More motorcycling news in brief.
New Yamaha line up revealed
Yamaha has unveiled its 2009 motorcycle and scooter line up. These include the all-new YZF-R1 with MotoGP-derived engine technology, the XJ6 Diversion, the XVS950A Midnight Star, the 125cc WR125X and WR125R, and the 50cc Neos.
The R1 features a new in-line 998cc engine, influenced by Yamaha's championship winning M1 MotoGP bike. It also looks different. It maintains its "cat-eye" headlight design but the air intakes are now integrated into the headlights giving the bike a different look from the front.
The fairing is also changed and now has what Yamaha describes as a "layered body design". The new R1 also revs higher and has stronger low-end torque.
The Midnight Star cruiser has a newly designed 942cc high-torque air-cooled V-twin SOHC engine housed in an easy-handling long-and-low chassis.
Anti-lock brakes for Fireblade
The Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade has become the first superbike to get ABS. The optional anti-lock brakes have been designed specifically for fast track riding and limit forward pitching and rear wheel lift.
Bodywork in the ABS version has been modified in order to cover the system. However, Honda says that it has been made to be as compact and light as was possible.
An extension of the fairing covers the front power unit near the engine while a black under-seat cowl covers the electronic control unit.