Suzuki reveals the new GSX-R1000 K9

It's that time of the year once again when Suzuki pulls off the covers to its new GSX-R1000, always better than the already superb model before it. The new K9 is obviously no different, but is it good enough to dethrone the current king of the superbikes; Honda's Fireblade?

Starting with the powerplant, the K9's 999cc inline-four is now lighter and more compact, with a slew of uprated internals including titanium valves and forged pistons just to name a few. Suzuki claims the new setup is able to produce more power and torque throughout the rev range while also reducing emissions and providing better fuel economy. A torque-limiting clutch should provide better feel for the clutch and the S-DMS (Suzuki Drive Mode Selector) with 3 different levels of performance should make it more user-friendly and improve its usability off the track.

The 2009 model will also have improved high-speed handling with its shortened wheelbase and lengthened swingarm. Fully adjustable front forks and rear shock will allow the bike to provide race-like handling coupled when requested, and its uprated brakes should bring the 203kg bike to a halt almost instantly.

Styling wise, the new bike sports a more angular design, comes with 17" cast aluminium wheels and a pair of titanium mufflers to complete the package. Overall, the new bike looks quicker and more aggressive than before.

It seems that the K9 will once again be a real winner from Suzuki, but the question that still begs to be answered is who will win the Gixxer vs Blade shootout?

VW Golf GTI MkVI preview

Attendees of the upcoming Paris motor show would be able to view the highly anticipated MkVI GTI in the metal, but we can give a big thanks to evo UK for bringing us some preview pics for us to enjoy.

Fresh off the success VW have tasted with the MkV GTI, the new MkVI will have big shoes to fill. Sitting under the bonnet of this next-gen GTI will be a 207-hp TFSI engine, with a 10-hp boost over the previous model. New owners will also find a new electronic limited-slip differential between the front wheels, a first for a Golf GTI. The highly praised & proven DSG transmission will also be available as an option.

At first glance, the MkVI exudes inspiration from the Golf W12 concept, with its new front bumper design with the integrated fog lights shifted outwards and the 1-piece lower grille giving the new GTI a wide & aggressive stance. The red highlights on the upper grille would definitely shout out to the older crowd as they reminisce of the first generation GTIs.

Towards the back, the sleek redesigned taillights reduce the chubby look of the MkV GTI while matching the refreshed design of the front headlights, and a refreshed rear bumper with integrated rear diffuser and twin exhausts also pushed outwards further enhance the low-slung, squat look of the new MkVI.

Inside, the changes are minimal with a steering wheel similar to the fifth-gen but with more integrated control buttons. Overall, the results are good and the new hot Golf looks ever-ready to carve corners in the mountains while still looking posh enough to look pretty in front of the newest posh club.

[Source: evo]

Aprilia Readies Its WSB Contender

Feel free to feast your eyes on the all-new 2009 Aprilia RSV4 which would be the Italian manufacturer's new entry into the World Superbike Championship for 2009. Initial production is planned in 2008, and fans will wave farewell to its predecessor the RSV1000R.

Powered by Aprilia's first four cylinder engine, the RSV4 should have about 180hp in street trim from its 999c V-4, designed specifically with racing intentions. The new engine features complete electronic management and will feature a ride-by-wire system with several interchangeable engine mappings to suit the rider for every situation.

Its racing intentions are loudly echoed throughout the rest of the bike. A six-speed gearbox coupled to a slipper clutch would definitely ease and quicken downshifts for less-experienced riders while enabling expert riders to fully push the bike to its maximum capabilities. Its unique aluminium frame and swingarm will allow a very wide range of parameter adjustments to suit every rider, even as far as to allowing tuning of the swingarm and engine positions.

As you would expect of a bike at this level, the fork, rear shock & steering damper are all sourced from Ohlins, with monoblock calipers from Brembo and forged aluminium wheels. With a claimed wet weight of only 190kgs, we can expect this new Italian litre bike to be properly fast on and off the track.

In race spec, the RSV4 would be making close to 210-hp to make it at least up to par with Ducati's 1098R and the Japanese litre bikes. With years of GP racing experience, it will be interesting to see how much of that experience and race technology would have trickled down to the new RSV4 and its V-4 engine. Would it become the benchmark for V-4 superbikes to come? 

Needless to say, 2009 sounds like a great year for WSB. Keep a look out for new & updated bikes, including the possibly revolutionary BMW S1000RR.

[Source: Aprilia; Pics: Aprilia, Motorcycle.com]