Casey Stoner took his fifth victory of the season, his second in a row at Phillip Island, and with it celebrated a special milestone for Ducati today. This was the Italian factory’s 100th MotoGP race since joining the series in 2003.

For Stoner this was his 15th win and it came from pole position after a dominant weekend from the Australian at his home Grand Prix. After clocking a new pole record here yesterday, overnight changes to the set-up of his Desmosedici gave him a further edge today and only Nicky Hayden was able to give chase before eventually relenting.

Casey Stoner: “This weekend has been a bit like the whole season - up and down! Thankfully it’s finished on a high and it’s a great feeling to win my home Grand Prix in front of all these wonderful fans, with my family here too. That’s largely down to the hard work of my team because we’ve had some issues with the bike here but today it felt great and I was able to push hard from the first lap. Sometimes at this track you can have the best pace but still get dragged into a battle but I was able to get away, even though Nicky chased me hard for a long time before eventually dropping off and giving me some breathing space. It’s been a great year for me and even though we haven’t won the title I feel proud of our achievements. If we can battle for the championship again next year that would be great but for now I’m just going to enjoy winning my home GP.”

MotoGP 2008 Phillip Island Results:
1. Casey Stoner (AUS) Ducati Marlboro 40′56.543
2. Valentino Rossi (ITA) Fiat Yamaha Team + 6.504
3. Nicky Hayden (USA) Repsol Honda + 7.205
4. Jorge Lorenzo (SPA) Fiat Yamaha Team + 11.500
5. Shinya Nakano (JPN) San Carlo Honda Gresini + 11.914
6. James Toseland (GBR) Tech 3 Yamaha + 12.243
7. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA) JiR Team Scot MotoGP + 12.780
8. Colin Edwards (USA) Tech 3 Yamaha + 25.920
9. Randy De Puniet (FRA) LCR Honda MotoGP + 26.037
10. Loris Capirossi (ITA) Rizla Suzuki MotoGP + 26.799
11. Toni Elias (SPA) Alice Team + 27.027
12. Anthony West (AUS) Kawasaki Racing + 47.808
13. John Hopkins (USA) Kawasaki Racing + 48.333
14. Sylvain Guintoli (FRA) Alice Team + 48.899
15. Chris Vermeulen (AUS) Rizla Suzuki + 48.935
16. Marco Melandri (ITA) Ducati Marlboro + 1′11.767

Did not finish:
Alex De Angelis (RSM) San Carlo Honda Gresini 27 Lap
Dani Pedrosa (SPA) Repsol Honda 27 Lap

MotoGP 2008 Championship Standings:
1. Valentino Rossi (ITA) Fiat Yamaha Team 332
2. Casey Stoner (AUS) Ducati Marlboro 245
3. Dani Pedrosa (SPA) Repsol Honda 209
4. Jorge Lorenzo (SPA) Fiat Yamaha Team 182
5. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA) JiR Team Scot MotoGP 145
6. Nicky Hayden (USA) Repsol Honda 131
7. Colin Edwards (USA) Tech 3 Yamaha 126
8. Chris Vermeulen (AUS) Rizla Suzuki 118
9. Shinya Nakano (JPN) San Carlo Honda Gresini 106
10. Loris Capirossi (ITA) Rizla Suzuki MotoGP 102
11. James Toseland (GBR) Tech 3 Yamaha 100
12. Toni Elias (SPA) Alice Team 91
13. Sylvain Guintoli (FRA) Alice Team 60
14. Alex De Angelis (RSM) San Carlo Honda Gresini 55
15. Randy De Puniet (FRA) LCR Honda MotoGP 54
16. Marco Melandri (ITA) Ducati Marlboro 51
17. John Hopkins (USA) Kawasaki Racing 50
18. Anthony West (AUS) Kawasaki Racing 46
19. Ben Spies (USA) Rizla Suzuki MotoGP 20
20. Jamie Hacking (USA) Kawasaki Racing Team 5
21. Tadyuki Okada (JPN) Repsol Honda Team 2

Honda Powersport has introduced the 2009 CBR600RR and CBR600RR ABS in US, with increased mid-range power, new bodywork for a sleek, race-ready look and Radial-mounted monoblock four-piston front calipers.

2009 CBR600RR ABS is equipped with patented, electronically controlled Combined ABS, delivering the benefits of Combined Braking System (CBS) and the benefits of Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

2009 Honda CBR600RR (click to enlarge)

Unique Features of the 2009 CBR600RR and CBR600RR ABS:

• Exclusive, MotoGP-derived Unit Pro-Link® Rear Suspension (see Technology Section).
• Dual Stage Fuel Injection System (PGM-DSFI) features two injectors per cylinder (see Technology Section).
• MotoGP-derived Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD) (see Technology Section).
• High-revving engine redlines at 15,000 rpm.
• MotoGP-style center-up exhaust system.
• 41mm Honda Multi-Action System (HMAS) inverted front fork (see Technology Section).
• Centrally located fuel tank increases mass centralization for a more compact frame design.
• Line-beam headlights feature three-piece multi -reflector design.

2009 CBR600RR and CBR600RR ABS Engine and Drivetrain:

• Liquid-cooled DOHC 16-valve 599cc four-stroke inline four-cylinder engine features oversquare bore and stroke of 67mm x 42.5mm.
• Idle-Air Control Valve (IACV) minimizes torque reaction and smoothes response to small throttle changes through gradual reductions of air and fuel intake.
• Oil jets located beneath the pistons for extra friction reduction and cooling.
• Iridium-tip spark plugs improve fuel combustion and performance.
• Non-resonance knock sensor maintains optimum spark advance while constantly monitoring combustion performance during mid- to high-rpm operation.
• Nose-mounted, two-stage ram-air system provides high volume of cool air to the airbox for linear power delivery and incredible engine performance.
• Lightweight magnesium head cover.
• Cylinder head features angled valve insets to improve airflow.
• Cylinder head features two springs per intake valve and one spring per exhaust valve for optimum high-rpm valve operation and durability.
• Direct shim-under-bucket valve actuation ensures high-rpm performance and durability with 16,000-mile maintenance intervals.
• Lightweight, forged-aluminum pistons incorporate special shot peening for added strength.
• Nutless connecting rods contribute to reduced weight and quicker acceleration.
• Light neodymium magnet ACG.
• Lightweight stainless-steel four-into-one exhaust features inline-exhaust valve to control exhaust pressure for increased  performance.
• Double-pivot tensioner for cam-chain durability.
• Smooth-shifting close-ratio six-speed transmission with ratios closely matched to the engine’s powerband.

Chassis and Suspensions of 2009 CBR600RR and CBR600RR ABS:

• Hollow Fine Die-Cast (DC) frame uses four large castings for ultra light weight (see Technology Section).
• Light aluminum steering stem.
• 41mm inverted HMAS cartridge front fork features spring preload, rebound and compression damping adjustability for precise suspension tuning (see Technology Section).
• Exclusive, MotoGP-derived Unit Pro-Link Rear Suspension (see Technology Section).
• Radial-mounted monoblock four-piston front calipers feature chromium-plated aluminum pistons and squeeze lightweight 310mm floating discs in front and a 220mm rear disc with a single-piston caliper for exceptional stopping power.
• Vertical-piston master-cylinder system produces superior leverage ratio at the front brake lever for higher braking efficiency, excellent feel, and controllability. This layout permits the use of a longer brake lever, which means more braking force with less effort from the rider.
• CBR600RR ABS features Honda’s electronic Combined ABS. This all-new ECM-controlled, hydraulically actuated system provides accurate braking force distribution to both wheels. ABS is controlled by a hydro-electronic unit and stroke simulator to ensure precise operation. Benefits include consistent lever pressure without the pulsing often associated with ABS systems. Application of rear brake does not result in immediate front brake activation unless lock-up is sensed, allowing an experienced rider to use rear brake in a normal manner during spirited riding. Combined ABS components are smaller and lighter than conventional hydraulic ABS designs, and have been located closer to the center of the machine, enhancing mass centralization and reducing unsprung weight.

Additional Features of 2009 CBR600RR and CBR600RR ABS:

• Industry-leading ergonomic design features maximum rider comfort for minimum fatigue in all riding conditions.
• Centrally mounted 4.8-gallon fuel tank is positioned low in the frame, increasing mass centralization and allowing a more compact design.
• Plastic tank shell cover protects tank and airbox.
• Line-beam headlights feature three-piece multi - reflector design utilizing two H7 bulbs for optimum light distribution and a unique compact design.
• Instrumentation is very compact and features LCD panel with tachometer, odometer, twin tripmeters, speedometer, fuel gauge and clock.
• Attractive, hollow-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels feature race-spec 3.5 x 17.0-inch front and 5.5 x 17.0-inch rear dimensions.
• One-piece fan assembly for maximum cooling efficiency.
• Maintenance-free battery.
• Compact rear-cowl storage compartment for U-type locking devices under the passenger seat (lock not included).
• Pivoting, aerodynamic mirrors.
• Integrated ignition-switch/fork lock for added security.
• Convenient push-to-cancel turn-signal switch.

CBR600RR/ CBR600RR ABS Specifications:

Engine Type: 599cc liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder
Bore and Stroke: 67mm x 42.5mm
Compression ratio: 12.2:1
Valve Train: DOHC; four valves per cylinder
Induction: Dual Stage Fuel Injection (DSFI) with 40mm throttle bodies, Denso 12-hole injectors
Ignition: Computer-controlled digital transistorized with three-dimensional mapping
Transmission: Close-ratio six-speed
Final Drive: #525 O-ring chain
Suspension Front: 41mm inverted HMAS cartridge fork with spring preload, rebound and compression damping adjustability; 4.7 inches travel
Suspension Rear: Unit Pro-Link HMAS single shock with spring preload, rebound and compression damping adjustability; 5.1 inches travel
Brakes Front: Dual radial-mounted four-piston calipers with 310mm discs
Brakes Rear: Single 220mm disc
CBR600RR ABS: Honda electronic Combined ABS
Tires Front: 120/70ZR-17 radial
Tires Rear: 180/55ZR-17 radial
Wheelbase: 53.9 inches
Rake (Caster angle): 23.5°
Trail: 97.7mm (3.86 inches)
Seat Height: 32.3 inches
Fuel Capacity: 4.8 gallons, including 0.9-gallon reserve
Colors: CBR600RR - Red / Black, Black / Bright Green Metallic, Metallic Black, Phoenix,  †Pearl White / Pearl Blue / Red CBR600RR ABS – Red / Black, Metallic Black
Curb Weight*: 410 pounds(432 pounds CBR600RR ABS)

†Limited color run, less than 500
*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel–ready to ride.

Suzuki Motorcycles has announced the launch of the all-new 2009 Suzuki GSX-R1000 in Europe. Complete with a new more powerful, compact and cleaner running engine, updated chassis and  suspension and all new titanium dual exhaust cans.

Looks of the 2009 GSX-R1000 have been updated as well, with the new GSX-R1000 looking sharper than the previous models and the new exhausts making it look far batter than the 2008 model.

2009 Suzuki GSX-R1000 Features:

• 999cm3 4-cylinder powerplant, designed lighter and 59.6mm shorter from front to rear, delivers more power and torque, and enhanced throttle response across the entire rpm range.
• The new compact engine enabled 10mm shorter wheelbase and 33mm longer swingarm to improve racetrack performance.
• New, more over-square bore x stroke of 74.5mm x 57.3mm (changed from 73.4mm x 59.0mm) gives the engine better overall tuning potential.  The compression ratio is now 12.8:1, changed from 12.5:1.
• The engine employs enlarged titanium valves in diameter, forged pistons, shot-peened conrods and Suzuki Composite Electrochemical Material (SCEM)-plated cylinders integrated into the crankcase, reducing friction and improving heat transfer, durability and ring seal.
• 12-hole fuel injectors produce a finer fuel mist for more complete combustion, reducing fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.
• Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (S-DMS) offers push-button selection of three performance settings to suit riding conditions and personal tastes.  Now the switch is relocated on the left handlebar control module.
• Iridium spark plugs produce a stronger spark for better combustion.
• Large, efficient radiator with a trapezoidal shape developed on factory team racebikes and a trapezoidal engine oil cooler both help reduce drag.
• Cable-operated back-torque-limiting clutch makes for efficient clutch operation with superb feel.
• Unique Suzuki Advanced Exhaust System (SAES) uses an under-engine chamber and low-slung, large-volume MotoGP-inspired titanium mufflers.
• Twin-spar cradle frame made of five cast sections, mated with an arched swingarm made of three castings and one-piece die-cast rear subframe.
• Big Piston Frontforks (BPF) with an endurance-race-proven design delivers superb feedback and responsive, stable operation, and are lightweight.
• Rear shock absorber features adjustable rebound damping, spring preload, and both high-speed and low-speed compression damping
• Front brakes with fully floating 310mm discs and rigid, lightweight race-proven monoblock forged radial-mount calipers.
• The edgy and clean GSX-R1000 styling incorporates fairing and bodywork details aimed at reducing turbulence and drag.
• Attention to rider comfort includes a carefully shaped seat and adjustable footpegs. Tailsection cover included for solo rides or track days.
• Sculpted fuel tank is lighter, while capacity remains 17.5 liters (4.6 US gal).
• New look multi-reflector headlight with vertically stacked high and low-beam halogen bulbs centered between position lights on each side.
• Front and rear turn signals feature clear lenses over amber bulbs.
• Instruments include a silver-ringed analog tachometer with LCD speedometer.  LCD readouts include odometer, dual trip meters, reserve trip meter, clock, coolant temperature/oil pressure warning indicator, gear position indicator, lap timer/stopwatch, S-DMS setting indicator and bar-graph indicating the instrument lighting level, or brightness.

2009 Suzuki GSX-R1000 Specifications:
Engine Type: 4-stroke, 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC
Bore x Stroke: 74.5 mm x 57.3 mm
Engine Displacement: 999 cm3 (cc)
Compression Ratio: 12.8 : 1
Carburetion: Fuel injection
Oil Capacity (overhaul): 3.6L (1.0 US gal.)
Ignition: Electronic ignition (Transistorized)
Starter System: Electric
Lubrication System: Wet sump
Transmission: 6-speed constant mesh
Primary Drive Ratio: 1.617 (76 / 47)
Final Drive Ratio: 2.471 (42 / 17)
Frame Type: Twin-spar (aluminum alloy)
Rake/Trail: 23.8 degrees / 98.3 mm (3.9 in.)
Suspension (Front): Inverted telescopic, coil spring, spring preload fully adjustable, rebound and compression damping force fully adjustable
Suspension (Rear): Link type, oil damped, coil spring, spring preload fully adjustable, rebound and compression damping force 2-way fully adjustable
Wheel Front: 17 M/C x MT3.50, cast aluminum-alloy
Wheel Rear: 17 M/C x MT6.00, cast aluminum-alloy
Brakes (Front): Radial mount, 4-piston calipers 310 mm disc, twin
Brakes (Rear): 1-piston caliper, 220 mm disc
Tires (Front): 120/70ZR17M/C (58W), tubeless
Tires (Rear): 190/50ZR17M/C (73W), tubeless
Fuel Tank: 17.5 L (4.6 US gal.)
Overall Length: 2,045 mm (80.5 in.)
Overall Width: 710 mm (28.0 in.)
Overall Height: 1,130 mm (44.5 in.)
Wheelbase: 1,405 mm (55.3 in.)
Ground Clearance: 130mm (5.1 in.)
Seat Height: 810 mm (31.9 in.)
Curb Mass: 203kg (448 lbs.)