What’s up guys? Since Big Matt got the 848 stolen, we have been trolling the internet in attempt to catch the fiends.

While on patrol, I saw that Ducati North America is offering the 848 in a Nicky Hayden Edition. This striking livery places a distinctly American stamp on the market’s best middleweight sport bike. The 848 Nicky Hayden was unveiled at the 2009 Red Bull United States Grand Prix at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, where Nicky’s MotoGP race bike was presented in a matching scheme.

This US-exclusive model features an American inspired paint scheme, personally autographed gas tank, and model updates for the 2010 year. Check out the video of the Nicky’s photo shoot with the bike below!

The new Ducati 848 Nicky Hayden Edition enjoys all the performance advancements of the entire Superbike family, while adding its own innovations to redefine the middleweight sport bike class.

The words ‘agile’ and ‘refined’ aptly describe the 848. At 168kg (369lbs), the 848 is an amazing 20kg (44lbs) lighter than its stock predecessor. But not the IPM version. Well, the late IPM version.

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One of the limitations with riding a stripped down, streetfighter is that there is a finite amount of modifications you can strap on before you start taking away from it’s simplicity. Case in point, the Speed Triple is hard pressed to be distinctly different from its contemporaries. The biggest difference being the color it comes in and maybe the rims you choose at the dealership, otherwise, it’s the same awesome bike, over and over again. And in a world where a motorcyclist’s ego drives him to stand out from the crowd, I’m pretty happy to have a set of beefy 50mm black Marzocchi forks to do the trick.

I wasn’t around to test the stock 43mm forks, to be able to give you a comparison but they stand out amongst the standard set up one comes to expect from fork manufacturers. In fact, I’m ashamed to admit that it wasn’t  until recently that I started flipping through the an unusually in-depth manual to get into the explicit details. It’s time to start toggling through the  compression and rebound settings with the twist of a 4mm Allen to find the sweet spot required to handle the varied terrains the East Bay has to offer. Maybe it’s best to keep it tight as I usually keep to the highways on the Triple.

The set up is compatible on most bikes and can handle two distinct breaking systems in one. Marzocchi also comes stock on Confederate bikes which a pretty illustrious moniker in modern custom manufacturers. This install can take some time depending on how much pre-assembly has been done ahead of time. Measuring out fork oil and clamping down the components with a vice adds additional work, so I would recommend taking the time to assemble as much of it as possible before you take your existing set off for an easy swap. If your looking to make your bike distinct and have the money to commit these forks are the answer.

As far as I know, Speedy here is the only one in the world that has these forks installed. So, if you see one around, please report it to the local authorities. We want her back!

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Hey guys! Suzuki is preparing to launch this miniaturized 250cc take on the B-King theme as part of its 2010 range – filling a vital hole in its range for new riders.

Suzuki has long known the vital importance of offering mid-range bikes (its line-up of 600cc-class models is simply enormous), but the firm has little to offer new riders. However, with the development of this all-new 250, a budget machine with big-bike looks and up-to-date technology, means it’s finally gaining a model to compete with bikes like Kawasaki’s Ninja 250.

These leaked pictures reveal the final appearance of the new model, which is likely to be called the GSR250, slotting in below the firm’s GSR600 and gaining similar, B-King-derived styling.

While the Kawasaki’s Ninja 250 features an age-old engine, the Suzuki uses a completely new parallel twin motor, using bang up-to-date technology and opening the door for the firm to build further models around the same power plant.

We saw the trend first in automobiles: the scrapping of newer higher end machines in favor of the likes of SMART cars, BMW 1 series, Audi A3, etc. etc. Looks like motorcycle manufacturers are going on the cheap, and using environmental awareness as an excuse.

All the same, can’t wait to test them!

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Yoshimura Research and Development of America is beginning a new chapter by offering previously unobtainable Suzuki GSX-R road racing parts. These are the same parts used by past and present Rockstar Makita Suzuki riders Ben Spies, Mat Mladin, Blake Young and Tommy Hayden within AMA Superbike racing. Additionally, Yoshimura will now offer engine building services for both street and off-road motorcycles. This new division will be marketed as Yoshimura Race Shop (YRS).

Perhaps the biggest question in regards to Yosh’s new venture is, what took them so long? And the answer isn’t quite as simple as you’d think. You see, at its core, Yoshimura is all about racing. It’s why company founder, Hideo “Pops” Yoshimura first started the company and why today it has amassed more championships than any other aftermarket performance tuner – an amazing 33 and counting. But now that American racing has become more production-based they’ve decided to begin offering these parts to all. Translation? They’re broke.

YRS will offer high compression pistons, camshafts, clutch and transmission parts. In terms of chassis, YRS will stock suspension linkage kits, fork tube extenders, swingarm pivot shims and even a kit Showa racing shock absorber!

YRS will also be selling its EM Pro engine management software, race-style stator and racing wiring harness. Not to mention offering engine case savers, chassis protectors and attractive high-grade aluminum engine and oil filler plugs, axle blocks and steering stem nuts.

All of the parts are manufactured in the United States or Japan, ensuring the highest quality (and price).

Currently all engine, chassis and electronic parts are available for late-model Suzuki GSX-Rs but YRS is working to produce the same type of parts for other late model high-performance sportbikes and off-road and motocross bikes. Furthermore all of the road racing parts currently offered are homologated and approved for use in the AMA Pro Road Racing series.

YRS engine building services will allow an enthusiast or racer to purchase the exact same engine as used inside Mat Mladin’s No. 7 Rockstar Makita Suzuki GSX-R1000. Additionally, engines can be built to any specification based on the user’s needs and how deep they’re pockets are. Also introduced is a new line of branded apparel and road racing suits, manufactured by Pilot leathers.

All parts can be purchased directly from Yoshimura or at your local Parts Unlimited dealer. Check out YRS for more information.

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Hey guys, for those of you that can still afford it, Moto Morini is offering a limited run of higher-spec Corsaro 1200s with Termignoni exhausts, carbon fiber bodywork as well as more comfortable seats.

The $15,000 machine costs no more than stock, yet includes a set of carbon-fiber titanium silencers, gel seats for the rider and passenger, plus carbon-fiber replacements for the rear hugger, tank and seat inserts and the key cover.

There’s only a limited amount available while stocks last. Please check with your local Moto Morini dealer for more information!

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