Motorcycle Mania

Tis the season to get on your bike and ride. Here are our picks for best new bikes of the season.

2004 Honda Valkyrie Rune
Bringing concept to reality, the new Honda Valkyrie Rune is a hot-rod designed to turn heads. The Valkyrie Rune incorporates a unique diamond-shaped aluminum frame for robust strength along with light weight, plus a fuel-injected 1832cc engine based on the GL1800 power plant. The Valkyrie Rune is the ultimate performance custom. Available July 2003. Base MSRP $24,499. www.hondamotorcycle.com

2003 Kawasaki Z1000
The all-new 2003 Kawasaki Z1000 motorcycle is taking the “naked” category to an all-new level by introducing the first Super Naked motorcycle. The ZX-9R-based engine gets a displacement boost to 953 cubic centimeters producing heaps of gutsy torque resulting in hard-charging performance.

An in-line-four, DOHC 16-valve engine produces tractable power delivery for quick acceleration. The new aluminum cylinder head is designed to run on regular gas while cam timing and profile are designed for abundant low- and mid-range power. In addition, a new front cam-chain guide is lighter.

The Z1000 also features Digital fuel injection, four stainless steel mufflers , KLEEN (Kawasaki Low Exhaust Emissions) catalyzer system, Six-speed Transmission, Throttle Bodies, Digital Ignition, Liquid Cooling, Diamond Frame, 41mm, Fully Adjustable, Inverted Fork, Fully Adjustable Rear Shock, and Lightweight Disc Brakes. MSRP $8499. www.kawasaki.com

2003 Suzuki SV1000
Suzuki’s new 2003 SV1000 is powered by a V-twin engine in an all-new chassis. The SV1000 is equipped with advanced fuel injection and a stunning new look.

Wrapped around the SV powerplant is an all-new, aluminum-alloy truss-style frame comprising four major components: a cast steering head and swingarm pivot welded to two cast trusses. This all-new frame means improved production quality, reduced weight and more accurately controlled rigidity.

Braking is handled by a set of opposed-four-piston calipers gripping two 320mm (12.6 inch) floating discs up front, combined with one dual-piston caliper and a 220mm (8.7 inch) disc in the rear. Rolling stock consists of a 3.50 x 17-inch front and a 5.50 x 17-inch rear wheel, with a 120/70-17 and 180/55-17 radial tire, respectively.

The SV1000 also features an all-new instrument cluster with analog tachometer, and digital LCD speedometer, odometer/tripmeter, coolant temperature gauge, clock and low-fuel light. Completing the package are a pair of maintenance-free LED taillights uniquely positioned beneath the aggressively angled tail section. MSRP $7999. www.suzukicycles.com

2003 Suzuki SV650S
The Suzuki SV650S features an all-new frame, electronic fuel injection and an exciting new look.

Powering the '03 SV650S is a classic, 90-degree 645cc V-twin engine. With four valves per cylinder, the engine has a compression ratio of 11.5:1, thanks to an over-square bore and stroke of 81 mm x 62.6 mm. weight, increased durability and better heat transfer. A six-speed transmission transfers power to the rear wheel with vertically staggered shafts for reduced overall engine length.

New is the SDTV digital fuel-injection system, which utilizes a secondary butterfly valve in its 39mm throttle bodies to control the intake velocity. The results are smoother power delivery and seamless throttle response in a variety of conditions and an increase in low- to mid-range torque.

The newest SV boasts an all-new, aluminum-alloy truss-style frame comprising four major components: a cast steering head and swingarm pivot welded to two cast trusses. The new SV frame sections are each constructed as single-precision die castings using a high-vacuum mold process, which eliminates bubbles, air pockets and porosity by removing air that might otherwise be trapped when molten aluminum is poured. This all-new frame construction means improved production quality, higher consistency, reduced weight and more accurately controlled rigidity. MSRP $6299. www.suzukicycles.com

2004 Yamaha Road Star
The new 2004 Road Star’s modern-day V-twin muscle meets legendary styling and is a rolling work of art. New improvements are the 102 cubic-inch air-cooled, long-stroke, OHV 48° twin engine for more power and performance, an all-new final drive belt for long life, quiet operation and better acceleration, and all-new brakes for strong stopping power.

For comfort, the restyled touring rider seat is now 40mm wider, and the passenger seat has also been resized. The full-size floating-type rider floorboards feature new rubber inserts.

And, with its new ultra-thin, tank-mounted speedometer, brushed-steel forks, sculpted steel fenders and all-new 16" cast wheels with tubeless tires, no other cruiser does it with so much style. MSRP 10,999. www.yamaha-motor.com

Riding Lessons
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation is a national, nonprofit organization sponsored by the U.S. distributors of BMW, Ducati, Honda, Victory, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Harley- Davidson, and Yamaha motorcycles. With courses offered in all 50 states, classes typically take place over a weekend and are designed to teach first-time riders the principals of motorcycling. Its entry-level course is a 15-hour classroom and riding program for new riders that provide motorcycles and protective gear for student's use. The classes begin indoors teaching students the fundamentals they need before they jump onto a motorcycle and begin riding. The group then moves outdoors to a secured parking lot and uses hands-on, tried-and-tested techniques that teach the basics of riding safely. The classes are inexpensive (around $150) and provide helmets and small, easier-to-maneuver motorcycles.

Best of all, when you complete the class many states allow you to bypass the riding exam. And most insurance companies will grant a 10 percent discount to graduates. For more information about the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and classes in your area go to www.msf-usa.org or call, (800) 833-3995.