News 1 Oct 2009

New 2010 models revealed overseas

Aprilia, Honda, Yamaha, and MV Agusta unveil new models for next year in Europe and America.

2010 Aprilia RSV4 R

2010 Aprilia RSV4 R

European and American model launches have revealed a number of exciting new models set to be released for 2010, with all expected to be confirmed for an Australian release by our domestic distributors in the coming months.

Despite the official model releases yet to be advised in Australia, images and details have stemmed from overseas during the last month and we’ll be sure to receive similar new models and model updates on our shores.

Here’s what we’ve found out so far.

Aprilia RSV4 R
Perhaps the biggest new model release from the previous month is Aprilia’s cheaper alternative to the RSV4 Factory – the RSV4 R. Although a price is yet to be confirmed in Australia, it’s expected that it will be around $8000 cheaper than the Factory version and priced in the mid-$20,000 range.

As for the differences, the best thing is that the V4 engine remains identical, but the bike weighs five kilograms more than the Factory model due to a number of chassis downgrades.

2010 model Honda CBR1000RR (overseas colour shown)

2010 model Honda CBR1000RR (overseas colour shown)

Firstly, the adjustment is less as you can’t change the engine position, swingarm pivot point, or the steering head angle.

Gone are the Öhlins front and rear suspension, replaced with Showa forks and a Sachs shock absorber.

Select carbon-fibre pieces on the bike including the front and rear guards are replaced by plastic, while the magnesium engine covers on the Factory are replaced by aluminium. The wheels are also six-spoke aluminium alloy rather than forged alloy.

You’re still going to get the good looks of the RSV4, along with the blissful V4 engine configuration and even the Brembo Monobloc brakes, so with those features, if priced competitively, the R will be a very popular option for sportsbike buyers.

Australian distributor John Sample Group expects the R model to arrive in Australia in March next year.

2010 Yamaha YZF-R1 Rossi replica (overseas colour shown)

2010 Yamaha YZF-R1 Rossi replica (overseas colour shown)

Honda CBR1000RR and CBR600RR
There are just minor changes shown on the European and American Honda CBR1000RR, with a larger diameter flywheel designed to create more inertia to improve low- to mid-range torque – a revision thought to be for racing performance increases. Apart from that, there’s a redesigned licence plate stay for easier removal at track days, and a new muffler cover for the low-slung exhaust pipe.

Australia’s market is yet to receive indication regarding the graphics to be available here, but the overseas models released – including the otherwise unchanged CBR600RR – feature a bunch of more lively options for consumers to choose from.

Yamaha YZF-R1 and YZF-R6
Yamaha has revealed details on its revolutionary cross-plane crank YZF-R1 for 2010, with the only changes being a Bold New Graphics package, although we’re uncertain if the graphics, which features a Rossi replica, will be available in Australia.

2010 Yamaha YZF-R6 (overseas colour shown)

2010 Yamaha YZF-R6 (overseas colour shown)

The YZF-R6 has received more minor updates including optimised intake funnels and airbox, while there’s also a revised ECU to go with an exhaust that is 100mm longer – again said to be for low- to mid-range torque. The BGNs are also believed to be on their way.

MV Agusta Brutale 990R and 1090RR
Italian manufacturer MV Agusta unveiled the new Brutale 990R and 1090R at Misano in Italy this week, with the bikes featuring the same basic chassis and engine components as each other.

Both bikes are essentially new in almost every way, featuring a lighter chassis, revised geometry, longer wheelbase, higher seat, and up-spec Brembo brakes for extra stopping power.

Lighter wheels are also new fitment for 2010, as are revised internal settings on the Marzocchi forks.

2010 MV Agusta Brutale 990R

2010 MV Agusta Brutale 990R

The handlebars are now flexible in the mounting system, connected to a revised upper triple clamp, and the mirrors are now offering better visibility, according to MV’s press kit.

They’ve also copped updated LED headlights and tail lights, as well as the indicators, revised instruments, and the tail section is slimmer compared to older models. Bigger air ducts are implemented for additional airflow to the airbox, and the radiator guards are now integrated into the bodywork to match the slimmer styling of the rear.

Engine-wise, the 990R’s got a larger displacement of 998cc up from 982.3cc due to a revised bore and stroke, while the crank cases are lighter and the engine has a counter-balancer to decrease vibrations.

A new transmission system and generator offer a reduction in weight, while the lubrication system has been made more efficient. The cooling capacity is up by what MV claims to be 65 percent, thanks to a redesigned water pump.

2010 MV Agusta Brutale 1090RR

2010 MV Agusta Brutale 1090RR

An updated Marelli electronics package is included with new throttle bodies, and has the capability of adding traction control.

The differences with the 1090RR include a bored out engine to 1078cc, and it features a slipper-clutch to go with it. A steering damper is also added to assist with the extra power on tap.

As for the chassis, lighter forged wheels are fitted, a revised Sachs shock absorber, adjustable footpegs, and Brembo front discs with monobloc calipers are also a step above what’s standard on the 990R.

Stay tuned for more details on all of these bikes when the Australian distributors send out specific information for the local market, where we can expect confirmation of pricing and availability for each model.

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