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- Generations of athletes from three decades
- Honda CBR 900 RR Fireblade
- Yamaha YZF-R1 + Ducati 1098
- Technical specifications
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Every time produces its heroes…
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… on the canvas, …
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… in everyday life…
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… and especially in sports.
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When it comes to motorcycles, it has always been the athletes, …
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… that started developments …
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Five super athletes who made history. 1985 Suzuki GSX-R 750, 1992 Honda CBR 900 RR Fireblade, 1998 Yamaha YZF-R1, 2007 Ducati 1098, 2013: BMW HP4.
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Five super athletes who made history. 1985 Suzuki GSX-R 750, 1992 Honda CBR 900 RR Fireblade, 1998 Yamaha YZF-R1, 2007 Ducati 1098, 2013: BMW HP4.
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Five super athletes who made history. 1985 Suzuki GSX-R 750, 1992 Honda CBR 900 RR Fireblade, 1998 Yamaha YZF-R1, 2007 Ducati 1098, 2013: BMW HP4.
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Five super athletes who made history. 1985 Suzuki GSX-R 750, 1992 Honda CBR 900 RR Fireblade, 1998 Yamaha YZF-R1, 2007 Ducati 1098, 2013: BMW HP4.
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Five super athletes who made history. 1985 Suzuki GSX-R 750, 1992 Honda CBR 900 RR Fireblade, 1998 Yamaha YZF-R1, 2007 Ducati 1098, 2013: BMW HP4.
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Five super athletes who made history. 1985 Suzuki GSX-R 750, 1992 Honda CBR 900 RR Fireblade, 1998 Yamaha YZF-R1, 2007 Ducati 1098, 2013: BMW HP4.
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Five super athletes who made history. 1985 Suzuki GSX-R 750, 1992 Honda CBR 900 RR Fireblade, 1998 Yamaha YZF-R1, 2007 Ducati 1098, 2013: BMW HP4.
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Five super athletes who made history. 1985 Suzuki GSX-R 750, 1992 Honda CBR 900 RR Fireblade, 1998 Yamaha YZF-R1, 2007 Ducati 1098, 2013: BMW HP4.
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Five super athletes who made history. 1985 Suzuki GSX-R 750, 1992 Honda CBR 900 RR Fireblade, 1998 Yamaha YZF-R1, 2007 Ducati 1098, 2013: BMW HP4.
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Five super athletes who made history. 1985 Suzuki GSX-R 750, 1992 Honda CBR 900 RR Fireblade, 1998 Yamaha YZF-R1, 2007 Ducati 1098, 2013: BMW HP4.
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… and redefined standards.
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A trip with the heroes from three decades brings astonishing results to light.
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Five super athletes who made history. 1985 Suzuki GSX-R 750, 1992 Honda CBR 900 RR Fireblade, 1998 Yamaha YZF-R1, 2007 Ducati 1098, 2013: BMW HP4.
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Five super athletes who made history. 1985 Suzuki GSX-R 750, 1992 Honda CBR 900 RR Fireblade, 1998 Yamaha YZF-R1, 2007 Ducati 1098, 2013: BMW HP4.
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Five super athletes who made history. 1985 Suzuki GSX-R 750, 1992 Honda CBR 900 RR Fireblade, 1998 Yamaha YZF-R1, 2007 Ducati 1098, 2013: BMW HP4.
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Five super athletes who made history. 1985 Suzuki GSX-R 750, 1992 Honda CBR 900 RR Fireblade, 1998 Yamaha YZF-R1, 2007 Ducati 1098, 2013: BMW HP4.
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Five super athletes who made history. 1985 Suzuki GSX-R 750, 1992 Honda CBR 900 RR Fireblade, 1998 Yamaha YZF-R1, 2007 Ducati 1098, 2013: BMW HP4.
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Five super athletes who made history. 1985 Suzuki GSX-R 750, 1992 Honda CBR 900 RR Fireblade, 1998 Yamaha YZF-R1, 2007 Ducati 1098, 2013: BMW HP4.
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Five super athletes who made history. 1985 Suzuki GSX-R 750, 1992 Honda CBR 900 RR Fireblade, 1998 Yamaha YZF-R1, 2007 Ducati 1098, 2013: BMW HP4.
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Five super athletes who made history. 1985 Suzuki GSX-R 750, 1992 Honda CBR 900 RR Fireblade, 1998 Yamaha YZF-R1, 2007 Ducati 1098, 2013: BMW HP4.
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Five super athletes who made history. 1985 Suzuki GSX-R 750, 1992 Honda CBR 900 RR Fireblade, 1998 Yamaha YZF-R1, 2007 Ducati 1098, 2013: BMW HP4.
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Five super athletes who made history. 1985 Suzuki GSX-R 750, 1992 Honda CBR 900 RR Fireblade, 1998 Yamaha YZF-R1, 2007 Ducati 1098, 2013: BMW HP4.
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Five super athletes who made history. 1985 Suzuki GSX-R 750, 1992 Honda CBR 900 RR Fireblade, 1998 Yamaha YZF-R1, 2007 Ducati 1098, 2013: BMW HP4.
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Five super athletes who made history. 1985 Suzuki GSX-R 750, 1992 Honda CBR 900 RR Fireblade, 1998 Yamaha YZF-R1, 2007 Ducati 1098, 2013: BMW HP4.
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Five super athletes who made history. 1985 Suzuki GSX-R 750, 1992 Honda CBR 900 RR Fireblade, 1998 Yamaha YZF-R1, 2007 Ducati 1098, 2013: BMW HP4.
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Five super athletes who made history. 1985 Suzuki GSX-R 750, 1992 Honda CBR 900 RR Fireblade, 1998 Yamaha YZF-R1, 2007 Ducati 1098, 2013: BMW HP4.
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Five super athletes who made history. 1985 Suzuki GSX-R 750, 1992 Honda CBR 900 RR Fireblade, 1998 Yamaha YZF-R1, 2007 Ducati 1098, 2013: BMW HP4.
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Five super athletes who made history. 1985 Suzuki GSX-R 750, 1992 Honda CBR 900 RR Fireblade, 1998 Yamaha YZF-R1, 2007 Ducati 1098, 2013: BMW HP4.
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Five super athletes who made history. 1985 Suzuki GSX-R 750, 1992 Honda CBR 900 RR Fireblade, 1998 Yamaha YZF-R1, 2007 Ducati 1098, 2013: BMW HP4.
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Five super athletes who made history. 1985 Suzuki GSX-R 750, 1992 Honda CBR 900 RR Fireblade, 1998 Yamaha YZF-R1, 2007 Ducati 1098, 2013: BMW HP4.
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Five super athletes who made history. 1985 Suzuki GSX-R 750, 1992 Honda CBR 900 RR Fireblade, 1998 Yamaha YZF-R1, 2007 Ducati 1098, 2013: BMW HP4.
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Five super athletes who made history. 1985 Suzuki GSX-R 750, 1992 Honda CBR 900 RR Fireblade, 1998 Yamaha YZF-R1, 2007 Ducati 1098, 2013: BMW HP4.
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Five super athletes who made history. 1985 Suzuki GSX-R 750, 1992 Honda CBR 900 RR Fireblade, 1998 Yamaha YZF-R1, 2007 Ducati 1098, 2013: BMW HP4.
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Five super athletes who made history. 1985 Suzuki GSX-R 750, 1992 Honda CBR 900 RR Fireblade, 1998 Yamaha YZF-R1, 2007 Ducati 1098, 2013: BMW HP4.
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Five super athletes who made history. 1985 Suzuki GSX-R 750, 1992 Honda CBR 900 RR Fireblade, 1998 Yamaha YZF-R1, 2007 Ducati 1098, 2013: BMW HP4.
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Five super athletes who made history. 1985 Suzuki GSX-R 750, 1992 Honda CBR 900 RR Fireblade, 1998 Yamaha YZF-R1, 2007 Ducati 1098, 2013: BMW HP4.
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Five super athletes who made history. 1985 Suzuki GSX-R 750, 1992 Honda CBR 900 RR Fireblade, 1998 Yamaha YZF-R1, 2007 Ducati 1098, 2013: BMW HP4.
Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha, Ducati and BMW super sports cars
Generations of athletes from three decades
Every time produces its heroes. On the screen, in everyday life and especially in sports. When it comes to motorcycles, it has always been the athletes who set new developments in motion and set the standard. A trip with the heroes from around three decades brings astonishing insights to light.
E.s is the oldest. Again and again. Whether it’s a stop at the gas station, a short stop in front of the street cafe or a biker meeting at the entrance to Circuit Le Castellet – it’s the Suzuki GSX-R that first and foremost attracts attention.
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Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha, Ducati and BMW super sports cars
Generations of athletes from three decades
34 photos
Images: Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha, Ducati and BMW super sports cars
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Ducati has an equal answer with its massive bass. The BMW adds an emphatic growl to the concert, while the R1 and Fireblade whisper almost like choirboys among tenors.
The exciting question is to what extent the range of driving impressions spreads out with the athletes from three decades.
The Suzuki GSX-R 750 was absolutely amazing in 1985. 100 hp from a three-quarter liter displacement, speeds of up to 11,000 rpm and a chassis developed without compromise for racing: a filigree aluminum frame, central spring strut with deflection, a fat 140 mm tire at the rear to tame the whole thing. And only a sporty 201 kilograms, while the competition crammed 90 hp into steel frames and lugged around 240 kilograms.
The towering pulpit provides astonishing wind protection, and the driver has a perfect view of the tachometer, which is encased in foam rubber and whose scale only starts at 3000. Compared to today’s 190 and 200 mm rollers, however, the 140/70 V 18 tire looks downright delicate. The Suzuki is by no means as curvy as the thin separating discs on wheels suggest. It is not really unwieldy, but needs to be brought on course with clear steering commands. Then, however, it stoically moves its course, the neutrality is excellent, the GSX-R does not stand up at all. Even if the spring elements of the test machine only have little damping to counter bumps. However, the pilot has unusually few opportunities to help out when changing lean angles in quickly successive curve combinations with physical effort. The sitting position leaves little freedom of movement for lightning-fast hanging-off or weight transfer. The aluminum profiles of the frame, which are drawn over the motor, ensure a beguilingly slim waist and excellent knees.
But the finely ribbed, air / oil-cooled four-cylinder can also be enjoyed in classic style. He nicely accepts the opening of the four flat slides before the tachometer needle twitches the first time. It only really perks up above 5000 rpm, but then turns into five-digit ranges with epoch-making sirens, and whoever leaves the gas open will be surprised at how spirited he fires his 100 hp. However, the throttle grip calls for a taste in the forearm, and for full throttle the throttle hand has to retract once. An impressive performance of the four-cylinder, even after 27 years. However, curves should be approached with foresight. Because the brakes, which were once considered to be excellent, grab hold of it very hesitantly. After all, the rear window provides active support when decelerating. And at the latest when the four-cylinder at the corner exit with a jubilant outcry rushes up the speed ladder again, it is clear why the GSX-R still enjoys cult status today.
Honda CBR 900 RR Fireblade
30th photos
Images: Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha, Ducati and BMW super sports cars
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But for all its racing attitude, the Honda masters the quiet tones and the quiet everyday life very well. The workmanship is flawless, and quick-release fasteners make it easier to dismantle the cladding. And posh welds and the beautifully crafted swing ends are pleasing to the eye. She hisses discreetly from the dreary black end pot. Even in sixth gear it runs just over 2000 rpm and purrs obediently through the wintry villages in the south of France.
At the end of the town, all it takes is a turn of the smooth throttle grip and the blade tenses your muscles. Sound and performance unfold evenly, free from any malice, everything is in flux. Especially when curves cross the path. Then the driver gets big eyes. The Honda, which is soled with the brand new Bridgestone S 20, snaps around corners so that you won’t spit. Loosely steers into the curve, then literally folds towards the asphalt. You have to get used to it first. But then it is a pleasure to sail through extensive radii and to hurry through narrow curvatures almost in high spirits. The Honda pulls its course like clockwork, especially since – thanks to the modern tire construction – the notorious erection, for which the 16-inch models were often scolded at the front, practically does not take place.
With so much playful lightness, the 124 hp also seem completely sufficient. Even quick overtaking maneuvers can be done in no time with two downshifts thanks to smooth gear changes. The eye is delighted with the instruments encased in foam rubber: on the rev counter, the water temperature display and the pretty indicator lights. And that the Honda was by far the most economical in the unrepresentative mix of test and photo drive – the GSX-R, BMW and Ducati thirstily swallowed over a liter more – proves how brilliant the Honda is, even today, with sporty talents and everyday practicality Hat gets. The CBR reveals with amazing clarity how easy it can be to have confident and nerve-saving fun on the country road – despite “only” 124 hp. And leaves some testers brooding and with a slight grin on their faces. No wonder that from now on the Fireblade cut the largest piece of the supersport pie on the market. Yamaha watched this goings-on for a long time.
Yamaha YZF-R1 + Ducati 1098
25th photos
Images: Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha, Ducati and BMW super sports cars
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BMW HP4
33 photos
Images: Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha, Ducati and BMW super sports cars
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MOTORCYCLE conclusion
These five machines cover around three decades. And reveal huge leaps in development. As much as the lightweight Suzuki stood out from the competition of its time, the Fireblade marked a whole new era for athletes seven years later. In terms of performance and especially the chassis. Since then, the development has always been aimed at increasing performance without sacrificing drivability. The engineers’ struggle to maintain maximum torque is reflected particularly drastically in the R1. In terms of chassis technology, the tires in particular brought enormous progress. It’s amazing how much fun a Fireblade or R1 with adequate tires is still today. In addition, sharper brake pads and perhaps revised spring elements, and even young timers are ready to deliver a lot of fun. It is also impressive how Ducati kept up with the two-cylinder engines in terms of performance and weight. Temporary highlight: the BMW. This power, but above all the semi-active chassis and ingenious driving aids, make you the governor of a new generation of superbikes.
Technical specifications
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Five super athletes who made history. 1985 Suzuki GSX-R 750, 1992 Honda CBR 900 RR Fireblade, 1998 Yamaha YZF-R1, 2007 Ducati 1098, 2013: BMW HP4.
BMW | Ducati | Honda | engine |
design type | Four-cylinder four-stroke- In-line engine |
Two-cylinder four-stroke- 90 degree V engine |
Four-cylinder four-stroke- In-line engine |
injection | Ø 48 mm | Ø 60 mm | Ø 38 mm |
coupling | Multi-disc oil bath clutch (Anti-hopping) |
Multi-panes- Dry clutch |
Multi-panes- Oil bath clutch |
Bore x stroke | 80.0 x 49.7 mm | 104.0 x 64.7 mm | 70.0 x 58.0 mm |
Displacement | 999 cm3 | 1099 cm3 | 893 cm3 | compression | 13.0: 1 | 12.5: 1 | 11.0: 1 |
power | 142.0 kW (193 hp) at 13,000 rpm |
113.0 kW (154 hp) at 9750 rpm |
92 kW (125 PS) at 10500 rpm |
Torque | 112 Nm at 9750 rpm | 125 Nm at 8000 rpm | 88 Nm at 8500 rpm |
landing gear | frame | Bridge frame made of aluminium |
Steel tubular frame, Motor supporting |
Bridge frame made of aluminium |
fork | Upside-down fork, Ø 46 mm |
Upside-down fork, Ø 43 mm |
Telescopic fork, Ø 45 mm | Steering damper | hydraulically | hydraulically | – |
Brakes front / rear | Ø 320/220 mm | Ø 330/245 mm | Ø 310/220 mm | bikes | 3.50 x 17; 6.00 x 17 | 3.50 x 17; 6.00 x 17 | 3.50 x 16; 5.50 x 17 |
tires | 120/70 ZR 17; 200/55 ZR 17 |
120/70 ZR 17; 190/55 ZR 17 |
130/70 ZR 16; 180/55 ZR 17 |
Dimensions + weights |
wheelbase | 1423 mm | 1430 mm | 1405 mm | Steering head angle | 66.0 degrees | 65.5 degrees | 64.0 degrees |
trailing | 99 mm | 104 mm | 90 mm | Front / rear suspension travel | 120/130 mm | 127/127 mm | 110/112 mm |
Seat height ** | 810 mm | 810 mm | 800 mm | Weight with full tank ** | 203 kg | 201 kg | 206 kg |
Tank capacity / reserve | 17.5 / 4.0 liters | 15.5 / 4.0 liters | 18.0 / 3.8 liters | Service intervals | 10000 km | 12,000 km | 6000 km |
price | 20,500 euros | 17,195 euros (2007) | 19575 Mark (1992) | Price test motorcycle | 23,900 euros *** | 17,195 euros | 19575 marks |
MOTORCYCLE readings | Top speed * | 299 km / h | 275 km / h | 251 km / h |
acceleration | 0-100 km / h | 3.2 sec | 3.1 sec | 3.7 sec |
0-140 km / h | 4.6 sec | 4.7 sec | 5.7 sec | 0-200 km / h | 7.2 sec | 8.1 sec | 11.9 sec |
Draft | 60-100 km / h | 3.3 sec | 3.3 sec | 4.7 sec |
100-140 km / h | 2.9 sec | 3.5 sec | 4.9 sec | 140-180 km / h | 2.8 sec | 3.8 sec | 5.6 sec |
Passage 3rd / 4th corridor | 50-100 km / h | 2.8 / 3.5 sec | 2.7 / 3.3 sec | 3.9 / 4.7 sec |
100-150 km / h | 2.4 / 3.0 sec | 2.4 / 3.5 sec | 3.9 / 4.9 sec |
* Manufacturer information; 1MOTOR WHEEL measurements; 2incl. Competition package (3200 euros) and heated grips (200 euros)
Suzuki | Yamaha | engine |
design type | Four-cylinder, four-stroke in-line engine | Four-cylinder, four-stroke in-line engine | injection | Ø 29 mm | Ø 40 mm |
coupling | Multi-disc oil bath clutch | Multi-disc oil bath clutch | Bore x stroke | 70.0 x 48.7 mm | 74.0 x 58.0 mm |
Displacement | 750 cm3 | 998 cm3 | compression | 9.8: 1 | 11.8: 1 |
power | 74 kW (100 PS) at 10500 rpm | 110 kW (150 PS) at 10,000 rpm | Torque | 70.6 Nm at 9000 rpm | 108 Nm at 8500 rpm |
landing gear | frame | Bridge frame made of aluminum | Bridge frame made of aluminum |
fork | Telescopic fork, Ø 45 mm | Upside-down fork, Ø 41 mm | Steering damper | – | – |
Brakes front / rear | Ø 300/220 mm | Ø 298/245 mm | bikes | 2.50 x 18; 4.50 x 18 | 3.50 x 17; 6.00 x 17 |
tires | 110/80 V18; 140/70 V18 | 120/70 ZR 17; 190/50 ZR 17 | Dimensions + weights |
wheelbase | 1435 mm | 1395 mm | Steering head angle | 64.0 degrees | 66.0 degrees |
trailing | 107 mm | 92 mm | Front / rear suspension travel | 130/126 mm | 135/130 mm |
Seat height ** | 735 mm | 810 mm | Weight with full tank ** | 207 kg | 202 kg |
Tank capacity / reserve | 19.0 / 3.5 liters | 18.0 / – liters | Service intervals | 6000 km | 10000 km |
price | 12799 Mark (1985) | 21160 Mark (1998) | Price test motorcycle | 12799 marks | 21,160 marks |
MOTORCYCLE readings | Top speed * | 226 km / h | 270 km / h |
acceleration | 0-100 km / h | 3.9 sec | 3.2 sec |
0-140 km / h | 6.8 sec | 4.8 sec | 0-200 km / h | – | 8.6 sec |
Draft | 60-100 km / h | 6.9 sec | 3.9 sec |
100-140 km / h | 6.7 sec | 3.5 sec | 140-180 km / h | – | 3.6 sec |
Passage 3rd / 4th corridor | 50-100 km / h | 4.0 / 5.0 sec | 3.1 / 3.7 sec |
100-150 km / h | 4.0 / 4.9 sec | 2.8 / 3.4 sec |
* Manufacturer information; 1MOTOR WHEEL measurements; 2incl. Competition package (3200 euros) and heated grips (200 euros)
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