?Creating the mid-sized Hypermotard was always part of the plan for Ducati, whose Monster 696’s air-cooled V-twin motor was well suited to a job-share. First they enlarged the sohc unit to 803cc with a redesigned crankshaft. Other engine changes include new pistons

. To go with this, the valve lift has been increased with narrower valve angles plus a smoother piston crown shape.Click here to read the Yamaha YZF-R1 review verdict.

from the 848 and called it the 848 EVO.The list of modifications is extensive, are you ready? A re-worked head, new pistons to increase compression ratio from 12:1 to 13.2:1, modified intake ports, a new camshaft giving higher lift, 4mm larger throttle

BRAKESBrakes, front Type: Single 300 mm discCaliper: Twin-pistonBrakes, rear Type: Drum, 160 mmDIMENSIONSDimensions (L x W x H) 2,180 x 790 x 1,075 mmWheelbase 1,465 mmGround Clearance 125 mmSeat height 790 mmCurb Mass 216 kgFuel capacity 14 litres

in the cylinder head. It’s also going to work its way past the piston rings into the combustion chamber. Not good for performance, engine life or emissions.3) It needs a long intake manifold to move the air intake up to a conventional position where there’s room

favourites were Spencer’s 1980 oval piston NR 500 and 1984 ‘upside down’ NSR 500. The exhausts on this one come over the top of the engine and the fuel tank in the belly pan. It won races but was parked up after one year as the the fuel slushing around

preference and pocket. Brakes are okay, the briefly fashionable six-piston calipers needing braided hoses and regular anti-corrosion maintenance to keep them on the case. With everything in full working order the ZX-6R is no slouch, either on the road

preloadRear Suspension Öhlins fully adjustable TTX coil over monoshock with remote reservoirFront Wheel 3.5″ x 17″ magnesiumRear Wheel 6.0″ x 17″ magnesiumFront Brake ISO finned rotor, 8 piston caliper with cooling duct2012 1190RSColors Abraxas Inferno

of the current design rather than anything radical. New wheels, redesigned fairings, 'Big Piston' Showa forks (with a matching, new rear shock) and new all-digital instruments appear to be the big changes. The engine and frame look unaltered, although of course

thanks to the single can, improves handling, too. Apparently.Inside the motor, there are new pistons (11% lighter) with revised valve recesses. Wake up at the back. You probably don't want to know too much about the ventilation holes in the cylinder bores