DUCATI 1198S ~ 2009

Producing 170hp (125kW) and with a dry weight of just 169kg (372.6lb), the new 1198 S now incorporates more World Superbike technology than ever before by taking the 1198 motor and adding top-of-the-range suspension, lightweight chassis components and a true racing-style traction control system designed for road use.

The high performance, fully adjustable 43mm Öhlins forks, which sport low friction titanium nitride-treated fork sliders, respond effortlessly to every imperfection in the tarmac. Beyond their advanced engineering solutions, one of the most important characteristics of Öhlins forks is their ability to communicate the condition and quality of the tyre-to-road contact patch, a feature that puts every rider in superior control. The suspension set-up at the rear is complemented with a fully adjustable Öhlins rear shock equipped with a ride enhancing top-out spring and mounted to a single-sided swingarm for outstanding drive and traction. The front-to-rear Öhlins package is completed with a control-enhancing adjustable steering damper.

The 'S' sets the standard for lightweight performance. On any sport or race bike, the most effective area to reduce weight is its 'unsprung weight'. These are components like tyres, brakes and wheels. Lighter wheels have a lower 'moment of inertia' that is beneficial with every direction change and application of the brakes. The 1198 S addresses this important area by mounting new 7-spoke GP replica Marchesini forged and machined wheels. Both front and rear are super lightweight and their benefit is immediately apparent. The weight saving is further enhanced with the application of a carbon fibre front fender.

The 1198 S is supplied with the Ducati Data Analyzer (DDA) and Ducati Traction Control (DTC) systems as standard equipment. The DDA package enables the retrieval and analysis of data collected from your previous track session or road trip. DTC monitors front and rear wheel speeds to detect rear wheel-spin under acceleration and electronically reduces engine power to restore traction.

Kawasaki ER6-n 2009

Introduction

Muscular street fighter looks with an easy going personality

Riders seeking the performance and practicality of Kawasaki’s popular Ninja® 650R sportbike, but desiring something with a tougher, more muscular image need look no farther than the new 2009 Kawasaki ER-6n. Sharing mechanicals with the Ninja 650R, but with street-smart styling that reveals its trellis frame and compact parallel-twin engine, the ER-6n offers a unique blend of stunning good looks combined with nimble handling and a comfortable riding position. The ER-6n has all the performance of its Ninja sibling, in a new and distinctive guise.

The key to the ER-6n’s slender size is its compact liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, DOHC, 8-valve 649cc parallel twin engine, which permits the use of a narrow, lightweight frame. Its fuel injection settings grant the engine plenty of bottom-end torque and smooth low-mid rpm response. Its coolant is routed to the cylinder and head through the engine cases, reducing the number of hoses and simplifying the cooling system.

The size-efficient engine delivers good fuel economy and also meets stringent Euro-III emission regulations thanks to its precise fuel-injection and a new three-way catalyzer system equipped with a small and light 300-cell catalyzer.

The non-intimidating twin-cylinder appeals to riders with its excellent mid-range and plenty of character to thrill more advanced riders. This manageable powerplant offers superb roll-on response and enables the ER-6n to fluently slice through commuter traffic or carve canyons like a skilled surgeon.

The new ER-6n shares its signature trellis frame, offset laydown rear shock, swingarm, suspension and its chassis with the new Ninja 650R. The chassis rigidity balance and suspension settings, and the rubber upper-rear engine and handlebar mounts offer vibration dampening and lighter handling qualities. The rider and passenger footpegs are also rubber coated for a further reduction in the amount of vibration transferred to the rider. A slim and low seat further enhances the ER-6n’s natural riding position and makes reaching the ground painless.

Part of the ER-6n’s distinctive character is its sharp, muscular bodywork that gives it an aggressive, dynamic persona. The ER-6n’s bodywork accentuates the frame, rather than hiding it. The angular lines and simple design flows through the frame, rear suspension and swingarm creating an integrated line running from the steering head to the rear hub. Its tall fuel tank, raked-back radiator shrouds and sharp tail cowl further enhance the bike’s front-to-back compactness. The attention to detail is evident in the ER-6n’s high-quality paint finish.

The instrument cluster is uniquely stacked with a sharp design and easy layout from the analog speedometer to the multi-function LCD screen. The instrumentation features include a new fuel gauge, bar-style digital tachometer, clock, odometer and dual trip meters. Besides the rubber coating on the footpegs, the passenger also benefits from the easy to reach aluminum grab rails — nothing like a relaxed passenger to allow the rider to fully enjoy the ER-6n’s friendly ergonomics and a versatile cockpit.

Quite simply, this is a motorcycle that both novice and experienced riders can be at home on and equally comfortable employing its assets to the fullest, whether it be navigating urban environs or enjoying a weekend canyon run. In other words, this real world overachiever begs to demonstrate its versatility and everyday usefulness.

Authentic Kawasaki Accessories are available through Kawasaki dealers.

Details & Features

Quick-Revving, 649cc Parallel-Twin Engine
- Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve fuel injected twin cylinder delivers smooth, responsive performance, especially in the low to medium rpm range
- Excellent mid-range power, exceptional roll-on response and impressive passing performance make even commuter traffic enjoyable
- Silky smooth engine vibes via a 180° crankshaft driven balancer shaft, which in turn drives the water pump
- Oil jets on the connecting rod big ends spray oil on the undersides of the pistons to aid cooling
- Lightweight plug-mounted ignition coils deliver a hot spark and save space
- Wide radiator offers plenty of cooling efficiency
- New coolant routing travels directly to the engine cases, then on to the cylinder and head through internal passages, which reduces external plumbing and keep the cooling system simple
- Fine-tuned shift lever position is easy to use

Digital Fuel Injection
- Fuel injection settings permit a healthy bottom-end torque while letting the engine rev fast
- Sub-throttle valve equipped 38mm Keihin throttle bodies offer optimum performance and rideability
- Located behind the main throttle valves, the sub-throttles are controlled by the DFI® system ECU for a precise throttle response, similar to a constant-velocity carburetor
- Auto-fast idle system simplifies starting and helps ensure the catalyzer reaches optimum temperature quickly
- The lightweight fuel pump is mounted inside the fuel tank.

Compact Engine Design
- Powerful twin-cylinder engine is the most compact in its category, which helps reduce the dimension of the entire motorcycle and allows use of a slim, minimalist frame
- Triangular setup of the crankshaft and transmission shafts makes the engine short front-to-back
- Transmission input shaft, output shaft and change drum are contained in a “cassette”- style package that allows a compact layout and eases transmission maintenance chores
- Semi-dry sump design reduces engine height
- Plated, linerless aluminum cylinders with a narrow cylinder pitch keep the engine light and slim

Cleaner Emissions
- Efficient fuel injection and a three-way catalyzer inside the exhaust produce very low emissions, able to pass the stringent Euro-III emission regulations
- Utilizes a compact and light 300-cell catalyzer unit
- Under-engine muffler placement improves mass centralization and the bike’s low center of gravity
- The exhaust pipe bend and under-engine muffler arrangement contribute to the ER-6n’s attractive styling

Good Vibrations
- Rubber upper-rear engine mounts decrease the vibration transferred to the rider through the seat
- Handlebar is rubber-mounted to lessen vibration transmitted through the handle grips
- Rider and passenger footpegs are rubber coated to further reduce vibration

Lighter Handling Trellis Frame
- Frame has all the key ER-6n elements — slim, low, lightweight and compact design that is narrow at the knees and footpegs for rider comfort and control
- The strong, high-tensile steel trellis frame not only looks lightweight, but it is – rivaling that of aluminum frames
- Featuring balanced rigidity, achieved through extensive 3D analysis translates directly into superb handling
- The frame, rear suspension and swingarm designs flow together with an integrated line running from the steering head to the rear hub
- Short front-to-back dimensions of the engine allow for a long swingarm and a short wheelbase combination that contributes to the light and nimble handling

Rigid Swingarm
- Swingarm stiffness to balance the frame rigidity – due primarily to the rubber engine mounts
- The D-shaped cross-section swingarm, stabilizer, chain adjuster design and elegant one-piece rider/passenger footpeg stays complement to the ER-6n’s high-quality appearance

Suspension
- Front and rear suspension settings to match the frame and swingarm rigidity values for lighter, rider-friendly handling
- Shape of the 41mm fork lower ends around the axle shaft adds to the bike’s performance and high quality image

Confidence Inspiring Ergonomics

- An ideal handlebar, seat and footpeg relationship results in a comfortable and natural riding position suiting a wide range of riders
- Frame narrows just aft of the fuel tank enabling a slimmer seat, making the reach to the ground even easier
- The offset single-shock rear suspension layout with the battery located beside the shock instead of beneath it allows a lower seat height as well
- Low seat height and slim overall design make it easy to plant both feet firmly on the ground when stopped
- Aluminum passenger grips are positioned and shaped for easy grabbing by the passenger

Sharp Masculine Styling
- Angular, stacked dual headlight and its shroud contribute to the ER-6n’s masculine image and features two position lights
- Headlights can be adjusted behind the headlight cover
- Reinforcing the ER-6n’s masculine styling, the sharp, edgy radiator shrouds feature integrated front turn signals with clear lenses and orange bulbs and forward-leaning lines
- A flush-surface fuel cap and its sharp-edged motif give the tank a distinctive look
- The new ER-6n’s compact front-to-rear appearance is enhanced by the short front cowl, short rear cowl with its LED tail light and shrouds that start behind the front fork
- Finishing out the bike’s aggressive image is a sharp tail cowl design featuring a slimmer rear mud flap and turn signals that can also function as hazard lights
- A long front fender keeps the mud splashing to a minimum and its two-tone design matches the ER-6n’s light, compact theme
- An inner rear fender helps keep the underside of the tail cowl clean
- Storage options include four tie-down hooks for baggage or a spare helmet to be secured to the seat and a storage space under the seat with room for a U-lock or similar device

Mirrors
- Mirror design is a similar supersport-style and offer an unparalleled rear view

Brakes
- Dual 300mm front petal disc brakes with twin 27mm piston front brake calipers and a single 220mm rear petal disc deliver plenty of braking power
- Housed in a curved brake master cylinder reservoir , the front brake lever utilizes an optimized ball-joint and pivot location to deliver smooth actuation of its 14mm master cylinder piston

Wheels
- Attractive six-spoke supersport-style wheels augment the bike’s light look while reducing unsprung weight

Instruments/Controls
- Stacked instrument cluster has a sharp design and clean layout with an analog speedometer that uses white LED backlights for excellent visibility at night

- The multi-function LCD screen has amber backlighting and its features include a fuel gauge, bar-style digital tachometer, clock, odometer and dual trip meters
- Inner cover inside the front cowl provides a clean appearance in this area
- Handlebar mount design and curved shapes on the brake master cylinder reservoir and clutch lever contribute further to the ER-6n’s masculine appearance

KAWASAKI KLE500

WITH the on going increase in fuel price, you are better off riding a good reliable bike. You will have to for go the comfort of a plush seat and the air conditioning, but you will get to your destination earlier and the best part is you will save a lot in fuel, toll and parking. The only problem with this is that not many have the guts to tackle the local traffic on a bike.

This I believe can be related to your choice of tool. Many of us put looks and style in front of anything else and I think this is just stupid. Why use a blow torch to light up your ciggie when you can get a cheaper and easier Cricket lighter? Now back to the issue, you do not need a hyper sportsbike capable of reaching speeds of 300km/h just to go to your office.

What you need is a trusty bike which is easy to handle and will be around for the next century. That is why you need the Kawasaki KLE500.

Kawasaki has recently reintroduced their trusty KLE500 in their 2005 model line up. The word “reintroduced” might be wrong because the bike has always been around, except when they highlighted the bike in the line up, the KLE has been given some hot towel treatment to freshen up its image and more importantly, to make it suitable for today’s stringent emission control (which does not really affect Malaysians simply because our emission control stays unchanged since the day of the Triumphs and Nortons).

The KLE is still a dual purpose bike, but with looks more inclined to a scrambler rather than a commuter. But seriously, I rather have the off road quality than the touring one simply because there are not really many highways around our city. The KLE can still do a short burst on the highways but you will use its off-road inclined suspension more when you start treading the roads in the middle of the city.

Before we delve deeper into the riding bit, let’s see check out the new bits on this old bike.

The first thing you will notice is the new nose. Gone is the old nose which remained unchanged since it was introduce in 1991 and replacing it is something more stylish, with cues taken from the more modern Z1000 “manga” bike. It even comes with that small spoiler thingy which is claimed to reduce air buffeting at high speeds.

Next on the change list is the meter panel. Replacing the old tech gauges are, well, still the old tech gauges but with modern looking face dials and a new clock. Whatever it is, it looks new and trendier. Yes, trendier should be the right word.

Next would be the reshaped seat which is far more comfy for your bums and last but not least, the colour scheme. When I was riding the bike for a week, my neighbours who also ride thought I was trying out a KTM or some Italian bike. Impressed they were when they got to know it was actually the familiar KLE.

I forgot. There is still one more major change to the bike and that would be the emission system. Today’s emission control is a lot tougher and that is why the new KLE has three catalytic converters. Yes, they sap some power from the engine but at least you can now breathe the smoke it churns out (errr…please don’t try it).

One of the advantages of a dual purpose is its casualness. Unlike superbikes where you will look totally wrong wearing an open-face helmet and normal boots, a dual purpose allows you to have a simpler choice of attire. Of course you still can’t wear your sarong and singlet but you don’t need ultra expensive gears to look stylish. Just wear something that gives adequate protection and you will look equally good.

I thank God everyday for my height because thanks to it, I can ride all the roller-coasters in the world. Being a six-footer, I also have an extra edge when it comes to wooing the ladies (and I hope my missus is not reading this). Okay, before Mr. Editor starts knocking on my head, the reason why the sudden change to my height is because the KLE is a tall bike. For those who are envious of my height, you can ask your dealer to change the setting of the suspension so that the rear goes down a bit lower. If that still can’t help, you need to change to a lower seat with less padding.

The KLE provides an upright riding position and the wide handlebars give you extra leverage for more control on the bike. You will use it more often than not when you are traversing the KL’s famous traffic jams. Its height also helps you pass through the vehicles as their wing mirrors are below your handlebars.

You will not be burning rubbers at the stop lights and don’t ever try to provoke a two-stroke kapchai rider because you will lose out to him. Acceleration is rather adequate but the sticky rubbers do allow some fun in the curves as long as you have faith in it.

Attached a top box at the rear and you get instant cargo space. You can even add side panniers if you want to but you will have problems going between the traffic.

There is no point talking about whether can the KLE grind its foot-pegs or whether can you power wheelie the bike because the KLE is simply not that kind of bike. If you have those intentions, prepare to be frustrated. The main reason why there is still market for the KLE is because there is always be a need for an urban bike tough enough to tackle the traffic and the pot holes.

Spare parts and after sales service will not be a problem because there is a KLE in every town in this country. The sole distributor, Kawasaki Sunrock Sendirian Berhad is one of the most experienced bike distributor on this side of the world and sourcing of parts is as easy as giving them a call.