New 2009 KTM 1198 RC8R Review

KTM’s RC8 spent so many years being a concept - a V4 and then a V2 - that no one knew whether this crazy orange design would ever see the light of day. I for one am glad to see it in its first evolved state after the 2008 world launch at Ascari. KTM must be a huge fan of Ducati as everything KTM has done with the RC8 from the L-twin (V75-V90) configuration, Ascari launch and then Portimao launch is all in the footsteps of the red giant from Bologna, Italy.

Well, it’s not quite as clear cut as that. While cornering on the brand new Bridgestone BT-003RS tires the RC8R leans with great willingness and turning from an extreme left lean to an extreme right is the easiest thing in the world. Only the 2009 Kawasaki ZX-6R felt better in this area on Almeria. The Brembo monoblocks worked very precisely on the RC8R with a fantastic initial bite. The 43mm WP USD fork felt fine, but not with the same feedback as the Ninja. The new fully adjustable WP mono shock must have helped a lot at the rear because the RC8R could be fired very hard out of the corners without much of a rear wheel slide. The RC8R was also of the best bikes along with the 600s for a circuit that can be ridden in second gear between the two straights. Plenty of low-end, traction-friendly V-twin torque.

Considering the fact that the 1198 RC8R loses hugely to the liter fours from third gear and up down the straight the late braking abilities need to be very good to stand a chance. But luckily for RC8 owners the RC8R does make mincemeat of all the 600s.

2009 Honda CBR600RR

In 2009, Honda introduced a revised CBR600RR for the 2009 model year. The new CBR600RR will have an available option of "Combined ABS", its following the "Combined ABS" prototype. Other changes include updates to the engine which improved torque from 8000 rpm to 12000 rpm, improved fairings that enhance stability and reduce noise emission levels, and new color schemes which were designed to attract a wider range of riders. Although all of these changes involved the addition of some materials, the overall weight of the 2009 CBR600RR remains the same as the 2008 model. This was achieved through weight savings in the engine, exhaust, and chassis and continues to remain the lightest bike in the super sport class.

In last 2009, Honda has now begun to preview its latest styles for the 2010 model of the CBR600RR. It includes a new theme, dubbed "Leyla," in which a shadow of a woman is seen on a black and white finish. This non solid-color design is not the first for Honda, in previous years it has included such designs as "Phoenix," and "Graffiti."

Honda reminds us that traditional ABS and combined braking ABS on bikes use extra components, like a delay valve, pressure control valve, a fork-mounted secondary master cylinder and special 3-piston brake calipers. What makes this new system exceptional is that Honda was able to do away with those extra clunky bits, using a traditional caliper in the process. In the case of the ’09 CBR600RR (regardless of C-ABS option or standard brake) that traditional caliper is now essentially the same mono-block radial-mount caliper that’s on the CBR1000RR.

The most basic components of the typical ABS are: wheel-speed sensors, pressure control valve(s), and an electronic controller (ABS brain). With ABS, instead of fluid traveling straight from the lever/pedal to the caliper, it now first passes through a control valve, then out to the respective calipers. Under normal circumstances fluid moves uninhibited from the lever through the control valve and out to the caliper; just like a standard system but with the extra path through the control valve.

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R is a Kawasaki middleweight sport bike. It was introduced in 1995 and has been constantly updated throughout the years in response to new products from Honda, Suzuki, and Yamaha. The ZX series is what was known as the Ninja line of Kawasaki motorcycles in the 1980s and still carries the moniker today.


Kawasaki dramatically changed the appearance of the ZX-6R to match the more angular look of the ZX-10R in 2009. The frame was lightened albeit with the same basic construction resulting in 191 kg (420 lb) wet as opposed to 205 kg (450 lb) in 2008. The greatest changes for 2009 were the redesign of the exhaust, now carried low and not requiring the thick under-seat construction of 2008 and especially the introduction of the BPF (Big Piston Fork) suspension from SHOWA for a more progressive brake-dive. The exhaust pre-chamber has more space and also limits exhaust noise giving the rider a smoother ride. New double bore intake funnels features 2 available heights which gives performance upgrades in both high and low rpms. The front seat is now lower which makes reaching the pavement much easier.


The middleweight Ninja is blessed with a thoroughly modern suspension. Engine vibration is readily apparent at idle, but it turns smooth at cruising speeds. The ZX exhibits immaculate throttle response, always delivering a nuanced transition from closed throttle, something all fuel-injected bikes can’t claim.

Newest Ducati Streetfighter

Ducati will soon to launch the newest varian of motorbike in 2010. This motorbike is he high-end S model Streetfighter earlier this year when we hammered it around the marvelous Ascari Circuit in Spain at its press introduction. It certainly impressed us on the track, but what we didn't yet know is how well the new Duc works in the wide-ranging conditions on the street. We also needed to find out if the base Streetfighter is also worthy of our Italian bike rapture. At $14,995, the standard Streetfighter retails for $4,000 less than the upmarket S version, and by doing so it goes without trick Ohlins suspension, Ducati Traction Control and some carbon fiber bits. Also, cast-aluminum wheels replace the lighter forged hoops on the S.

The Streetfighter experience begins even before inserting its key. It looks downright menacing sitting cocked left on its sidestand, although it's a bit dense and cluttered, especially compared to the tidier air-cooled Monster lineup. It's not exactly what we'd describe as beautiful, but its stripped-down appearance of industrial art gives it a real sense of purpose and machinery-ness. Let's be plain: This thoroughbred isn't suited for a casual or inexperienced pilot. A touchy throttle and a highly responsive engine give the SF an enthusiastic ready-to-romp feeling – perhaps harder than you are ready for. Truth be told, the humbler and cheaper Monster 1100 (our choice for Best Standard of 2009) makes for a better and easier street ride than the potent and uncompromising 'Fighter.

KIA "CITRA" Review

This car is redefining MPV in a whole new class through technological breakthroughs. The sleek vehicle houses a powerful 2.0 Double Overhead Cam (DOHC) engine which marks true craftsmanship and technology. The engine delivers an impressive output of 138ps @ 6,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 174.6N.m @ 4,500 rpm. CITRA is also fitted with a front-engine / front-wheel-drive configuration for maximum traction – ideal for wet and slippery driving. To maintain a high degree of driving excellence, CITRA is equipped with gas-filled dampers and coil springs that delivers superior and precision handling.


This car is manufactured in Malaysia. This car is produced at the Naza Automotive Manufacturing (NAM) in Gurun, Kedah. The plant covers a massive 140 acres and visions to emerge as ASEAN’s biggest automotive manufacturer. Since establishment, the plant was tasked to assemble Ria and continues to play an important role in heightening the local automotive industry leading towards becoming a key player in the South-East Asia region

New Toyota Avanza G A/T Automatic 2009

The distance was getting closer, well …, not different with other Toyota Avanza! Just type it looked in the trunk door, the type G! Well, if you want to know to use manual or automatic transmission, how? Once any dashboard display, in the middle there are rows of letters and numbers like automatic mounts, P, R, N, D, 2 and L.


These writings have a light guide that explains in a position where the lever was, so the driver would know that clearly. On the right side under the dash? Oh do not be surprised if the pedals were only two, enough gas and brake pedal alone. Another friend is a foot rest. Yes, foot rest is used as a coaster driver’s left foot, because of course the left leg would not work anymore, such as a car driver should bertransmisi manual clutch pedal when position shift gears. The machine is turned on, the lever was moved from P to the position D. There was no difficulty, the movement was smooth. Hit throtle, well because land is limited so do not be too feel the performance.

However, the first pull still pretty good, did not responsif with manual transmission, but, do not know if it is used in long track, certainly able to pull more fierce with a foothold in the pedal more, right? But to try to move between the acceleration, was quite smooth, nothing can beat a passenger does not feel comfortable on the toyota Avanza IDR 10 million more expensive than the manual (IDR 156.550 million). For full results, wait for a test drive of Careers.

Toyota Corolla Altis CNG Coming Soon

Toyota will plans to launch the Corolla Altis CNG coming soon in the next month just in time for Diwali sales. After the Innova CNG, the Corolla Altis is the next Toyota vehicle to come factory fitted with a CNG kit. Currently, the only other car in the Corolla’s segment to have an alternate fuel option is the Chevrolet Optra CNG, since now the Cedia LPG has been discontinued.


We are told that the Altis CNG will feature a modern Sequential Injection system, along with its own ECU, to deliver economy without sacrificing on performance and driveability. This modern Sequential Injection system allows for the CNG to be injected at a pressure of 2.0bar, as compared to the other cars that use a Venturi – mixer system that deliver a maximum pressure of only 0.8 bar. Economy trials have proved the car to be quite efficient with figures hovering around the 20km per kg of CNG, without sacrificing power output – which is a known issue with most CNG conversions. Let’s hope the Altis CNG sales give Toyota Kirloskar Motor an additional reason to light up the fireworks this Diwali.

Variants with the presence of 2.0V, the Corolla Altis is now available in 3 options, namely a new type of 1.8 JM / T, 1.8 GA / T and 2.0VA / T with the target customer of the middle-up executives who want a vehicle with full features.

Toyota Corolla Altis has been relying on 3ZR-FE engine with a 2 liter 4-cylinder with DOHC, 16 valve technology and dual VVT-i for fuel efficiency but still vigorous, with large emission-friendly environment. With the newest engine, the Corolla Altis 2.0V afford the maximum horse power of 152 ps at 5600 rpm and lap torsi 21.2 kgm at 4400 rpm. Not only rely on sophisticated engines are equipped with a large, but for convenience and ease of driving Corolla Altis 2.0 has also been equipped with features other than Paddle Shift transmission lever (Shift Knob) automatically in the center console. As a complement in car newest entertainment this Altis is equipped double din head unit that is ready to swallow up and ready to scrap the DVD with Genuine Accessories connection navigation system which can include Java and Sumatra.