The Speed Triple R comes in black too

Like the Triumph Daytona 675R, this new Triumph Speed Triple R comes with top-shelf Ohlins suspension and Brembo Monoblock brake calipers. It’s visually denoted by a red subframe and unique badges. Unlike that full-on sportsbike, the Speed Triple R also gains fancy forged aluminum wheels that shed 1.7kg in unsprung weight and gains ABS as an option. Oh, and it comes in either black or white. The black looks positively evil, especially with those new headlights. :continue:

Wes Siler. November 14th, 2011 - Permalink - Comments (34)

Bimota builds a Bimotard

Aside from having the coolest name of anything to be released at EICMA this year, the Bimota DB10 Bimotard is Bimota’s take on the maxi-motard. It shares its motor and beak theme with Ducati’s own Hyper and adds Bimota’s signature tube/machined plate frame and swingarm. Forks are 50mm Marzocchis, the shock is an Extreme tech. Both are fully adjustable and beautifully polished. Wheels are by Oz Racing. The whole package weighs 168kg, or slightly less than Ducati’s Hypermotard. Knowing Bimota, the whole thing feels a lot more (and actually is more) expensive than the Ducati.

Sean Smith. November 10th, 2011 - Permalink - Comments (9)

New colors for 2012 Aprilia RSV4

For 2012, the Aprilia RSV4 remains mechanically unaltered. That’s no bad thing, APRC did turn up just last year. But, it does get new colors. The 2012 Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC now comes in this “Black Flame” scheme which adds a dash of red to the leading edge of the fairing and colors the wheels gold while the 2012 Aprilia RSV4 R APRC is now available in Pussy Magnet Yellow. Plain white and plain black remain in the range.

Wes Siler. November 8th, 2011 - Permalink - Comments (11)

Vespa’s unpronounceable future

The Vespa Quarantasei (46 in Italian) is a concept inspired by the 1945 MP6 prototype and it’s more wasp-like than ever. Times have changed though and engine technology has made significant advances in the last 65 years. While the Quarantasei is a styling concept, its engine is the real deal. :continue:

Sean Smith. November 8th, 2011 - Permalink - Comments (28)

KTM Freeride 350: light is right

This new KTM Freeride 350 weighs just 99.5kg/219lbs without fuel, which changes absolutely everything you thought you knew about dirt performance. That weight comes not from a kiddie-size mini dirt bike, but a street-legal enduro fitted with high-spec components like fully-adjustable, USD, 43mm WP forks. Together with all the other cleverness, that should open up the sport to more new riders and generally just make taking to the trails much easier for everyone. Of all the EICMA bikes, this is the one I’m most excited about. :continue:

Wes Siler. November 8th, 2011 - Permalink - Comments (26)

The 135bhp Triumph Tiger Explorer

Think of the Triumph Tiger Explorer as sort of a halfway house between the R1200GS and Multistrada 1200. It has the ruggedness of the former with the performance of the latter. Its 1,215cc inline-three kicks out 135bhp, 89lb/ft and is controlled by ride-by-wire with switchable riding modes and traction control. With a full tank of fuel it weighs a reasonable 570lbs. :continue:

Sean Smith. November 8th, 2011 - Permalink - Comments (10)

A closer look at the KTM Freeride E

As the first electric motorcycle from an established manufacturer, this KTM Freeride E is a significant bike. When we unveiled it last night, we expressed some concerns over specs that seemed inferior to those of the Zero X. Now, with full data, can an Austrian dirt bike company hope to compete with a Bay Area startup? :continue:

Wes Siler. November 8th, 2011 - Permalink - Comments (6)

This is Guzzi’s new smallblock

Would you believe that Moto Guzzi’s definitive 700cc 90º v-twin began life as a conceptual powertrain for the original Fiat 500? Since its introduction in 1977 it’s gone through many iterations, none prettier than this latest.

It’s hard to put a finger on what makes this new 744cc so distinctive. Nothing intrudes on the cleanly-designed cylinder heads but the exhausts. Over last year’s engine, the plug leads are disappeared, as are the two throttle bodies, replaced by a single, central manifold. That makes Guzzi’s distinctive longitudinal V-twin as absolutely pretty as possible. Aside from the looks, there’s also an increase in compression and a subsequent boost in power to 51bhp and 43lb/ft. :continue:

Wes Siler. November 8th, 2011 - Permalink - Comments (42)

Now this is a Husqvarna

If Husqvarna is going to be BMW’s youth brand, it needs street products that are more than me-too KTM wannabes. Products like this Husqvarna Moab concept. With mechanical configuration and purpose loosely based around the idea of an updated ‘60s or ‘70s desert sled, the styling manages to reference motorcycling’s golden age without shamelessly copying bikes of old. Equipped with a 650cc single and wide, semi-knobby tires, it should go a long way to capturing those old bikes’ broad capabilities too. :continue:

Wes Siler. November 8th, 2011 - Permalink - Comments (72)

2012 BMW F800R: now less ugly

The BMW F800R’s never been a terribly good motorcycle, but it has been in ugly one. Now, it can’t even claim that distinction. For 2012, the parallel-twin commuter is going all not-so-bad with body-colored radiator cowls and mudguards. Plus a red shock spring to highlight its “sporty character.” :continue:

Wes Siler. November 8th, 2011 - Permalink - Comments (20)

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