Yamaha has officially unvelied the 2009 V-Max and MCN can now reveal the official specifications and pictures of the motorcycle.

Review of the original Yamaha V-Max
MCN originally stated that the V-Max was to produce around 210 bhp, but the official stat sheet reveals that the 1,679cc V4 engine actually produces 197 bhp at 9,000 rpm with 123 ft lb of torque - plenty of power to keep you entertained, then.

The claimed wet weight with a full tank of petrol and full oil tank is 310kg.

To handle all that power the V-Max has an aluminium frame and radial-mounted six piston front brakes grabbing wavy discs to bring the motorcycle to a stop.

Don’t worry about locking the front wheel with those six-pot brakes though, as the V-Max also features a hydraulic ABS system to prevent the wheels locking up under heavy braking.

The all-new V4 engine is not only 40% bigger than the original V-Max powerplant but also features Yamaha’s unique variable valve timing system to ensure maximum torque and power is delivered everywhere in the rev range.

The frame of the V-Max is built from aluminium and manufactured in a diamond shape. The engine is used as a stressed member to keep the motorcycle stable at high speeds, and so not to compromise too much on the handling.

The price of the 2009 Yamaha V-Max is not yet known, but expect it to be around the £10,000 mark.

This article was taken from: Motorcycle News

The American market has been a big success for the Kawasaki Ninja 250 range for years and years and… But even the septics need a fresh brew every now and then and the Ninja 250R is the latest offering. Fortunately for 33bhp probationary riders in mainland Europe and the UK, we are getting the bike too, complete with emissions compliant fuel injection. A brave move by Kawasaki because the Ninja is virtually in a class of its own. Trend setting? Maybe.

Engine: A major overhaul of the old, forgotten about ZZ-R/GPX 250 engine has bought Kawasaki Ninja 250R bang up date by being environmentally friendly and as easy to use as a Raleigh bicycle. The Kawasaki Ninja 250R’s claimed 33bhp is spread thinner than gold plating - there’s no sensation of the power coming into play or fading as the motor spins to 14,000rpm so very quickly. Fuel injection does what it does precise and cleanly, which kinda sums up the motor.

Ride And Handling: The Kawasaki Ninja 250R is a lithesome agile number that makes the most of narrow tyres, high-ish bars and minimalist 154 dry weight figure. It all adds up to make town work and B-road rides a hoot - think slightly more powerful 125cc sports learner motorcycle and you’ll be spot on. The Kawasaki Ninja 250R’s suspension is perfectly suited to all but the worst of UK roads but lacks any damping adjustment, which is a blow on the rear side because the single rear shock needs more preload to keep the bike from getting all floaty and bottoming out. The standard tyres are for upright city use in our book.

Equipment: You wouldn’t know it, even looking at the Kawasaki Ninja 250R up real close, but it is manufactured in Taiwan under strict quality control. The gear linkage looks budget but is no worse than other manufacturer budget-line specials. The clocks are olde worlde analogue and there’s even a front wheel driven speedometer cable, which is novel. But the styling and dramatic black or corporate green paintwork is choice and the wave-style brake discs are ultra-cool… on a what is essentially a learner bike.

Quality And Reliability: Good marks here because the Kawasaki Ninja 250R is a good motorcycle - it works perfectly as a motorcycle, and works better as bike to gain confidence on. MCN’s only worry is what will the Kawasaki Ninja 250R be like after the 24 month probation period; a period of time where the bike will undoubtedly be hammered non-stop and (hopefully not) be treated much the same as a cheapy 125cc learner machine.

Value: You could do worse by buying a more powerful machine and getting it restricted especially if it’s a new bike where insurance costs will be horrific. Even a decent private-sale second-hand bike would be expensive and probably lose more money over the next 24 months.

New price £2,995
Engine size 249cc
Power 32.5bhp
Top speed 110mph
Insurance group 9

This article was taken from: Motorcycle News