Supersport Shootout: CBR600RR vs Daytona 675 vs ZX-6R vs R6 vs GSX-R600

"These things don't belong on the street!" This has become the cry of the rational motorcyclist when the subject of modern literbikes comes up. But what if you could have virtually all of the same performance-driven componentry and research and development that go into most superbikes in a motorcycle with roughly 30-35% less spank? Would most riders, young and old, veteran and newbie, feel like they could handle such a bike? Apparently, yes. Supersports, or more commonly, 600s, are red-hot sellers. Editor Duke reported back from his time at the U.S. launch of the 2008 R6 that the tuning fork company claims "the 600cc segment makes up...

Read more »

Hayabusa vs. ZX-14R Shootout

Take a moment, or even a few seconds, and it's easy to see that Americans like things bigger, better, and faster. We drive big muscle cars as well robust luxury sedans, and have done so for decades. Need I say anything of the ubiquity of SUVs?  Or how about how fat Americans have become thanks to huge meal portions. The motorcycle world in America, for better or worse, follows suit. Large, extravagantly designed V-Twin-powered custom cruisers have dominated bike culture in the U.S. for several years now, essentially becoming the mainstream of motorcycling. Not only are the rear tires fatter than ever, the bikes have equally big torque...

Read more »

Bennche Megelli 250R Review : UK-designed, Chinese-made, courtesy of Texas

The introduction of the 2010 Bennche Megelli 250R to the U.S. motorcycle market is a move at least as bold as its provocative, red-hot looks. This Chinese-manufactured 249cc motorcycle emulates a 7/8-scale hypersport machine, and represents perhaps the furthest-yet encroachment into a domain up until now owned by Japanese and European manufacturers. But while online venues have been asking whether the 250R might be a “Ninja 250 killer,” the man responsible for Bennche says he is not trying to compete with the Japanese. At least not in all respects, that is. Johnny Tai says his Bennche company of Carrolton, Texas prices its...

Read more »