Inspired by the iconic 2006 GSX-R1000 K6, the Hamamatsu factory has revived the Phantom legacy with a special edition GSX-R1000R.
The Phantom is not just your regular GSX-R1000R with a different nameplate and paint job; this special edition motorcycle is also fitted with the same variable valve timing system that’s available on Suzuki’s MotoGP GSX-RR machine.
The 199hp inline 4-cylinder engine also comes with a bi-directional quickshifter, launch control, lean-angle sensitive traction control, three riding modes and a Yoshimura exhaust.
Suzuki also enhances the GSX-R1000R with track-focused brake and clutch lever guards, tank pad, fuel cap trim and a smoke double bubble screen.
The contrasting gold wheels and gold Showa Balance Free front fork goes well with the overall matte black livery.
According to the Japanese firm, the Phantom edition is the most powerful GSX-R ever built.
Other highlights include all LED light setup and fully digital LCD.
For those who are interested, the special edition GSX-R1000R is available in the UK for GBP17,499 (RM99k).
You’ve seen it on MotoGP bikes. Even your friends might have it. But what does it actually do? In this article, we’re going to talk about the very purpose of the brake lever protector and if you really need one for your bike.
From expensive performance parts down to the very details of the custom livery, it’s no secret that we fancy owning a bike that looks and performs like a MotoGP race bike. This includes the ever-so-popular brake lever protector you see many of your fellow riders have on their bikes.
But the lever protector is anything but an accessory in MotoGP racing. In 2011, the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) made it mandatory in all of the classes for the safety of the riders. Bikes aren’t allowed to race without the brake lever being completely protected. But what does it actually do?
As you can imagine, MotoGP racing is highly competitive. You often see the riders intensely racing side by side, especially when overtaking. The space between the riders when they get right up next to each other is so tight they could practically have a conversation. This is the reason why these bikes are equipped with the brake lever protector; it’s to prevent accidental braking in case the riders brush against one another.
What happens in the case of unintentional braking?
Two things normally happen when the front brake is unintentionally applied with enough force. The front brakes lock up, resulting in either the bike gets low-side and slides out of a corner, or flips front over at high speed. The latter is particularly dangerous and potentially fatal as the rider may be thrown off and land on their head or face first, causing serious injuries to the neck. Imagine if that were to happen at over 300km/h down the straight line. Either way, you can be assured it doesn’t end well.
With the brake lever protector, however, the lever is safe from accidentally being pulled and there is no risk of unintended braking which could cause serious crashes. It won’t stop crazy riders from advertently pulling your brake lever, though.
To let you better understand the importance of having the brake lever protected, let’s rewind to the 2006 Catalan Grand Prix. In the video below, you could see exactly how unintended braking activation resulted in a major incident involving six riders going into the first corner of the race.
Do I need a brake lever protector for my bike?
While it certainly gives your bike a great look, having a brake lever protector on a road bike seems downright unnecessary. Unless it’s a race bike or road bike that you regularly take to the track where in some cases mandatory.
Generally, we tend not to ride so fast and so close to each other on public roads. In fact, it’s a common practice to give other riders some space and stay away from reckless road users, be it a motorcycle or a car. However, let’s not rule out the possibility that it could happen on a public road considering the fact we do filter between traffics.
With that in mind, having a brake lever protector on a road bike does pose some other serious risks. For instance, it could get caught in somebody’s flailing jacket.
Similarly, the brake lever protector alone will not offer any sort of additional safety. Perhaps we should just focus on keeping a safe distance from other riders.
Meanwhile, championship leader Fabio Quartararo took second place, which means he will have the chance to take the world championship title in Misano as his closest rival, Ducati’s Francesco Bagnaia could only finish third.
Nonetheless, it was a sensational performance by Marquez, who took his second win of the season and reclaiming his title as the true ‘King of COTA’ with seven wins, seven podiums and seven poles in eight appearances at the Texan track.
The 28-year-old also delivered Repsol Honda 450th podium in the premier class.
MotoGP returns to COTA for the first time since 2019 as the track undergoing serious resurfacing work on around 40% of the track consisting of Turn 1-2, 9-10 and 16-19 in an effort to alleviate bumps.
MotoGP will return later this month for the second time in Misano.
Francesco Bagnaia recorded his third consecutive pole position after recording the fastest time at Circuit of the Americas, round 15 of 18 in the 2021 MotoGP World Championship.
The Ducati rider also ended Honda’s Marc Marquez perfect pole position record at Austin after clocking 2:02.781s during the later stage of Q2.
Championship leader, Fabio Quartararo, will start at P2 in a bid to retain his lead against Bagnaia, with the two separated by just 48 points.
Meanwhile, despite clocking the fast time during the earlier stage of Q2, Marquez was push back by Bagnaia and Quartararo to start at P3.
However, it was a positive result for the Spaniard, who returned to the front row 441 days later since the 2020 Spanish GP.
Pramac’s Jorge Martin appears as the second-fastest Ducati rider on the grid and will start at P4, followed by Honda’s Takaaki Nakagami (P5).
Surprisingly, Jack Miller, who was fast all weekend, could only manage the tenth place and was visibly furious at the end of the session.
As an effort to promote riders safety with Allianz Motorcycle Plus, Allianz General Malaysia is stepping up the game by offering the Honda CBR250RR for one lucky winner.
Riders who purchase the Allianz Motorcycle Plus or Allianz Motorcycle (Comprehensive or Third Party) policy between 1st October and 31st December 2021 will stand a chance to be in the running to win a Honda Wave Alpa or the grand prize, the 2021 Honda CBR250RR worth RM25,999.
The campaign will feature three draws; each draw will be held at the end of each month, October, November and December, with the grand prize winner to be announced in the final month.
Customers who purchase the Allianz Motorcycle Plus and Allianz Motorcycle Policy (Comprehensive) are entitled to three entries, while Third-Party policy permits one entry.
“We know it has been a tough year for everyone, and with everything that has been going on, we wanted to do something nice for the riders out there.
“We have seen a lot more motorcycles on our roads since the pandemic, and with riders being so grossly underserved, our focus was on doing things to change that. We enhanced our Allianz Motorcycle Plus to offer improved protection and even introduced free roadside assistance for motorcycles.
“Having the 111 Motorcycle Campaign is just a nice way to bring everything together and hopefully bring a smile to our customer’s faces said Sazali Abdul Rahman, Deputy Chief Sales Officer of Allianz General.
Ducati rolls out the first episode of the Ducati World Premier 2022 (DWP 2022) web series with the new Multistrada V2.
While it may look like the current 950S, the Multistrada V2 is a far technologically advanced motorcycle thanks to an all-new electronic package.
According to the Bologna-based company, the entire build was focus on ergonomics, weight reduction, and engine updates.
As a result, the new Multistrada V2 is equipped with the latest 937cc Testastretta 11° with desmodromic distribution and a water-cooled unit that delivers 113hp and 98Nm.
The twin-cylinder engine offers linear and manageable power at low-revs while also capable of pumping greater torque when needed.
Ducati claimed the engine has an extended maintenance interval, with a regular oil change at every 15,000km and Ducati Desmo service (valve clearance check) at every 30,000km.
This is contributed by using new connecting rods, a new 8-disc hydraulic clutch and an updated gearbox that guarantees better precision during shifting.
In order to achieve maximum comfort, the Multistrada V2 features a 19″ front wheel and Ducati Skyhook Suspension EVO semi-active suspension that adjust the suspensions settings according to the road conditions.
Shorter riders will also benefit from the shorter 830mm seat height and narrower saddle, allowing you to touch the ground with your feet easily.
Interestingly, the Multistrada V2 also features a new footpeg taken from its bigger cousin, the Multistrada V4 and a 5kg weight reduction compared to the current Multistrada 950.
Moving on to the best bits, the Multistrada V2 is packed with a host of electronics packages, beginning with ABS Cornering, Vehicle Hold Control, Ducati Traction Control, four Riding Modes and Ducati Brake Light System that flickers in the event of sudden braking.
Meanwhile, the S version gets you the Ducati semi-active suspension, Cruise Control, LED headlight with Ducati Cornering Lights, quickshifter, a hands-free system, and a 5″ full-colour TFT display.
