2007 Bikes w/pics

[G.Irish]

So we have a couple of all new sportbikes for 07

Yamaha pretty much didn't want to mess up the styling of the R1 so they didn't change it much, but in doing so I think the new bike looks worse than the old one. Supposedly with a variable volume induction system it will have a vastly improved powerband and naturally it's a bit lighter but I was kind of hoping to be blown away by the new R1. Guess we'll see in 2007 superbike racing.





The new GSX-R 1000 got heavier and uglier, but takes a step forward with more power and 3 rider selectable fuel mappings so that they can dial back the power in less than ideal traction situations.

Who knows why they put two of those ugly pipes on the Gixxer 1k instead of one. The old GSX-R project leader moved to the Moto GP team last year and his absence is already being felt





Ducati has been tired of geting spanked by Japanese supersports that cost a lot less for awhile now so for their all-new bike they upped the displacement and dropped some weight in the hope of being more competitive in the stock for stock performance battle.

The new 1098 also takes a different direction in styling due to significant displeasure with its vertically illuminated predecessor, the 999. I think it looks better but I also think it looks a lot like a mix of Triumph 675 and Honda RR in the front. Really, I think the whole bike looks a lot more Japanese than Italian but whatever, at least it looks better.

And it's going to be cheaper and have longer service intervals. Looks like for once and Italian automotive company is taking heed of its critics.









2007 marks the 20th anniversary of the Honda CBR600 and the second generation og the 600RR. Supposedly Honda was able to shave 20 lbs off the weight of the bike while gaining 3 hp and implementing a flapper valve in the exhaust to improve midrange torque. It also gets the Honda Electric Steering Damper like it's big brother, the 1000RR. I have a hard time believing they could save 20 lbs but if they did it the bike will be the class of the bunch.

Styling wise I think the new RR is...eh. It comes in white now which is cool but overall it's got too much R6 in it. It's grown on me though.





The Kawasaki ZX-6R is also all new for 2007. Same deal with most of the Japanese bikes, smaller, lighter, slipper clutch, updated styling. Hard to say where it'll fit in performance wise but all of the 600's are pretty close in performance anyway.




Of all the new bikes I think the 1098 looks the best and will probably be a big boost for Ducati. I think the 07 600RR will do very well in racing, especially since the 06 RR was still able to win a few championships in its final year. I don't really have any thoughts about the R1 and the Gixxer, but I'm sure some comparos will be out soon.