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 Gold Wing GL 1000 USED HONDA GOLD WING MOTORCYCLE GL1000 BIKE NO RESERVE    US $306.01

Other Makes USED MOTORCYCLE SUNDIRO    US $400.00

Kawasaki Vulcan Used 1990 Kawasaki Vulcan 750 VN750 VN 750 No Reserve    US $801.00

Honda Shadow VT600C5 2005 HONDA SHADOW VT600C VLX USED MOTORCYCLES CRUISER    US $3,999.00

Kawasaki 125 ELIMINATOR 2002 KAWASAKI 125 ELIMINATOR USED CRUISER STREET BIKE    US $999.00

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

Suzuki SV SV650 2001 Suzuki SV650 Race Track Bike    US $1,800.00

Suzuki SV 2000 Suzuki SV650 Street Race    US $2,300.00

Suzuki SV SV650 2006 Suzuki SV650    US $2,700.00

Suzuki SV SV650 S 2006 SUZUKI SV650S SV650 SV 650 V TWIN NAKED SPORT BIKE    US $3,550.00

Suzuki SV 2008 Suzuki Sv650 like new    US $5,000.00