lbs – 30 lbs heavier than the Gladius.

I found this motorcycle to be a confidence booster. Plenty of power, great torque through the gears and consistent acceleration and deceleration. The ABS brakes proved to be a very valuable asset as I was surprised in a blind corner on Westside Road by a herd of mountain sheep standing on the road.

M50 Boulevard: I spent very little time on this bike due to an existing back injury that was aggravated but I can tell you, this bike is not for the taller rider as the riding triangle (pegs, seat, handlebars) is much too small and uncomfortable.

SouthWest Motorrad hosted the Ducati demo ride today. The 2010 Ducati line up offered something for everyone – with the exception of cruisers. Being a cruiser rider I first tried out the Hypermotard 796 – ergonomically more an enduro style ride. What a machine! After that ride, I went for the Monster 696 and was laughing the whole way with excitement. You can’t help but go fast and you don’t even realize it. This bike rides on rails. Complete reviews coming soon!

Hypermotard 796

Monster 696

Noah & Shannon

Noah and Shannon from Santa Cruz, California were on hand Sunday at the Penticton Speedway sharing their knowledge on the 2010 Zero Electric lineup. The Zero S was the bike that caught our attention as it is the first electric street bike. Thank you to local rep Penticton’s Wes Barten. Review of the Zero S coming soon so check back!

Kathy Hubble races past on the 2010 Zero S at the Penticton Speedway

2011 Yamaha FZ8

The motorcycle world is becoming more highly specialized by the day.

Special niche models are popping up everywhere. Unfortunately, most of us can only afford one bike.

The new FZ8 is a brilliant “all-rounder” that brings fun, excitement and adrenalin to each and every ride.

It is ready to slice its way through the “twisties”, cruise the backroads in comfort and style or make that daily commute a bunch more enjoyable.

Attitude, power, handling and style, the new FZ8 is the ultimate everyday sport bike.

2011 Yamaha Fazer 8

Based on our successful FZ1 platform, the new Fazer 8 sports a 779cc, four cylinder engine that is tuned for plenty of low and mid range torque, making every ride an exciting experience.

Just like its naked FZ8 cousin, the Fazer 8 is a brilliant “all-rounder” that can slice through city traffic or apex a series of corners on your favourite twisty road. Attitude, power, handling and style, the Fazer 8 is an everyday sport bike you will be proud to own.

XR1200X Sportster - coming to Canada for 2011

CONCORD, Ontario (June 3, 2010) – The XR 1200X^TM model represents Harley-Davidson^® Sportster^® performance, honed to its finest edge. Introduced in 2010 for international markets only, the XR 1200X^TM bike will be available through Harley-Davidson^® Retailers in Canada as a 2011 model. Equipped with fully adjustable Showa^® front and rear suspension components, the 2011 XR 1200X^TM motorcycle can be dialled in to match rider weight, riding style, and road conditions. The XR 1200X^TM model combines this premium suspension with enhanced front brakes and the responsive punch of a high-compression, a 1,200 cc Evolution^® V-Twin engine, all in a dynamic, street-performance motorcycle.

With a tank and tail section designed to evoke the legendary Harley-Davidson^® XR 750 bike – the king of the gritty American flat-track scene – the XR 1200X^TM model puts its mechanical character on display. Wide flat-track bars and rear-set foot pegs position an assertive rider for active control. The XR 1200X^TM bike has a blacked-out powertrain and exhaust, revised tank graphics, and black wheels with an orange rim pinstripe. The XR 1200X^TM motorcycle will be offered in two colours: Black Denim and White Hot Denim.

Key XR 1200X^TM Features

• A Showa^® big piston front fork (BPF) eliminates many of the internal components used in a cartridge-type fork, resulting in a lighter overall fork weight. The large diameter of the BPF internal piston allows a reduction in damping pressure for outstanding feedback and smooth action. Rebound and compression damping may be fine-tuned with adjuster screws located on top of the fork bolts. The spring pre-load is adjusted with a M5 hex screw on the axle holders.
• Showa rear shocks feature 36 mm pistons with piggy-back nitrogen-charged reservoirs. The compression damping may be adjusted with a knob on top of the reservoir. Rebound is adjusted with a thumb wheel on the lower clevis. The rear spring pre-load is also adjustable.
• The Nissin^® dual front brakes feature 292 mm, full-floating rotors and four-piston calipers.
• The isolation-mounted Evolution^® 1,200 cc V-Twin engine with a black, powder-coated finish features a downdraft Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), high-performance camshafts, precision oil-cooled cylinder heads, and a large capacity oil cooler. The compression ratio is 10:1. The engine is rated at 74 ft-lb peak torque at 4,000 RPM (per SAE J1349).
• An upswept, high-volume, 2-1-2 straight-shot exhaust system with satin black finish offers extra cornering clearance.
• The chassis features a tubular mild steel frame designed for high performance. The rigid, cast-aluminum swingarm is engineered to enhance handling.
• The Dunlop^® Qualifier D209 tires were designed specifically for the XR 1200X^TM motorcycle.
• The three-spoke, lightweight, cast-aluminum wheels (18-inch front/17-inch rear) are finished in gloss black with an orange pinstripe on the rim.
• A wide, black, dirt-track handlebar for enhanced steering leverage and comfort.
• Rear-set foot pegs for additional cornering clearance.
• A compact instrument display with a white-faced analogue tachometer, a digital speedometer, a dual trip meter, and a clock.
• A 3.5-gallon fuel tank with aircraft-style aluminum alloy fuel filler.
• A 29.2-inch laden seat height with standard passenger pillion and foot pegs.
• Optional Harley-Davidson^® Smart Security System.

Today's ride included the Indian Dark Horse

The Indian demo truck arrived today at Southwest Motorrad and inside it were ten 2010 Indian Chief bikes of various styles. Each model has the identical PowerPlus 105 (1720cc) V-Twin engine. They also have identical handlebars and tank display so choosing one to ride is really a matter of visual appeal.

I chose the dark water smoke coloured Dark Horse for my first ride. It has a solo leather seat, multi-coloured headdress design on the tank, 6-speed transmission, with rear shifter and floor boards and black wall tires. Seat height is 27.25″ with a 68.4″ wheelbase. Once again, this makes it somewhat challenging for the smaller rider. I was told that Indian is currently looking at designing a smaller wheelbase bike to address this. Hand position makes for a wide open upright ride which I found tested my endurance at highway speed. We were riding up to 90 mph (no km on this bike).  I struggled a bit with the wind so the second ride, I rode with a windshield and phew! Much easier.

In my opinion, the Indian Chief is meant to be ‘handled’ and not ‘babied’. The bike is definitely not a putz around town type of bike. I found the bike handled beautifully at higher speed, in and out of corners and bends, and once you get accustomed to that type of ride, you just want to keep riding.

One downfall is the signal lights do not auto cancel. Not only that, you can’t see if they are on as they don’t appear very distinctly in your tank display. With the entire demo fleet on the road – there was always at least one person who didn’t cancel their signal lights.

Indian demo ride continues tomorrow at Southwest Motorrad.

My second ride - the large windshield made for an easier highway ride

Honda rolled into Kelowna for Mother’s Day and brought a bunch of bikes for us to try out.

I managed to get in two rides in the morning before the spring weather hit once again and I made it home just in time to get hit with three or four raindrops.

Today’s road trips included the Honda CBF 600 and the Honda CBR 600.

Now the CBF is again similar to the Ninja 650 and the Yamaha FZ6R in that they’ve got the sport bike styling but a more upright position for the rider and not the break neck torque and power.

I rode the CBF first on a great trip up through the Ellison area with lots of left and right turns.  Now the 3 bikes in front of me were the Honda VFR 1200, the CBR 1000 and the CBR 600 and all had guys with a lot more experience on their sportbikes than little ole me.

I may not have totally kept up but I didn’t keep too many people waiting and the CBF is very much like the feel of my Ninja 650.

Though the shifting was different.  Honda has made this a very smooth ride and the shifts up and down were like a hot knife thru butter.  The seating was a bit different too.  There’s plenty of leg room and you’re not crouched up like on the CBR but the actual seat was quite wide.  I felt the wide seat and the larger gas tank pushed my knees out and put a bit of pressure on my hips.  Kind of like “dating” a guy with a beer belly (sorry…but it’s really the best analogy)

Alan from Kelowna Honda Powerhouse has really wanted to get me on this CBF for quite a while and while I liked it…I’m not sure it would be my next bike…given that I’ve kind of got the same with the Kawi.

The exception to the rule would be the CBF 1000…which given the upright riding position, the power, the ease of shifting and the comfort level…would be a great alternative to the adventure sports on the market.  You get the sexy sport look, the power to keep up on the highway and the easy riding position for a great combo for those longer rides…just throw on some packs and go.

Now I think I’m a little in love with the CBR 600.

This is the more true to racing sportbike replica, complete with over the tank body positioning and for me…great control in the corners.

I keep hearing from the dealers that I won’t like the super sports and I keep riding them and loving them.

To each their own.

So what if I’m not 20 something and wearing a size zero…there’s something about a super sport than gets me as excited as a cold beer on a hot day and no kids nearby (wink wink nudge nudge).

That forward lean into the steering wheel gives me a feel of control…and I like control.

The comparison for me is:

Yamaha FZ6R, Honda CBF 600 and Ninja 650 = automatic

Yamaha R6, Honda CBR 600 and Kawi Ninja ZX6R = standard

Like driving a car…there’s just more control with a standard…and there’s just more control with a super sport.

So I’ll work on gaining my confidence more on my 650 and I swear to the motorcycle gods my next bike has got to be a supersport 600…at least before I turn 50.

Here are some of the other pics from the day…great turnout for Kelowna Honda Powerhouse and thank you Alan, Kristen and all the rest of the fabulous staff for putting together another great demo days.

Videos still to come…

Had a great morning riding with the gang at Kelowna Yamaha.

Thanks to Terry and all the fabulous staff!

The weather was rough first thing this morning but the clouds parted, the roads dried out and the 10 and 11am rides were just perfect.

I took out the R6 and the FZ6R.

This was my first time on the R6 and I have to say I LOVED IT!

What a sweet bike!!!

Really easy to ride and easy to maneuver.  When I first sat down I was concerned because I didn’t think there’d be enough leg room for me (I have long legs) but when I was in full crouch position riding, the gearing and brakes were no problem at all.

Now in a demo ride, everyone sticks together and we were sticking to the speed limit, so I didn’t really get to take her up in rpm’s but I did really like the smoothness of transitions between gears both up and down.

The bike is really easy to move too.  The lean and push into each turn was really easy on speed turns and also easy on slow speed turns.  It’s lighter than my Ninja 650 and definitely a more over the gas tank lean but really was quite easy to just get on and ride.

My second ride of the morning was the FZ6R.  Just looking at the colour selection for 2010, I believe this yellow bike was actually a 2009 and I had ridden it last year.

Like Honda, Kawasaki and Suzuki, the majors have all come out in recent years with a less expensive sport bike look without the full over sport bike stance and without the crazy power.

You still get the sexy look but hopefully avoid the speeding tickets.

It’s a great second bike if you’ve started on a 125, 250 or 400.

The stance is definitely more upright than the R6 and while the engines are both in-line fours, they’re night and day for torque and smooth shifting…the R6 just purrs from 2-6 and back down again.

I loved the R6 and I liked the FZ6R but when comparing the latter to my Ninja 650…I like the Kawi for comfort and shock absorption.

Here are some of the other bikes that were available for riding today…

We were recently contacted by Zero in response to our article in the Kelowna Daily Courier. Zero has independent reps in Canada with more on the horizon. Currently you can purchase your Zero electric at:

• Greater Vancouver Powersports – Surrey, B.C.
• Electric Coast – North Vancouver, B.C.
• Valley Chainsaw & Recreational – Pemberton, B.C.
• Duncan Motorsports – Duncan, B.C.
• Bow Cycle – Calgary, Alta.
• Gear Head Canada – Ottawa, Ont.
• Ecomoto –  Montreal, QC
• River City Cycle – Kamloops, B.C.

For more information on the Zero in Canada – visit the Canadian website:

www.zeromotorcycles.com/ca

Tomorrow’s Kelowna Daily Courier column is all about the Zero Electric Motorcycle. Jasmin and I were able to test one out recently and share our experience on this new trend in dirt biking in silence.

Zero X electric motorcycle

Jas whizzing through the woods in silence

Believe it or not, I actually ride the bikes too. However, being a professional photographer, images are important to tell the story so I like to be behind the lens. I haven’t figured out a way to take  my own picture while riding – I sense a helmet or handlebar cam being added to my photo equipment collection. Any suggestions?

BMW F800S

Southwest Motarrad hosted the BMW demo fleet today so naturally Jas and I were there! BMW is a notorious line for luxury and that became clear as we checked out the new models. Standard on  most models are heated hand grips – which came in handy (no pun intended) on today’s adventure in the brisk wind. We both took a ride on the F800S (a bit of a combination between and enduro and a sport bike) and Jas finished her day on the F800ST (sport bike). We had a great day, saw some familiar faces, learned more about bikes and will be doing a write up about the F800S in the Wheels section of the Daily Courier in the coming weeks.

Jasmin Doobay riding the BMW F800ST

Hardy Wentzel about to ride the BMW S1000RR race model

The Harley-Davidson trailer rolled into Kelowna today

The HD demo fleet hit Kelowna today with an exceptional assortment of 2010 models to try out. I was lucky enough to get the chance to try out the Crossbones. This has been a bike that has intrigued me for quite some time. The mini-ape handle bars are far more comfortable than I originally anticipated don’t have any negative effect on the handling of the bike. Full floor boards with heel and toe shifters threw me for a bit of a loop at first but after the first few times of putting my feet on top of the gears, I got used to it. The large brake lever is interesting – makes it feel like a car brake. The seat is great on the springs for absorbing any little bump in the road but for someone my height, it would have been better a few inches further back. I felt like I was constantly sliding off the seat as we rode. All in all the Crossbones was a great bike for cruising on.

image from ducati.com

Ducati recently unveiled their 2010 line up of Monster 1100 and 1100S bikes. From now until June 30, 2010 they are having the Monster 1100 Second Skin Promotion whereby if you purchase a new 2009 or 2010 Monster 1100 or 1100S from a participating Ducati dealer, you get to choose any one of the above paint kits in the Logomania collection – FREE

Here is the catch – Canadian participating dealers are only in Alberta (Argyll Motor Sports in Edmonton or Ducati Calgary), three dealers in Ontario and two in Quebec.

Michael Schano, KTM Japan unveils the Freeride in Tokyo, Japan

Electric motorcycles are coming and could be the transportation of the future. Austrian company KTM recently unveiled two models of electric motorcycles at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show in Japan under the label KTM Freeride.

Headquartered in Mattighofen, Austria, KTM says that it will now enter vigorous testing and plans to have the bikes in production and deliverable for Spring 2011.

Hubert Trunkenpolz, Head of Sales at KTM Sportmotorcyle AG, comments on the philosophy and focus of the revolutionary motorcycles at the press conference at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show: “The KTM Freeride project is extremely important for the brand KTM. As the world’s leading manufacturer of offroad sports motorcycles, it is part of our responsibility to do everything possible to ensure the ongoing vitality of offroad sport. One consequence for us is to realize a new drive solution via a pure electric motor. This means that we, as an extremely sports-oriented brand, can stay true to our “Ready to Race” philosophy…”

Hubert Trunkenpolz adds: We would like to prove our competitive power, not only with the technology but also with the prices we offer. We can already say that the first Freeride motorcycle from KTM will be under € 10,000 – which is on a similar level with an Enduro motorcycle with a combustion engine currently being deployed in the world championship.

I’m in the market for a new bike this year…and I have to say the search is getting a bit confusing…so much to choose from.

Style:          Sport

Budget:      under $10k…preferably under $9k…preferably free…but hey…beggers can’t be choosers.

So here are my current contenders…would love to hear if you own any of these bikes (or recent models) and what you think…  contact@motorcygalz.com

2010 Ninja 650R

2009 or 2010 Suzuki SV650

2010 Yamaha FZ6

2010 Honda CBF600

2010 Ducati 696

Oh yeah…my bike’s still for sale

2008 Honda CBR 125

4000k on it

Never been dropped

Has had it’s 1 & 4k services with the dealership

Mint condition

Honda extended warrenty & roadside assistant until July 2011

$2500

April 16, 17 and 18 the Victory Truck is rolling into Kelowna for demo days at M&M Performance. We have been given the sneak preview on what is aboard that truck.

Vegas 8 Ball

Vegas 8 Ball – Black 

Featuring a seat that is 1.4″ lower than previous models. It is a 4-stroke air and oil cooled V-Twin engine with a staggered slash cut dual exhaust. 

Hammer_S

Hammer S – Black and White

Features premium dual disk braking system with 300 mm floating rotors equipped with 4-piston calipers for confident riding. The demo version has a stage one kit on the exhaust.

Cory Ness Jackpot

Cory Ness Custom Jackpot 

This is a limited edition masterpiece from the father/son custom builders, Cory and Arlen Ness. Victory’s site describes it as “Ness custom-designed paint, a powerful 106-cubic-inch Freedom® V-Twin Engine with diamond-cut heads, Ness Signature chrome, hand-stitched leather seats, and so much more.”  Demo bike has a stage 1 exhaust system.

This one is on my list of rides!

Blue and Sandstone Kingpin

Blue and Sandstone two tone Kingpin

A 1634cc engine with 85 horse power and 106 ft-lb. torque = POWER. Enough said.

The final three bikes are the Cross Roads touring bike, the hard bagged Cross Country and one other surprise.

We will see you there!

US company, “Zero Motorcycles” presents new electric motorbike during the EVER exhibition (Ecologic vehicles and renewable energies international exhibition), in Monaco, Thursday, March 25, 2010. Photos by the Associated Press.

So when we were at the Vancouver Motorcycle Show, we spoke to Chris Duff of BMW about the BMW RRS1000.  Below is the race version.

Click the audio tab to hear what SouthWest Motoraad had to say about this bike. Don’t miss your chance to test it out at their Demo Days ride on April 28 but call ahead to book an appointment so you don’t get disappointed.