Ducati’s first motorcycle was the Cucciolo [or “puppy” in Italian], which was basically a simple engine strapped to a bicycle, an affordable tool to get the Italian population mobile and back to work after the end of World War II. Certainly a far cry from the frameless, race-inspired exotica they’re famous for today. This NCR…
Racing fans naturally gravitate towards sportbikes that feature graphics and colors associated with their favorite racing teams. Since those designs are often chosen for their visibility over any concerns about taste, it’s rare that a design stands out for being both striking and classic. It’s a shame that some of the most memorable and iconic…
With a boatload of compromises made to accommodate the 998 cc Superbike engine, the list of things that the Monster S4RS isn’t is longer than those it is. All a matter of priorities, as the water-cooled testastretta with top of the line components has a way of re-aligning priorities toward the moment. This example from…
Aluminum perimeter chassis. Aluminum swingarm. Inline four-cylinder power plant. Four valves per cylinder. 14,000 RPM redline. Racing-inspired bodywork with dual headlights. Solo saddle cover to look like a monoposto. Triple disk brakes. Competent, adjustable suspension on both ends. The list of included technology reads like our favorite recipe. The only difference is in the calories:…
Before the introduction of their conventional, but devastatingly effective S1000RR, BMW was known for their durable, quirky motorcycles and “old man in a Roadcrafter suit” image. But in the lead-up to the introduction of the RR, BMW attempted to revive their forgotten, but very legitimate sporting image with the limited-production HP2 Sport. BMW already had…
Perennial fan favorite, the RZ500 ranks among the top bikes viewed, watched, clicked on or lusted after on the pages of RSBFS. And it’s no wonder why: with GP-inspired good looks, twin-crank V-4 two stroke power and a racing pedigree, the big RZ was all that riders could want from a sport bike in the…
Honda dropped the pebble in 1987 that eventually became a tidal ( and supersport title ) wave, but the first-generation machines with their steel frames, four carbs, and streamlined bodies have been all but forgotten. Here is a substantially stock example whose clean presentation belies its 28 years and 33,000 miles. 1989 Honda CBR600F for…
A solo seat on a sportbike is a statement of intent that says, “I’m a very serious sports motorcycle rider, and a passenger will only slow me down when I’m out dragging a knee in the canyons.” Or maybe it just says that your significant other has their own motorcycle for canyon-carving… Honestly, considering the…