PULSE
2020
ISSUE FIVE
THE NEW
BMW R 18
SOUL IS ALL THAT MATTERS.
The new R 18 invokes the history and the iconic hallmarks of the BMW brand. The result is a true BMW cruiser that is full of character, surrounding the largest displacement boxer engine they have ever built and timeless design features, such as the white double striping on the R 18 First Edition. The flyline is elongated and low. The double-cradle steel frame covers the powerful, sculpted engine that underlines the impressive presence of the bike. Riders also have a number of custom equipment options: the R 18 is scaled back to its core to allow for full customization.
With the new R 18, BMW Motorrad now enters the cruiser segment. Like no other BMW motorcycle before it, this model stands entirely in the tradition of historical BMW motorcycles – both technically and in terms of design style. It borrows from famous models such as the BMW R 5 both technologically and visually, shifting the focus back onto the motorcycle essentials: purist, no-frills technology and the boxer engine as the epicenter of riding pleasure, combined with “good vibrations”. What is more, classic design is combined in the R 18 with clear-cut yet contemporary technology to create a fascinating overall concept – offering a riding experience that is as cultivated as it is emotional.
THE NEWBMW R 18
The R 18 masterfully transposes the iconic style of bygone times to the present day, retaining a purist design in numerous details that is mainly influenced by classics such as the BMW R 5. It is no coincidence that functional and stylistic elements such as the double-loop frame, the pear-drop tank, the open-running driveshaft and the pinstriped paintwork (ex-factory option) are reminiscent of the legendary boxer dating back to 1936. The classic bodywork features of the R 18 are also made of metal – as befits an authentic classic. The suspension is likewise aptly reminiscent of the legendary R 5. Together with the double-sided swingarm and a cantilever suspension strut, the rigid-frame concept of the R 5 is perfectly transported into the modern age in visual terms.
The centerpiece the new BMW R 18 is a newly developed 2-cylinder boxer engine – the “Big Boxer”. Both its impressive appearance and its technology reflect a continuation of the traditional air-cooled boxer engines that have offered an inspiring riding experience since BMW Motorrad began production in 1923. The most powerful 2-cylinder boxer engine ever used in motorcycle series production has a displacement of 1 802 cc. The peak output is 67 kW (91 hp) at 4 750 rpm. From 2,000 to 4,000 rpm, over 150 Nm of torque is available at all times, and this elemental pulling power is combined with a full, resonant sound.
The centerpiece of the suspension in the new R 18 is a double-loop steel tube frame. Its design perpetuates the longstanding BMW Motorrad tradition of this frame type. Outstanding manufacturing quality and meticulous attention to detail is also evident in unapparent features such as the welded joints between the steel tubes and the cast or forged parts. Like the legendary BMW R 5, the rear swingarm – sporting a comparable design – surrounds the rear axle transmission in authentic style by means of bolted connections.
SOUL IS ALL THAT MATTERS.
The suspension elements of the new BMW R 18 deliberately dispense with electronic adjustment options. Instead, a telescopic fork and a directly mounted central suspension strut with travel-dependent damping and adjustable spring preload ensure superior wheel control and attractive suspension comfort. As in the legendary BMW R 5, the tubes of the telescopic fork are encased in fork sleeves. The fork tube diameter is 49 mm, while the suspension travel is 120 mm at the front and 90 mm at the rear. The new BMW R 18 braking system consists of a twin-disc brake at the front and a single disc brake at the rear in conjunction with four-piston fixed calipers. Meanwhile, the wire-spoked wheels ensure a supremely stylish appearance.
An exclusive R 18 First Edition will be available across the globe in congruence with the model launch, sporting a black paint job with white pinstripes, chrome upgrades, a seat badge, and a First Edition chrome inscription on the side covers. The price in the United States for the FE will be $19,780 while a base model will also be available in select markets for $17,495 USD.
2021 YAMAHA YZ250F
MONSTER ENERGY RACING EDITION
Inspired by the YZ250F raced by the Yamaha Supercross team, the Monster Energy® Yamaha Racing Edition features an aggressive color and graphics package that stands out from the crowd. The YZ250F's already potent motor was treated to a host of refinements, including an all-new cylinder head with an improved intake port shape, new exhaust camshaft profile, a new silencer, and an updated ECU and more—to produce stronger mid- to top-end power and increased peak power, while retaining its class-leading low-end torque. New air box lid intake ducts have been added for increased air flow with a new high flow air filter, air cleaner boot featuring a new shape for increased flow and a larger diameter throttle body joint. Featuring a high-spec piston, aggressive cam profiles, cylinder geometry and more, Yamaha’s reversed cylinder head layout works to give YZ250F riders the best balance of high-rpm power with a broad, useable powerband.
The liquid-cooled, DOHC 4-valve, fuel-injected engine features a forward-positioned straight downdraft intake with symmetrical intake and exhaust ports. For 2021, the engine has been updated with new cylinder head featuring a new air intake system, an improved intake port shape, new exhaust camshaft profile, and an updated ECU—all to produce stronger mid- to top-end power and increased peak power, while retaining its class-leading low-end torque. A flat-top forged piston features a bridge-box design for additional strength with minimal weight. The piston, rings and DLC-coated piston pin, along with the offset cylinder configuration, all reduce friction loss and contribute to quick response. The engine’s intake ports, cam profiles, high-strength connecting rod and optimized crank and counterbalancer all work together to produce potent high-rpm power with user-friendly delivery and exceptional reliability. The adjustable fuel injection system uses a 44mm throttle body, fed by a high-pressure electric fuel pump, that injects fuel through a 12-hole Denso® injector. This ensures optimum fuel atomization and air/fuel calibration for excellent rideability in a wide range of riding conditions. The transmission gears, dogs and shift mechanisms are designed to smooth gear changes and improve durability under the heavy demands of motocross racing. The YZ250F also features a large-diameter clutch to boost reliability even further under high-heat conditions. The YZ250F features a compact electric starter system that minimizes restart delays on the track and adds convenience everywhere else. Powered by a high-capacity and ultra-lightweight, four-cell lithium-ion battery, the system adds minimal weight.
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The YZ250F’s compact frame refines the instinctive handling that makes this Yamaha one of the best handling machines in the class. The large upper frame bracing improves rigidity and durability. The wider rear frame spars and YZ250F-specific engine mounts centralize mass for the best possible balance of bump absorption, stiffness and feeling of grip. The engine, aluminum muffler and compact fuel tank are positioned close to the machine's center of mass. This layout contributes to centralized mass for a lightweight handling feeling on the track. The YZ250F utilizes compact bodywork from tip to tail, including a narrow fuel tank specifically designed for motocross demands. In addition to shaving weight, the body design provides more comfortable knee grip and control feel, with a seat shaped to give the rider additional room to move aboard the machine. The wide 55mm footpegs help lower the rider's center of gravity for enhanced machine balance, control and rider comfort. Industry-leading, fully adjustable KYB® coil spring-type fork with speed-sensitive damping provides exceptional balance between handling and bump absorption for race-winning handling performance. The linkage-type rear suspension features a KYB® shock with revised damping characteristics to match the chassis. Careful computer-aided refinement of each wheel’s cross-sectional profile shaves valuable weight without sacrificing durability.
2021 YAMAHA YZ250F MONSTER ENERGY RACING EDITION
Engine Type
250cc liquid-cooled DOHC 4-stroke; 4 valves
Bore x Stroke
77.0mm × 53.6mm
Compression Ratio
13.8:1
Fuel Delivery
Mikuni® fuel injection, 44mm
Transmission
Constant-mesh 5-speed; multiplate wet clutch
Final Drive
Chain
Suspension / Front
KYB® Speed-Sensitive System inverted fork; fully adjustable, 12.2-in travel
Suspension / Rear
KYB® single shock; fully adjustable, 12.5-in travel
Brakes / Front
Hydraulic disc, 270mm
Brakes / Rear
Hydraulic disc, 245mm
Tires / Front
80/100-21 Bridgestone® Battlecross® X20F
Tires / Rear
100/90-19 Bridgestone® Battlecross® X20R
L x W x H
85.6 in x 32.5 in x 50.6 in
Seat Height
38.2 in
Wheelbase
58.1 in
Rake (Caster Angle)
26°
Trail
4.7 in
Maximum Ground Clearance
13.2 in
Fuel Capacity**
1.6 gal
Wet Weight***
234 lb
MSRP*
$8,499 - Monster Energy Yamaha Racing Edition - Available from September 2020
Warranty
30 Day (Limited Factory Warranty)
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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
2021 YAMAHA YZ450F
MONSTER ENERGY RACING EDITION
Inspired by the YZ450F raced by the Yamaha Supercross team, the Monster Energy® Yamaha Racing Edition features an aggressive color and graphics package that stands out from the crowd. More Power. Better Handling. Simply put, the 2021 YZ450F™ is better everywhere. With a more compact motor, a thoroughly refined and balanced chassis and improved ergonomics, the YZ450F gives the rider the ability to perform at their best, lap after lap. Inside the ultra-compact new motor, a high-compression cylinder head, forged piston, aggressive cam profiles and much more work together to give YZ450F riders the best balance of open-class power with controllability. Plus, the electric start makes it even easier.
The YZ450F’s distinct rearward-slanted cylinder light and compact design are ideally positioned in the frame for optimized weight distribution. Inside, the head features steep valve angles to allow for an even straighter down-draft intake port, as well as more aggressive cam profiles and larger diameter exhaust header joint that work together with a higher compression bridge-box design piston, DLC-coated piston pin, and longer connecting rod to give YZ450F riders the best balance of class-leading power with an outstanding level of control. The YZ450F features a compact electric starter system to minimize restart delays on track and add convenience everywhere else. Powered by a high-capacity and ultra-lightweight four-cell lithium-ion battery, the system adds minimal weight. A handlebar-mounted map switch allows the rider to quickly select between preloaded engine maps—loaded and configured in the Power Tuner app—to account for changing track and weather conditions. LCS optimizes engine output for quicker, smoother race starts every time by boosting controllability out of the gate and ensuring the rider has the best chance to get the holeshot and lead the competition into the first turn. The YZ450F’s transmission gears use a wide surface area that is balanced against updated clutch components. All designed to boost durability, the shift drum and selectors improve feel with a shorter, more direct stroke when changing gears, too. Yamaha's innovative exhaust pipe design enhances mass centralization by moving the rear end of the exhaust pipe farther forward and enabling the muffler's position closer to the machine's center of the mass. Thanks to a wider joint profile, power development is enhanced, too.
The free of charge and industry-exclusive Yamaha Power Tuner app brings the power of the GYTR Power Tuner to your iOS® or Android® device. Using wireless connectivity to talk to the bike’s onboard CAN-bus network, the app allows owners to adjust air/fuel mixture and ignition timing maps to tune engine performance for track conditions, record race log information, and monitor a range of data such as maintenance and system diagnosis, engine run time and more.
The YZ450F’s compact aluminum frame further refines the instinctive handling that makes this Yamaha one of the sharpest machines in its class. Every aspect has been carefully retuned, with thinner main spar construction, thicker down tubes, revised top triple clamp, and all-new motor mounts that work together to optimize overall rigidity balance for excellent handling, especially in fast, bumpy conditions. Industry-leading, fully adjustable KYB® coil spring-type fork with speed-sensitive damping provides an exceptional balance between handling and bump absorption. The linkage-type rear suspension features a KYB® shock with damping characteristics to match the YZ450F chassis. A large 270mm front disc brake is coupled with a rigid caliper and aggressive pad material to offer outstanding braking performance and machine control. Out back, the rear system sheds weight with a compact caliper and 240mm rear rotor for better heat dissipation. The YZ450F features stylish bodywork from tip to tail, including a compact fuel tank specifically designed for motocross demands. Yamaha’s unique embedded graphics are built into the bodywork for extended durability, resisting both peeling and damage.
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2021 YAMAHA YZ450F MONSTER ENERGY RACING EDITION
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Engine Type
449cc liquid-cooled DOHC 4-stroke; 4 titanium valves
Bore x Stroke
97.0mm × 60.9mm
Compression Ratio
13.0:1
Fuel Delivery
Mikuni® fuel injection, 44mm
Transmission
5-speed; multiplate wet clutch
Final Drive
Chain
Suspension / Front
KYB® spring-type fork with speed-sensitive damping; fully adjustable, 12.2-in travel
Suspension / Rear
KYB® single shock; fully adjustable, 12.5-in travel
Brakes / Front
Hydraulic disc, 270mm
Brakes / Rear
Hydraulic disc, 240mm
Tires / Front
80/100-21 Dunlop® MX33®
Tires / Rear
120/80-19 Dunlop® MX33®
L x W x H
86.0 in x 32.5 in x 50.2 in
Seat Height
38.0 in
Wheelbase
58.3 in
Rake (Caster Angle)
27.0°
Trail
4.7 in
Maximum Ground Clearance
13.0 in
Fuel Capacity
1.6 gal
Wet Weight
245 lb
MSRP*
$9,599 - Monster Energy Yamaha Racing Edition - Available from August 2020
Warranty
30 Day (Limited Factory Warranty)
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2021 HONDA
CBR1000RR-R
FIREBLADE SP
What you see here is the best of the best, the most exclusive, feature-rich open-class sportbike Honda has ever built under the CBR banner. Introducing the limited edition CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP. Street legal, but track-ready. Offering a degree of performance and refinement you’ve likely never experienced—unless you’ve had a factory ride. Available to only a handful of lucky riders. And it still offers Honda’s famous CBR refinement, build quality and rideability. Get ready to find out why world champions like Marc Márquez ride red and why you should, too.
The CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP’s wheelbase is just 57.3 inches for super-responsive handling, while the swing arm measures 24.5 inches in length. The crankshaft centerline is 33mm farther from the front axle and 16mm higher for better front/rear balance with a rider onboard. Rake angle is 24 degrees, with 101.2mm of trail. The muffler was developed jointly with Akrapovič. It’s made out of titanium for lightweight, and the design also contributes to the bike’s mass centralization. A special valve in the exhaust helps boost torque at lower revs and increase horsepower at higher rpm. It’s also equipped with a larger instrument screen and higher resolution than previous CBR models. You can choose from a menu of screen setting options that display the information you want in a format you prefer, with items like engine temperature, riding modes, speedometer and tachometer, shifter setting, ABS level, gear position, remaining fuel, and much more.
2021 HONDA CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE SP
The CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP’s quick shifter is a standard feature. It’s the perfect choice for the track day rider, and makes shifting faster than ever. Eliminating the traditional keyed ignition not only adds convenience but also lets us streamline the intake ducting for better airflow. Plus, the top triple clamp has that true racebike look. With Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), the system automatically adjusts engine power to optimize torque at the rear wheel, reducing rear-wheel slip. You get your choice of five power curves, ten torque-control levels, three engine-braking levels, and now three selectable levels of wheelie control so it’s easier than ever to dial your bike in at the track. The CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP’s throttle-by-wire system smooths and improves throttle response, especially at the critical initial throttle opening.
All new bore and stroke (81mm x 48.5mm) are the same as Honda’s MotoGP Champion RC213V racebike, drawing on our experience with cylinder filling and combustion gathered on the track. Normally a motorcycle engine is started up by rotating the crankshaft, however, for the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, the starter acts on the clutch main shaft. In addition to shortening the crankshaft, double use of the primary driven gear to transmit rotation from the starter motor makes an even more compact layout possible. Honda’s unique built-in bottom bypass cooling system sends cooling water differently around the top and the bottom of the cylinder. The top needs more cooling, while the bottom needs less. The technology eliminates the existing hose outside the cylinder block. Cooling water coming out from the radiator flows into areas needing to be cooled more. As a result, the difference in temperature at different locations on cylinder bores becomes smaller, so that bores are less distorted, reducing friction. The CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP cam drive uses a shorter chain than previous designs. A gear on the crank drives an intermediary gear/sprocket, which in turn drives the cam chain, thus shortening the overall chain run. The intake valve angle is a super-narrow nine degrees (two degrees narrower than on the CBR1000RR). This change improves ventilation efficiency inside the intake port by approximately two percent, contributing to higher power output.
The CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP uses a light-weight aluminum frame with 2mm thick wall sections. Vertical and torsional rigidity have increased by 18% and 9% respectively, and horizontal rigidity decreased by 11% for better feel and performance. It uses an electronically controlled NPX fork manufactured by Öhlins. By adding a pressurized damping system to the NIX fork used by the previous CBR1000RR SP, cavitation inside the damper is minimized to stabilize damping force more and improve bump absorption. The CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP’s front brake discs are a huge 330mm in diameter to improve braking force. The bike features Brembo Stylema front calipers while the rear caliper is the same as the Brembo used for RC213V-S. Even the brake master cylinders and front-brake lever are supplied by Brembo to offer the rider Brembo’s comprehensive braking performance. It’s also equipped with winglets which effectively generate downforce at track speeds. Three wings are installed in each of the right and left ducts in order to address downforces.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Engine Type
999cc liquid-cooled inline-four engine with 13:1 compression
Bore And Stroke
81mm x 48.5mm
Induction
Programmed Dual Stage Fuel Injection (PGM-DSFI) with 52mm throttle bodies, Denso 12-hole injectors
Ignition
Digital transistorized with electronic advance
Compression Ratio
13:1
Valve Train
DOHC; four valves per cylinder
Transmission
Six-speed
Final Drive
#525 Chain; 16T/43T
Front Suspension
43mm Öhlins NPX Smart-EC Front Fork with electronically-controlled preload, compression and rebound adjustments; 4.3 inches of travel
Rear Suspension
Pro-link single shock; 5.6 inches of travel
Front Brake
Brembo Stylema front calipers with 330mm discs
Rear Brake
Single-caliper 220mm disc
Front Tire
120/70ZR17
Rear Tire
200/55ZR17
Rake (Caster Angle)
24.0 degrees
Trail
4.0 inches
Wheel Base
57.3 inches
Seat Height
32.6 inches
Curb Weight
443 pounds (Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel—ready to ride)
Fuel Capacity
4.3 gallons
Base MSRP:
$28,500
One Year Warranty Included
Transferable, unlimited-mileage limited warranty
Optional Extended
Extended coverage available with a HondaCare Protection Plan®
