Even Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) – the king of saves – couldn’t save this one. The reigning eight-time World Champion’s Q2 crash at the Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix was huge, but thankfully the number 93 escaped relatively unscathed as he went on to finish P2 in Sunday’s race.
Who knows if these bikes were the production version or more concepts!
BMW R 18/2 press release
Rather than trying to work out what the Germans are planning, we are just presenting their press release:
A performance cruiser à la BMW. The BMW Motorrad Concept R 18 /2 celebrates the fascination of cruisers in an interpretation that is both sporty and modern. Minimalist handlebar trim together with the deep, elongated proportions promises a dynamic driving experience. The fairing, tear-drop fuel tank and seat form a flowing line that finds its perfect conclusion in the shortened rear wheel cover. All body parts are finished in Candy Apple Red metallic, an expressive red tone that highlights the flowing movement on the side. This luminous custom red with lots of depth is a real eye-catcher, changing from bright red to almost black depending on the incidence of light. Another striking feature is created by the graphic lines on the painted body parts, which extend from the side and top view of the fuel tank to the wheel cover and are visually prolonged across the seat. These give the Concept Bike a distinctive appeal.
The large boxer at the centre. As in the Concept R 18, the centrepiece of the BMW Motorrad Concept R 18 /2 is a large 2-cylinder boxer engine with 1800 cc, including modern air/oil cooling and designed in a 1960s aesthetic. The engine is finished in a warm grey tone and has a sporty look, with an integrated breast cover, valve covers in a high-gloss black finish and a black frame. The engine badge bears the name of the Concept Bike, adding a high-quality accentuation. After “Departed” by the Japanese customizer CUSTOM WORKS ZON, “The Revival Birdcage” by Revival Cycles in Austin, Texas and the BMW Motorrad Concept R 18, the BMW Motorrad Concept R 18 /2 is now the fourth interpretation of the large-volume BMW Motorrad boxer engine.
Attention to detail. As a genuine BMW, the BMW Motorrad Concept R 18 /2 not only features a boxer engine, loop frame and tear-drop fuel tank, it also has a classic and elegantly showcased universal shaft. The striking cast iron wheels with 19” at the front and 16” at the rear create an equally discreet and dynamic dragster look, authentically rounding off the bike’s overall appearance. Meanwhile features such as high-performance Brembo brake calipers and Hattech stainless steel tailpipe system reflect the close attention to detail with which the BMW Motorrad Concept R 18 /2 was designed.
Multitude of possibilities. The BMW Motorrad Concept R 18 /2 puts forward a new interpretation of a dynamic performance cruiser that not only taps into an area previously unexplored by BMW Motorrad but also demonstrates the true versatility of the “big boxer” platform. “After the BMW Motorrad Concept R 18, our aim with the Concept R 18 /2 is to demonstrate how flexible the basic engine and suspension are as a starting point for customisation, and how easy it is to authentically realise different styles. And I have to admit: we were very impressed at how it was possible to bring this boxer concept forward from the 30s via the 80s into the 2020s,” says Bart Janssen Groesbeek, BMW Motorrad Vehicle Designer for the Big Boxer Concepts.
Leon Haslam will have a whole new challenge in 2020 as he joins the much-anticipated factory Honda team, supported by HRC. T
he British rider has an illustrious and distinguished career with the Japanese manufacturer and will return to the official line-up for next season, alongside Spanish sensation and 2019 Championship runner-up, Alvaro Bautista.
Starting back in 2003, Haslam has been one of the most prominent features in the World Superbike paddock. A permanent switch to WorldSBK came in 2004, where he took a first career podium at Oschersleben, finishing eighth in the Championship.
Haslam took three seasons out before taking a third place at Portimao in the final race of 2008 for HM Plant Honda; enough to convince the Stiggy Racing Team to sign him up for 2009. Four podiums helped him to finish sixth overall.
2010 would be Haslam’s greatest season and he switched from Honda to Suzuki, storming to victory in the season-opening Phillip Island race by just 0.004s to make the closest finish of a WorldSBK race in history.
He led the Championship and took two more wins before finishing as Championship runner-up, with only four-time 250cc World Champion Max Biaggi ahead of him. 2011 and 2012 saw him with BMW and he took regular podiums before moving to Honda for 2013.
2013 would be a season blighted by injury, but Haslam had strong rides nonetheless, building on these for 2014, taking a podium in France and finishing seventh overall.
2015 saw him with Aprilia and two more wins came by on his way to fourth overall. Six more starts for Kawasaki over the next two seasons as wildcard would keep Haslam in the paddock, before coming back full-time this year, taking six podiums.
The MV Agusta Rush 1000 has been unveiled just days after the company revealed their 2020 range led by the sexy new Superveloce 800and the return of the Brutale 1000RR.
But don’t get too excited. The Rush 1000 is basically a limited-edition version of the Brutale 1000 RR, so expect it to cost an arm and a leg.
To us, it’s an exercise in over-styling. Too much is simply too much.
MV has simply thrown every bit of carbon, titanium and CNC machining at it that they have in their arsenal.
At its core, the Rush 1000 is a Brutal RR which has 208hp output from the four-cylinder engine.
We can’t afford a Rush 1000 and we don’t even want one, but it’s interesting to look at.
MV Agusta Rush 1000 tech specs
Engine
16-valve 998cc 4-cylinder
Bore x stroke
79 x 50.9mm
Compression
13.4:1
Power
153kW (208hp) @ 13,000rpm
Torque
116.5Nm @ 11,000rpm
Transmission
6-speed, cassette style
Wheelbase
1415mm
Length
2080mm
Width
805mm
Seat
845mm
Clearance
141mm
Fuel
16.1L tank
Suspension (front)
electronic adjustable USD Öhlins Nix EC
Suspension (rear)
Öhlins EC TTX shock
Brakes (front)
320mm discs, Brembo radial calliper
Brakes (rear)
260mm disc, Brembo radial calliper
Wheels
3.50” x 17”; 6” x 17.6” alloys
Tyres
120/70 – ZR17; 200/55 – ZR17
Economy
6.7L/100km
Emissions
153g/km
When the Italian company unveiled its 2020 model range over the weekend, they also promised to improve their sadly lacking delivery of spare parts.
Here is the rest of the 2020 MV fleet.
Superveloce 800
Their solo-seat Superveloce is not a new platform, but based on the F3.
It will come in two models: the Superveloce 800 in red or white and a limited-edition Serie Oro (gold series) with delivery of the first 300 units expected in March 2020.
The 798cc triple in both delivers 108kW of power and 88Nm of torque and they have the same Marzocchi forks, Sachs rear shock and Brembo brakes.
However, the Oro has different paint, serial numbers and lots of carbon fibre and CNC parts.
Superveloce 800 Serie Oro will be available in Australia for $49,990 ride away and $54,990 in New Zealand. There is no word yet on the Superveloce 800 price.
Overnight, the company released a short press release, tech specs and a lot of very attractive model photos.
There was no mention of the long-term deal signed in July 2019 with Chinese industrial giant Loncin Motor to build a four-model “all-new family of MV Agusta products in the 350-500cc displacement”.
Unedited official 2020 model press release:
Quality, technology, performance. But also quick delivery of spare parts and professional service. There’s more: expansion and improvement of the dealers network to offer clients timely, impeccable assistance. These are the short-term guidelines for MV Agusta, which has just set off on a growth path clearly envisioned by its CEO, Timur Sardarov.
Brutale 1000RR
To mark the company’s determination in pursuing the 2020 objectives, production of the Brutale 1000 RR, the four-cylinder naked Superbike replica, has started in Schiranna. 208hp maximum power, advanced chassis and suspension as well as leading-edge aerodynamic solutions all make the four-cylinder Brutale a defining example of MV Agusta’s excellence in motorcycle manufacturing. As core priorities of the brand,these values are reinforced today by the attention and the investments in Research and Development.
Superveloce 800
From the production line to dealers showrooms: Superveloce 800 Serie Oro and Superveloce 800 bring MV Agusta’s timeless fascination to the roads, with their intoxicating curves, classic and contemporary at the same time. The engine and the chassis are the pinnacle of engineering that position the Superveloce 800 among the most fascinating and dynamic sports bikes on the scene.
Brutale and Dragster
Beauty and functionality, exciting and confidence-inspiring riding:Dragster 800 RR SCS and Brutale 800 RR SCS both feature the revolutionary SCS 2.0 (Smart Clutch System) for clutch-free starts and stopping. A technical innovation that allows to stop and restart without touching the clutch lever, making the most out of the in-line three-cylinder engine mated to a counter-rotating crankshaft. All of this with only 36g weight increase compared to a traditional clutch.
The magic and technology of MV Agusta, at a competitive price. Thanks to the rationalisation of the production process and to efficiencies gained in the engineering phase, MV Agusta proudly presents its new Rosso Range, made up of Brutale 800, Dragster 800 and Turismo Veloce 800. The Rosso Range models stand out for their bright red livery and their comprehensive outfitting, despite a price tag that is lower than that of the models they derive from.
Vision, futuristic technology, and the pursuit of a dream: these are the values behind the creation of a new Concept Bike that will be revealed at EICMA as world premiere and which production is due to start in the coming months. The irreverent spirit of American drag races was the inspiration for a project that elevates the performance of the bike it derives from in the most daring of interpretations.
Enzo Panacci, Nolangroup CEO: “We have always been a Made in Italy brand and, for us, the new X-803 RS ULTRA CARBON is another step forward in the world of racing/reflects our cutting-edge aptitude. As always, it has been produced with the assistance of our Racing Department, which collected suggestions from various riders from both MotoGP and WorldSBK. We always want to find new solutions capable of meeting the demands of all motorcyclists for safety, comfort and also style. Our every decision is made in the name of excellence and respect for Made in Italy quality, because Nolangroup is characterised by intelligence and emotion.”
The carbon AMB 001 weighs just 180kg and is powered by a turbocharged V-twin engine delivering 180 horsepower.
It is substantially different from their Super Sport 100 model which brought the company back to life in 2016. In fact, it looks much more like a “supersport” model than this does.
It’s not unusual for motorcycle and car companies to get together to build a motorcycle.
Apart from companies such as Honda and BMW that build both, we had the short-lived collaboration between MV Agusta and Mercedes AMG that spawned the “solarbeam” in 2015.
Like the “solarbeam”, this collaborative bike will be a limited-edition model and very expensive.
Aston Martin Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman the bike is “what we believe a cutting-edge motorcycle should be”.
“In addition to applying the skills we have developed for cars such as the ground breaking Aston Martin Valkyrie, we have also been able to bring our special expertise in the traditional craft techniques to this project,” he said.
A spin-off from the Brutale 1000 RR the new MV Agusta Rush 1000 has looked to the sport of drag racing for inspiration to come up with the new look.
The only production bike utilizing radial valves and titanium connecting rods to assist in developing 208 hp in standard road homologation form (over 212 hp with non-homologated exhaust and updated ECU).
Born as an exercise in style, celebrating the technical and stylistic evolution that created the new Brutale 1000 RR, production of the Rush 1000 is scheduled to begin in the next few months.
The front headlight unit, inspired by that of the exclusive RVS #1, offers a specific design and is distinguished with the technology implemented: it boasts is a Full LED unit with cornering function, designed to increase active safety and improve driving pleasure.
The headlight support and the circular frame are in light CNC machined alloys, to enhance the design and functionality. The back cover of the optical unit is made of carbon fiber, a material also chosen for the minimalist passenger seat cover, as well as for the side panels of the tail. The tank cap is made of aluminum and is also CNC machined.
The rear wheel is enclosed, a design sometimes found on drag strips: the rear rim in forged aluminum is concealed by a carbon fiber cover, designed to obtain the best aerodynamic performance. The fixing nut of the single sided rear wheel is in CNC machined aluminum alloy. To add contrast the front wheel is spoked.
The rear tailpiece, passenger seat area and integration of the rear light unit have been specially designed for this vehicle. An exclusive specific exhaust system, has been hand-crafted from titanium with a carbon fiber heat shield. The mapping of the control unit is specific for the exhaust system, so as to make the delivery linear and obtain exemplary power values.
The Rush 1000 boasts the technology and driving dynamics of the Brutale 1000 RR. The four-cylinder in-line engine with integrated MVICS ignition-injection system (Motor & Vehicle Integrated Control System) has 8 injectors, 4 lower Mikuni and 4 upper Magneti Marelli with increased flow rate. The Eldor EM2.0 engine control unit intervenes on the throttle body full ride by wire Mikuni; the pencil-coil coils are equipped with “ion-sensing” technology, detonation and mismatch control. There are four engine management maps (Sport, Race, Rain, Custom), while the disengageable traction control has 8 intervention levels and wheelie control with an inertial platform. The MV EAS 2.1 (Electronically Assisted Shift Up & Down) transmission system without friction has been further improved in terms of ease of use and speed of action.
Technological features of the four-cylinder in-line, include the new crankshaft and the redesigned and lighter pistons. The completely revised combustion chamber has radial valves and was designed using the technology from Formula 1. The titanium connecting rods, derived from competition experience exploit MotoGP technical parameters and contribute decisively to reducing masses, loads and engine inertia. Again from the World MotoGP comes the choice of the central distribution chain, which is also traditional for MV Agusta: mitigating the effects of the camshaft twist at high rpm.
The suspension (fork, shock absorber and steering damper) utilize the Öhlins EC units with electronic management of the compression and extension hydraulics; this system allows you to choose between predefined configurations and manual settings, so as to enhance the chassis based on the rider’s preferences and the course conditions.
The special kit combined with the bike includes a rich package of components that make the Rush 1000 even more precious and exclusive.
Triumph’s Thruxton R really did take retro naked bikes to a new level when the 1200 was released in 2016. A very handsome and quite genuine retro look married with great suspension, relatively light weight and a torque-rich big loping parallel twin was a winning combination and one that I, along with many others, really took a strong shine to.
Thruxton R evolves further for 2020 with a new Thruxton RS model. The classic look remains much the same but new devil in its character is revealed in the detail.
It’s still the same long-stroke 1200 HT 270-degree parallel twin but there is a few more ponies in the revamped stable for 2020.
Power is up by almost ten per cent, to a new peak of 105 ps at 7500 rpm while the 112 Nm torque peak now shifts 700 rpm lower on the tacho to 4250 rpm. It also revs a little quicker than before with a massive 20 per cent reduction of inertia and a 500 rpm higher red-line than its predecessor.
Higher compression pistons, revised ports and new cam profiles and a swag of other changes is what results in the improved performance.
Some of the improvements wrought are no doubt a result of having to meet Euro5 specifications and the upswept silencers now house new higher-spec catalytic convertors.
Weight is down by six-kilograms which brings the 2020 Thruxton RS under the magic 200 kg mark, at 197 kg dry.
The stoppers are stronger than before with up-spec M50 Radial Monoblock calipers with 320 mm Brembo discs and master cylinder.
Showa provide the adjustable big-piston forks while the rear shocks are again fully-adjustable Ohlins units.
The switchable traction control system now features three upgraded riding modes, Sport, Road and Rain, which adjust the ABS and traction control settings to those chosen conditions.
Fuel economy has improved to 4.9-litres per 100 km which will prove handy as the modest 14.5 litre fuel capacity remains. Service intervals remain a lengthy 16,000 kilometres.
An LED day-time running light is employed inside the traditional large round head-light and the rear light is also LED.
Thruxton RS takes the black to next level with even the Ohlins springs finished in black along with anodised black rims, black mirrors and indicators while the side panel and sprocket cover are also black.
The donk itself features black powder-coated engine and cam covers.
The optional ‘Twin-Paint’ colour scheme scores a new Triumph triangle tank decal while the single bullet seat is standard in both colour choices, Jet Black, and the Matt Storm Greg / Matt Silver Ice combination.
When the original Bonneville Bobber launched back in 2017, we were smitten. True, it had some quirks — not enough front brake and a limited fuel range being the most noticeable — but overall we loved what Triumph had created: a factory bobber that delivered in both looks and performance.
Then the following year we got the Bobber Black, with dual front brake discs mounted to its fat front tire — quirk number one, check. In the meantime, Triumph released its first Triumph Factory Custom (TFC) model, the Thruxton TFC, and we swooned. Then earlier this year we got a look at the new Rocket 3 TFC and we salivated.
Now Triumph has announced its third TFC model, and guess what? It’s the Bobber.
The 2020 Triumph Bobber TFC will sport more power across the powerband, with 39% lower engine inertia resulting in a 500 rpm-higher rev limit. It’s also a claimed 11 pounds lighter (although that number is subject to change as the bike is homologated for the U.S. market).
As with all TFC models, the Bobber TFC is dripping with high-end components, including fully-adjustable Öhlins suspension front and rear, Arrow exhaust, dual front brake discs with Brembo M50 monobloc calipers and MCS radial master cylinder, an additional Sport riding mode (joining the standard Road and Rain) and an LED headlight with distinctive light pattern.
It gets unique clip-ons rather than a traditional one-piece handlebar, carbon fiber bodywork, a billet top and bottom yoke with numbered plaque, a real leather seat and special TFC badging throughout.
Only 750 Bobber TFCs will be built and sold worldwide, and like all TFC models it comes with paperwork signed by Triumph CEO Nick Bloor, a personalized custom build book, a Bobber TFC bike cover, a TFC document wallet and a leather TFC branded backpack.
More details will follow the Bobber TFC’s homologation in January 2020. U.S. pricing is also TBD.
I am generally not a real fan of Bobber’s, but Triumph’s Bobber that they released in 2017 was actually a pretty good ride.There were a few short-comings that are pretty much inescapable with a Bobber design, but overall it was a fun ride and light years ahead of most cruiser based designs that follow the Bobber theme.
For 2020, Triumph have given their Bobber the Triumph Factory Custom treatment that is more than just window dressing.Only 750 will be produced worldwide and will no doubt sell out fast.
The TFC Bobber scores 10 more ponies and 4 Nm more twist than the regular Bobber models. Engine inertia is reduced by 39 per cent, while the RPM limit is raised by 500 rpm. Power is up by 13 per cent over the standard Bobber.
While the final specification might be subject to some minor late changes, Triumph state that the TFC will be approximately five-kilograms lighter than the Bobber models.The final weight, rake, trail and seat height specifications for the new Bobber TFC, and the difference vs. the standard Triumph Bobber and Bobber Black, will be released following homologation in January 2020.
Suspension is now by Ohlins and is fully-adjustable at both ends.
Brembo supply the special M50 radial monobloc calipers and discs for the TFC.
Arrow has produced some unique titanium silencers with carbon-fibre end caps for the TFC.
An additional Sport mode is added to the Road and Rain modes shipped with regular Bobbers and the riding modes dust throttle map, ABS and traction control settings to match the riding modes.This is enabled via the latest generation ride-by-wire.
Bobber TFC features all-LED lighting, including an LED headlight with signature profile daytime running light (market specific availability), multi-functional rear indicators (market specific availability) compact front indicators and a number plate light.
The Bobber Triumph Factory Custom is also equipped with a new stylish feature-packed instrument panel with unique TFC-branded dial face and an instrument bezel featuring a new Triumph badge. This also incorporates a digital menu system, displaying important information to the rider and accessed via the switch gear.
Distinctive clip-on handlebars and unique light-weight carbon-fibre body-work, including carbon-fibre side panels with electroformed badge with TFC branding, and a minimal front mudguard with carbon-fibre supports.
Additional detailing includes knurled handlebar grips, billet machined aluminium top and bottom yokes with TFC branding, premium real leather statement seat offering the Bobber’s innovative adjustable seat position, and billet machined aluminium oil filler cap.
All of this comes on top of a whole host of blacked-out features, including premium black anodised multi-spoked rims, black Öhlins RSU spring and Öhlins forks, black engine covers and a black frame and swing-arm.
To perfectly complement the black theme and real carbon fibre, the Bobber TFC is available in one signature premium twin paint scheme – a distinctive Carbon Black and Matt Carbon Black, with silver foil union jack flag on the knee pads, brushed foil bobber decals and a Triumph triangle logo decal on the tank.
The fuel tank also features a gold pin stripe and that premium gold detailing is applied across the whole motorcycle, from the gold detailing in the badging and instrument faces to the unique key with gold detailing and even a gold chain.
The Bobber TFC retains all of the distinctive core bobber design features, such as the heritage inspired battery cover with stainless steel strap, the classic rear ‘drum brake’ inspired hub, a rear mudguard loop, an ignition barrel located in front of the right side panel, bar end mirrors and a branded locking fuel cap.
Brushed stainless steel 2 into 2 single-skin exhaust system with Arrow brushed stainless silencers and carbon end caps
Final drive
Chain
Clutch
Wet, multi-plate assist clutch
Gearbox
6 speed
Frame
Tubular steel cradle
Instruments
LCD multi-functional instrument pack with analogue speedometer, odometer, gear position indicator, fuel gauge, range to empty indication, service indicator, clock, 2x trip, average & current fuel consumption display, traction control status display, heated grip ready – controlled by a handlebar mounted scroll button.