One of the finest performance bikes of all time, the GSX-R1000 has been revamped for 2012 and was unveiled recently. While some people had expected the bike to be much the same, there seems to be quite a bit that is new on the 2012 model. Firstly the overall looks are pretty good and you immediately spot the radial-mount Brembo Monobloc front brake calipers and the black coating on the forks as well as the red pinstripes on the wheels. Another major change is the single muffler which has replaced the dual-muffler system. Things that you wont notice from its looks, is the reduced weight of almost 1.5kg, the minor engine refinements and performance figures. According to Suzuki, acceleration has been improved as well as the fuel economy of the bike. The new model will be available starting early 2012 and is available in only two paint schemes as of now.

Ducati recently had a global launch event in Malaysia for their new model of the Monster. In attendance were some 500 enthusiasts and about 100 media personnel, all hoping to get a glimpse of the Monster 795. Nine-time world champion Valentino Rossi also made an appearance. The smaller engined Monster is proof of Ducati’s focus towards Asian markets as the bike has been entirely designed and engineered for the Ducatisti in the region. Much of the design elements remain the same. The frame is made of tubular chrome moly steel trellis with casted aluminium subframe. The engine is an air cooled 803cc L-Twin cylinder Desmodromic and can produce 84bhp. The best news yet is that the Monster 795 will be priced between `5-6 lakh, which is phenomenal, and it will also be an added product to the 650cc segment in the Indian bike market, competing with the Kawasaki Ninja and the Hyosung GT. The Monster will be available starting 2012.