The XSR700 features a new round LCD panel gauge with digital tachometer, speedometer, eco mode indicator, ambient and coolant temperature, fuel gauge, and trip computer functions. Instant and average fuel consumption and a fuel reserve meter add to the traditional tripmeter functions. Riders looking for the XSR700 will have to wait until February of 2020.
Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com
Similarly, the DesertX is clearly aimed at the adventure market, and Ducati has strayed even further from the stock Scrambler design. Claudio Domenicali explained in his presentation that the DesertX will make use of the 1,079cc L-twin engine platform, and its design is meant to invoke the spirit of ’90s rally bikes, specifically the Cagiva Elefant. And its shrouds, windscreen, fuel tank, seat, rear rack, tailsection, tires, and engine protection all suggest this bike will be a blast off road.
Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com
For 2020, you can tackle your around-town jaunt aboard any of the scooters from Honda including the Ruckus, Metropolitan, and PCX150. The convenience of the automatic transmission on these scooters makes for an easy twist-and-go option for your errand run. Storage options on the Metropolitan or PCX150 will make transporting items more convenient as well. Keep reading for pricing and availability of Honda’s scooter line.
There’s no mistaking a Ruckus on the road with its exposed frame and dual round headlights. Honda’s Ruckus returns for 2020 in black and white/red and will be available in February at an MSRP of $2,749. The one-speed V-Matic automatic transmission makes it more convenient for beginner riders on the move, because there is no clutch or any shifting involved, not even going into park or neutral. Easily get the scooter running with the electric start, and for cold-weather starts an electric choke is there to assist.
Styled with rounded bodywork, the Honda Metropolitan is another scooter option from the 2020 lineup. Storage compartments are located in the dash and under the seat, and if you have an additional bag or purse with you there is a convenient hook to keep that tote close at hand. The Metropolitan is priced at a competitive $2,499 and will be available in either Coastal Blue or Pearl Soft Beige. Keep an eye out for the Metropolitan come March 2020.
For 2020, the Honda PCX150 is available in Candy Luster Red at an MSRP of $3,699, and $3,999 for the ABS-equipped option. Running errands aboard this 149cc scooter is convenient with the under-seat storage that can hold up to 28 liters’ worth of groceries, to-go boxes, or whatever other goodies you are transporting. When you are making the dash from store to store, a sidestand and centerstand make parking more convenient with the two stand options. Helping keep your electronic devices charged is a smartphone-ready 12-volt adaptor. The PCX150 will be scooting to dealerships in March 2020.
Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com
“The first time I tried the bike in Valencia, in the preseason test, also in Jerez, with last year’s bike, I was quite quick. My confidence was ok. With the 2019 bike, even if it was a very nice year for Marc, because he got the record points, he rode unbelievable. But the rest of the riders have struggled with the front a little bit. On the straight it’s very good to have extra power but on the corners, there is some little problem that we are trying to solve for next year and we will see at the Valencia Test.”
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here
Triumph has squeezed in a Thruxton RS to their Bonneville range, in between the Thruxton R and the Thruxton TFC.
That’s four in the Thruxton line and some 13 models in the entire Bonneville range; five with the 900cc engine and the rest with the 1200cc twin.
There is no word yet from Triumph Australia on when it will arrive or pricing, but expect it to cost more than the R at $21,100 (plus on-road costs).
The new Thruxton R has 5kW more power o 77kW and 112Nm of torque delivered 700rpm lower in the rev range.
That compares with the top-of-the-line Thruxton TFC with 79kW and 115Nm.
Triumph says it the RS model is 6kg lighter than the R.
It comes with hi-spec Brembo M50 radial mono bloc callipers, sticker Metzler Racetec RR tyres, Ohlins shocks, traction control, LED lighting and USB charger.
The three riding modes – Sport, Road and Rain – now adjust throttle map, ABS and traction control.
Styling is dark with black anodised whereas and engine covers and black Ohlines RSU twin shocks.
It comes in black or grey with silver trimmings.A range of custom accessories will be available, including the bubble fairing.
Triumph Thruxton RS |
|
| Engine | Liquid cooled, 8 valve, SOHC, 270° crank angle parallel twin |
| Capacity | 1200cc |
| Bore/Stroke | 97.6 x 80 mm |
| Compression | 12.066:1 |
| Power | 77kW (105 PS/103 bhp) @ 7500rpm |
| Torque | 112Nm @ 4250rpm |
| Fuel system | Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection |
| Exhaust | Brushed 2 into 2 exhaust system with twin silencers |
| Final drive | O-ring chain |
| Clutch | Wet, multi-plate assist clutch |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Frame | Tubular steel cradle |
| Swingarm | Twin-sided, aluminium – Clear anodised |
| Front Wheel | 32-spoke 17 x 3.5 in, aluminium rims |
| Rear Wheel | 32-spoke 17 x 5 in, aluminium rims |
| Front Tyre | 120/70 ZR17 |
| Rear Tyre | 160/60 ZR17 |
| Front Suspension | Showa 43 mm USD big piston forks, fully adjustable 120 mm travel |
| Rear Suspension | Fully adjustable Öhlins twin shocks with Piggyback reservoir, 120 mm rear wheel travel |
| Front Brake | Twin 310 mm Brembo floating discs, Brembo M50 4-piston radial monobloc calipers, ABS |
| Rear Brake | Single 220 mm disc, Nissin 2-piston floating caliper, ABS |
| Width (Handlebars) | 745mm |
| Height Without Mirrors | 1030mm |
| Seat | 810mm |
| Wheelbase | 1415mm |
| Rake | 22.8º |
| Trail | 92mm |
| Dry Weight | 197kg |
| Fuel Tank | 14.5L |
| Economy | 4.9L/100 km (58 MPG) |
| CO2 Emissions | 114g/km |
Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Dani Pedrosa was in Jerez as the MotoGP™ Legend continues to try and guide the Austrian factory closer to the top manufacturers in 2020. Joining him on track on Monday and Tuesday was HRC’s Stefan Bradl, with both he and Team Suzuki Ecstar’s Sylvain Guintoli fitting in some final testing time before the 2020 Valencia Test commences later this month.
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here
Talented young Australian joins world champion factory Honda team.
Image: Supplied.
North Queenslander Mitch Evans’ 2020 MXGP World Championship deal with Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) has been made offical in Honda’s presentation at the Milan show.
The 20-year-old impressed in MX2 this year as part of Team Honda 114 Motorsports, scoring multiple podiums and 11th in the standings despite missing almost a third of the season.
As expected, Evans will join reigning MXGP world champion Tim Gajser in the premier class aboard the factory CRF450RW and will move to Milan, Italy, to work closely with the Gariboldi-operated Team HRC.
“It is just amazing to signing for Team HRC,” Evans said. “The history that this brand has with all the great riders who have ridden Hondas and to now be a part of that, it is unbelievable.
“This is something that you grow up dreaming about when you first swing your leg over a dirtbike, to be under the HRC awning riding a full-factory CRF450RW. I really can’t wait to get started and I am really looking forward to showing people what I can do in the MXGP class.
“I know it won’t be easy because there are a lot of talented people in the class, but I’ve got the best possible teammate with Tim, because he’s the world champion and he knows exactly how to go about things.
“I hope to learn a lot from him and from the team and use all of that to put in my best performances when the season starts. Now though, it’s time to knuckle down and put in work so that I can come out swinging in round one.”
While Evans doesn’t turn 21 until next week, he is experienced on 450 machinery, having ridden to second in The Australian MX Nationals as a rookie in 2018 and then starring at the RedBud Motocross of Nations (MXoN) that year.
Evans recently made his low-key debut with HRC on the CRF450RW in the All-Japan Motocross Championship, winning overall at Sugo Sportsland in another impressive step for his international career.
Source: MotoOnline.com.au
As expected, Suzuki has upgraded its V-Strom range with a 1050 flagship in honour of their legendary DR-BIG.
Not only is the flagship V-Strom bigger with 5kW more power to 79kW at 8500 revs, but it is also more techno.
Some of the hi-tech features include cruise, hill hold, slope and load dependent controls, ride modes and LED lighting.
It will come in two models, standard and XT for touring.
Suzuki Australia says V-Strom 1050 and XT are expected to arrive in the middle of 2020 with final specifications, colours and pricing confirmed closer to launch.
Powered by Suzuki’s highly acclaimed 1037cc, 90° V-twin, DOHC engine which has further evolved for MY20, boasting increased top-end power whilst also conforming to Euro 5 emissions standards. Thanks to new camshaft profiles and timing, peak horsepower has increased considerably from 74kW / 8,000rpm to 79kW / 8,500rpm (106hp). The highly refined engine begins with a deep rumble low in the rpm range, then progresses through the mid-range along a strong and linear torque curve then keeps building through the high rpm range in a smooth yet enjoyable manner.
The distinctive new styling incorporates elements of both Suzuki’s legendary DR-Z desert racer and the large off-road model DR-BIG. The distinguishing beak design first adopted by Suzuki stays true to Suzuki’s heritage while also modernising the design to be more aggressive and bolder for the new generation V-STROM.
The most technologically advanced production Suzuki motorcycle in company history, the latest generation V-STROM is the first to boast Suzuki’s new Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S). Combining an array of electronic aids and controls as well as several unique features only available on XT, further enhancing rider useability and convenience like never before.
An advanced cruise control system works in conjunction with the new ride-by-wire throttle system to maintain the set vehicle speed without the rider needing to operate the throttle, a welcomed feature for long-distance touring that assists in reducing rider fatigue. Cruising speed can be set from approximately 50km/h to 160km/h at fourth gear or above. A switch on the right handlebar can be pressed to put cruise control into standby, and the selector switch (up/down) on the left handlebars allows the rider to adjust the speed up and down accordingly.
Suzuki’s famous Drive Mode Selector (SDMS) is now available on a V-STROM for the very first time, offering riders the choice of three difference output characteristic modes. A-mode provides the sharpest throttle response, B-mode provides a slightly softer throttle response and C-mode provides the softest response of the three modes.
Another Suzuki first is the Hill Hold, Slope Dependent and Load Dependent control systems available on XT. Hill hold control automatically applies the rear brake when the motorcycle is stopped on an upward slope to prevent rollback when the brakes and clutch are released. Slope Dependent control constantly monitors posture and if required controls brake pressure to prevent rear wheel lift during downhill braking.
Load Dependent system supports optimal braking by compensating for varying load conditions such as the difference between riding solo or with a pillion and loaded luggage vs unloaded.
An updated traction control system now features three modes of control (previously two) inspiring greater confidence in diverse riding conditions. Mode 1 is for spirited riding with minimal level of intervention. Mode 2 is ideal for commuting and regular riding conditions and Mode 3 is best suited for poorer riding conditions such as wet or cold roads as it offers the highest level of intervention.
An upgraded Bosch inertial measurement unit (IMU) equipped on the XT model now works on 6-directions along 3-axis rather than the 5-axis of the previous system. This allows it to detect pitch, roll, and yaw movements based on the angular rate and acceleration. This new high-performance 6-direction IMU combines a 3-axis angular rate sensor (gyrometer) and a 3-axis acceleration sensor in a single compact unit.
The motion track brake system exclusive to XT combines information on the posture of the vehicle from the new IMU with the front and rear wheel speeds. This allows the ABS to activate not only in a straight line but also when the vehicle is leaning. When the brake lever or pedal is operated, this system instantly assesses the need of ABS operation by calculating the posture of the vehicle and front and rear wheel speeds. When judging the need of operation, ABS unit decreases braking pressure, and continues to control the increase/decrease of the pressure according to the traction available.
This latest ABS system allows the rider to select from 2-levels of intervention. Mode 1 provides minimal intervention and is suitable for flat dirt roads, whilst Mode 2’s intervention timing is earlier than Mode 1 and is ideal for normal tarmac roads.
A newly added Combined Brake System automatically applies pressure to the rear brake to help stablise the motorcycle when the front brake pressure rises to a certain degree.
An updated windscreen design compliments the new exterior design. Developed utilising wind-tunnel testing, the new screen can be finely adjusted without tools to one of 11 positions across a 50mm vertical range.
The instrument panel presents all required information on a full LCD screen using a clean and intuitive layout with information displayed in order of priority. Included in the display are the speedometer, tachometer (full pixel digital display), gear position indicator, odometer, trip meter (A, B), instantaneous fuel consumption, average fuel consumption, driving range, fuel level indicator, engine coolant temperature indicator, ambient air temperature indicator, clock, voltage meter, service reminder, SDMS mode, traction control mode, cruise control indicator, ABS mode, hill hold indicator, engine rpm indicator light, frost indicator light, turn signal indicator light, high beam indicator light, traction control indicator light, ABS indicator light, and neutral indicator light.
A USB port is located left side of the instrument panel. It can be used as a power source for charging a smartphone, navigation system, or other similar device.
The lightweight and compact chassis is the core factor in achieving the V-STROM’s comfortable and enjoyable character. The narrow width of its V-twin engine allows the motorcycle to maintain a slim body shape even with a 20L fuel tank present, allowing the rider to easily reach the ground with their feet.
Utilising a cast aluminium twin-spar frame featuring the optimal rigidity balance for exceptional stability and handling performance. The frame supports everything a rider requires to embark on their next big adventure from straight line stability to smooth and natural cornering with high levels of traction.
The 43mm KYB inverted front fork features adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload and can be tailored based on rider preference and usage.
The V-STROM 1050XT also sports a completely new seat design that allows the seat height to be adjusted an additional 20mm higher than the standard position. The KYB rear shock features adjustable spring preload via an external hand dial to easily facilitate adjustments between riding solo, with pillion or fully loaded with luggage.
TOKICO Monobloc radial mounted front brake calipers handle stopping duties matched with dual 310mm floating discs provide strong braking performance with remarkable feel.
The footrests are constructed of tough steel and have been redesigned to make it easier for the rider to stand on flat dirt, and are also wider than the previous version.
Protection and convenience on the XT is taken to the next level with an aluminium under cowling and accessory bar guarding underneath and side of the engine whilst stronger hand guards have been employed to protect rider’s hands from wind, rain and flying stones. The lightweight centre stand is well balanced and is useful when performing maintenance tasks and loading luggage. 
Wire-spoked aluminium rims are fitted as standard on the XT model offering improved road absorption whilst the standard model is equipped with 10-spoke cast aluminium wheels. Both variants are shod with Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyres.
A vertically stacked LED headlight and LED rear combination light deliver excellent visibility and stylish looks, the XT also features LED indicators as standard equipment. 
Other niceties include Suzuki’s Low RPM assist system which monitors and automatically raises the idle speed when taking off from a stop or when riding slowly through traffic and
Suzuki’s Easy Start System which provides ultra-convenient one-touch engine starting.
Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
Suzuki has announced updates for its lineup of big V-Stroms, including a nomenclature change from 1000 to 1050. The 2020 V-Strom 1050, V-Strom 1050XT and V-Strom 1050XT Adventure feature sharper styling with bold, bright paint schemes that reflect Suzuki’s historical race livery, and a few technological updates.
At the heart of each Strom is the tried-and-true 1037cc 90-degree V-twin that Suzuki says has been updated with more horsepower while still complying with worldwide emissions standards. Ride-by-wire with dual electronic throttle assemblies powers a revised traction control system with an additional ride mode (for a total of four), a new three-mode Drive Mode Selector that adjusts power delivery characteristics and the addition of Suzuki’s one-touch Easy Start System. There is also a new LCD instrument with mounting bar for a GPS and a new USB port.
The base V-Strom 1050 rolls on cast wheels, but the V-Strom 1050XT and 1050XT Adventure both include tubeless spoked wheels for more off-road endeavors. They also feature the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.) with a new six-direction, three-axis IMU. The S.I.R.S. includes electronic cruise control and an updated cornering ABS and combined braking system that now includes Hill Hold Control and a Slope Dependent Control System that manages rear wheel lift when riding downhill.
Both the V-Strom 1050XT and 1050XT Adventure also come with a redesigned windscreen, hand guards and mirrors, a new height-adjustable two-piece seat, a centerstand, engine guards and more.
The 2020 V-Strom 1050XT will be available in two colors, Championship Yellow and Orange and White. The V-Strom 1050XT Adventure will be available in Glass Sparkle Black and includes quick-release aluminum panniers and heated grips. Pricing and availability on all three models is TBD.
Keep scrolling for more photos….
Source: RiderMagazine.com
