If the idea of strapping a 4 cylinder motor between your legs sounds exciting, then keep your eyes on this all new Honda VFR1200 motorcycle.  Reportedly in production and expected to be released in 2010, the Honda VFR1200 plans on revolutionizing the sport bike industry.  According to Motorcycle News in the UK the photos below are reportedly of the finished production model.

Although the specifications are still under wraps, reportedly the 4 cylinder motorcycle engine will produce around 200 horsepower.  To remain friends with green drivers 2 of the 4 cylinders will reportedly operate under normal load.  The only time all 4 cylinders will kick in is when you are ready to launch.  Sounds thrilling.

Green Motorcycles

Recently there was a post in the The-Grayline.com automotive forum stating that motorcycles pollute more than trucks and SUVs.  The thread starter claims that the typical motorcycle will emit 10 times more pollutants compared to a passenver car, light truck, or SUV.  Personally, I find it hard to believe, but is there any truth to the inefficiency of motorcycles.

California has already taken steps to to make sure all motorcycles on the road are meeting or exceeding emission standards.  However, these standards are different than passenger vehicles and may reflect a lower requirement.  In February of 2009 California issued legislature to require maintenance and smog check checks every year for motorcycles.

An argument more fitting to the emissions of motorcycles is, don't we have bigger fish to fry?  I mean, motorcycles are typically driven only a few months out of the year, compared to passenger cars that are driven year round.  So, focusing on such a small percentage of the actual problem shouldn't we work on broader strokes?  Even more to the point, if it's a single person getting from A-B isn't it more efficient to drive a motorcycle than a 4 passenger vehicle?

If you are like me you are spending every waking moment outside enjoying the sun and great outdoors.  Unfortunately if you are also like me you can't afford a brand new motorcycle to go out cruising on, therefore a used motorcycle is right up my ally.  Lately I've been keeping an eye on the changing prices of motorcycles on eBay and hoping for a good deal.

I'm kind of torn between buying a used crotch rocket or used harley style motorcycle.  It really kind of depends on the location of the used bike and what kind of deal I can get on it, really I could go either way.  But from my research I can tell that finding a used motorcycle on ebay is the best place to buy on the net.

Honda CBR 600rr Swing Arm honda cbr 600rr 05 06 used Good Shape    US $19.99

Kawasaki KLX 2009 KAWASAKI KLX 250 SF BRAND NEW NOT USED    US $4,299.00

Yamaha WARRIOR 06 XV17 XV1700 XV 1700 1700P USED 2006 YAMAHA WARRIOR XV1700 POWER CRUISER BEAUTIFUL    US $5,995.00

Honda Shadow VT750 VT 750 07 USED 2007 HONDA SHADOW VT750DC SPIRIT TITANIUM SALE    US $4,695.00

Honda Gold Wing GL1100 USED HONDA GOLD WING MOTORCYCLE GL 1100 BIKE CRUISER    US $305.00

Back in the day I had one of these torque monsters (relative to it's size) and it was a phenomenal bike to drive. I couldn't bring myself to adopt the Harley type bikes, nor did I particularly enjoy the high pitched whine of a crotch rocket, but the Suzuki SV650 made a nice compromise to both.

It's an entry level bike, being the first big boy you may wrap your legs around, but allows for plenty of room for growth. I enjoyed mine for several years before finally retiring to sports cars, but I still miss tearing around town and long winding roads. Yes, I'm being nostalgic, but just looking at the SV 650 makes my heart race again, although I had the slightly more attractive SV650S model.

Pros Easy to manage, ideal first 'big' bike and far more comfortable than its half faired brother. They sound the business with aftermarket pipes as well

Cons Maybe physically small for some and not the sharpest looker in the group

Thanks VisorDown for a trip down memory lane.

Suzuki SV Suzuki SV650 SV650s Rear Wheel Rim 2007    US $20.00

Suzuki SV 2000 Suzuki SV650 Low Mileage    US $560.00

Suzuki SV SV650SFK9 SV 650 09 BRAND NEW 2009 SUZUKI SV650SF GREY SV650 SALE SV    US $6,595.00

Suzuki SV Not a street bike Track Race Bike 2003 SV650    US $1,525.00

Suzuki SV 2007 Suzuki SV650 Clean No Reserve    US $2,000.00

Suzuki SV 04 SV650    US $2,100.00

Suzuki SV SV650S 2007 SUZUKI SV650S SV650 SV 650 S NAKED SPORT BIKE    US $2,125.00

Suzuki SV SV 650 SF 2008 SUZUKI SV650SF SV650S SV650 SV 650 TWIN SPORT BIKE    US $4,000.00

Suzuki SV 2008 Suzuki Sv650 like new    US $4,000.00

Suzuki SV 2009 SV650SF 2009 Suzuki SV650SF SV 650 SV650 SF full faired VTwin    US $6,250.00

It's been made official sport bike fans, the latest monster from Kawasaki will have 2 fuel injectors per cylinder. Pushing the envelope of super bike performance and street bike manners, Kawasaki hopes the new Ninja will appeal to the masses.

The result is an exceptionally communicative machine that provides the clean two-way rider and machine dialog demanded by professional racers. Placing the ZX-10R in the racing crucible and applying lessons from that unforgiving environment resulted in an ideal balance to satisfy the most demanding of riders.

One of the first motorcycles I ever owned was an SV650-S. I never could make my mind up whether I liked the laid back rumbling motorcycles or the wound tight crotch rockets. For my size, the SV650-S was the perfect blend and much like the 650, the 1000 will now bring happiness to those in the UK.

Simple design wrapped around a powerful 996cc V-Twin motor makes this an affordable, yet unique motorcycle. You don't have to worry about high pitched wines, only low hum's create more torque than you would ever need. In addition, you won't be losing fairings around every corner and laying on your belly at 60 is not necessary.

Americans have long enjoyed this well rounded Suzuki motorcycle and now our friends across the sea will be able to enjoy the same. Took a little while to get there, but I'm sure it's worth the wait, you can pick up your own for around £5,650.