Ducati – Best of Italian Performance
Ducati Hats
The World’s Fastest Motorbikes by Alan Liptrot
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<p class=”MsoNormal”>Hang onto your hats; we’re going for a ride. The Superbike
sector which was created during the seventies, would allow mere mortals such as
you and I to ride something akin to the machines that our heroes use on the
track. Of course we all ride sensibly, but to have that spare capacity in hand
is something wonderful. Nobody’s had this much power between their legs since
Marilyn Monroe died. I can hear you all screaming ‘Hayabusa’, but here are a few
others that turn heads (quickly). To avoid favouritism, I’ve listed them in
alphabetical order. You can make up your own mind.
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<p class=”MsoNormal”>Aprilia RSV1000R
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<p class=”MsoNormal”>The V-twin power unit is going to generate 143 HP and push
you up to 175mph if you’re that way inclined. Experience in top class racing
has allowed designers to come up with a frame that weighs in at less than 10,000
grams. Introduced in 1998 this bike is not only quick, but has the looks to go
with it.
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<p class=”MsoNormal”>BMW K1200S
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<p class=”MsoNormal”>If I said ‘Zero to Sixty mph in 2.8 seconds’ you’ll know
where I’m coming from, and after that it just keeps on accelerating. With a top
speed of 167mph, you ain’t going to be late very often. I’ve never had the
pleasure of riding this shaft driven beauty myself, but they say that the
comfort and handling are second to none.
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<p class=”MsoNormal”><span style=”color:black”>Ducati 1098s</span>
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160 horsepower and 169mph apart, this is one sexy bike. The high tail section
gives the impression of speed, even when the bike is standing still. The whole
bike only weighs 173kg, giving the highest torque to weight ratio of any
production sport bike ever.</span></span>
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<p class=”MsoNormal”><span class=”apple-style-span”>
<span style=”color:black”>Honda CBR 1100XX Super Blackbird</span></span>
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Production of this superb machine began 1997. The Blackbird gave high
performance and touring comfort. At 178mph this bike won the title of ‘The
World’s Fastest Production Bike’, stealing the glory from Kawasaki. Some wag
once said that the Blackbird cut through the air like a surgeon’s scalpel and I
can see where that analogy came from. To my eyes, this bike is just beautiful.</span></span>
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<p class=”MsoNormal”><span class=”apple-style-span”>
<span style=”color:black”>Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14</span></span>
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Known as the ZZR1400 in Europe and Japan, this is Kawasaki’s flagship model in
the Sport bike sector. It takes just 2.5 seconds for this bike to reach 60mph
and has a top speed of 186mph. It can cover a quarter mile from a standing start
in less than ten seconds.</span></span>
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<p class=”MsoNormal”><span class=”apple-style-span”>
<span style=”color:black”>MTT Turbine Superbike Y2K</span></span>
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<span style=”color:black”> </span></span>
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Created by Ted McIntyre of Marine Turbine Technologies Inc, this bike is only
the world’s second wheel driven motorcycle powered by a turbine engine, and
doesn’t it move; 227mph to be precise. It has a Rolls Royce Allison 250 series
engine and is recognised by Guinness World Records as the ‘Most Powerful
Production Motorcycle’. If you want one, you’ll have to find around $150,000.</span></span>
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<span style=”color:black”>MV Agusta F4 1000R</span></span>
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<span style=”color:black”> </span></span>
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Released in 2006, this bike which could whizz you up to 185mph in rapid time set
a world record at Bonneville Salt Flats and won the title of the ‘Fastest
Production Class 1000cc’. Massimo Tamburini, the designer had this to say about
his creation ‘The dream of every design engineer is to come up with the most
beautiful sports motorcycle in the world, then turn it into the fastest, most
exclusive sought after and powerful on the market. This was my dream too. I
wanted to feel the reactions of a racing bike that could put every available
ounce of power through to the ground beneath me’. You know, I think he may
have cracked it. </span></span>
<p class=”MsoNormal”><span class=”apple-style-span”><span style=”color:black”> </span></span>
<p class=”MsoNormal”><span class=”apple-style-span”>
<span style=”color:black”>Suzuki GSX1300R</span></span>
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<span style=”color:black”> </span></span>
<p class=”MsoNormal”><span class=”apple-style-span”><span style=”color:black”>Ah
yes, the famous Hayabusa. Introduced in 1999, this bike is capable of reaching a
speed of 190mph. ‘Hayabusa’ is Japanese for Peregrine Falcon, a bird known for
its speed. The bird is also a predator of the blackbird, which also happens to
be the name of the previously fastest production motorcycle. Makes you think
doesn’t it? </span></span>
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<span style=”color:black”>Yamaha YZF R1</span></span>
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<span style=”color:black”>Introduced in 1998, this machine brought the sector
nearer to a true racing motorbike. Its 1000cc engine powers the bike up to
176mph. In June of 1997, Nick Sanders of the United Kingdom completed a
circumnavigation of the globe riding a YZF R1. His time of 31 days, 20 hours set
a record for the fastest motorcycle circumnavigation. He covered 19,930 miles in
breaking the record.</span></span>
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About the Author
Alan Liptrot is the founder of http://www.motorbike-tours.co.uk The company offers guided motorcycle tours in Spain, Portugal and Morocco. Each tour served by a back-up vehicle that carries luggage, and the occasional tired pillion. You bring your own much loved motorcycle and we will guide you through the plains and mountains of Southern Europe and North Africa. The tours can be seen at http://www.motorbike-tours.co.uk/tour.htm
Hats For TJ
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