2022 Aprilia Tuareg 660 in Indaco Tagelmust (MSRP $12,599)
The 2022 Aprilia Tuareg 660 is one of the most eagerly anticipated middleweight adventure bikes since the Yamaha Ténéré 700 was introduced last year. Aprilia has announced that the bike will be available in the U.S. in February 2022, and with an MSRP of $11,999.
Aprilia will begin taking pre-orders for U.S. customers on November 10, 2021, and delivery priority will be given to those who make reservations. Customers can book their ideal configuration of the Tuareg 660, including factory options and upgrades, and select their dealer of choice at storeusa.aprilia.com.
2022 Aprilia Tuareg 660 in Acid Gold (MSRP $11,999)
Just as the Ténéré 700 is based on Yamaha’s MT-07 streetbike, the Tuareg 660’s engine is adapted from Aprilia’s RS 660 sportbike. The engine is a liquid-cooled, 659cc parallel-Twin with DOHC and 4 valves per cylinder. On the RS 660, Aprilia claims 100 horsepower and 49.4 lb-ft of torque, but for the Tuareg 660 Aprilia claims 80 horsepower and 51.6 lb-ft of torque, presumably tuned for a broad spread of torque across the rev range.
For off-road duty, Aprilia says the Tuareg 660 gets a redesigned high-clearance oil sump, an easy-access air filter, and a high-mount exhaust. The engine is carried in a lightweight tubular-steel trellis frame and wheelbase is 59 inches. Aprilia claims a 449-pound wet weight and 275 miles of range from the 4.75-gallon fuel tank.
2022 Aprilia Tuareg 660 in Martian Red (MSRP $11,999)
As with other bikes in Aprilia’s lineup, the Tuareg 660 gets the Aprilia Performance Ride Control (APRC) electronics suite with selectable engine maps and settings for traction control and engine braking. ABS can be switched off entirely or just at the rear wheel. Standard equipment also includes cruise control and a 5-inch TFT color display with Bluetooth connectivity and navigation via the Aprilia MIA app. The bike also has full LED lighting
The Tuareg 660 has fully adjustable suspension with 9.4 inches of front/rear travel, with a 43mm inverted fork and a rear shock with progressive linkage. There’s 9.5 ground clearance for off-road riding, but the 33.8-inch saddle has reduced center arch to help riders get their feet on the ground.
2022 Aprilia Tuareg 660 in Indaco Tagelmust (MSRP $12,599)
For maximize off-road capability, the Tuareg 660 rolls on 21-inch front/18-inch rear spoked wheels with tubeless tires.
The 2022 Aprilia Tuareg 660 will be priced at $11,999 for Acid Gold and Martian Red, and at $12,599 for Indaco Tagelmust (red/white/blue). For more information or to find an Aprilia dealer near you, visit aprilia.com.
We’ll get a first ride on the Tuareg 660 soon, so stay tuned for full technical specs and riding impressions.
Our guest on Episode 24 of the Rider Magazine Insider Podcast is Eddie Braun, a Hollywood stuntman who has worked on hundreds of TV shows and feature films, including The Avengers, Transformers, and the Rush Hour trilogy. In 2016, Braun successfully flew a steam-powered rocket over Snake River Canyon, completing the ultimate stunt that defeated legendary daredevil Evel Knievel in 1974. Braun did the stunt in “Evel Spirit,” a rocket rebuilt using engineer Bob Truax’s original design for Knievel’s SkyCycle, with the only change being a modification to the parachute. Braun’s 10,000-horsepower rocket reached 439 mph in 3 seconds and hit 8 Gs, soaring 3,000 feet across the canyon. Braun’s epic journey was chronicled in “Stuntman,” a documentary executive produced by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Dany Garcia, featuring a never-before released clip of rock guitarist Slash playing “Rocket Man” in support of Eddie. “Stuntman” is available on Disney+.
You can listen to Episode 24 on iTunes, Spotify, and SoundCloud, or via the Rider Magazine Insider webpage. Please subscribe, leave us a 5-star rating, and tell your friends! Scroll down for a list of previous episodes.
Eddie Braun’s “Evel Spirit” 10,000-horsepower steam-powered rocket hit 439 mph in 3 seconds and pulled 8 Gs.
Braun takes a moment to himself after successfully flying the “Evel Spirit” rocket over Snake River Canyon.
Just another day at the office for veteran Hollywood stuntman Eddie Braun.
The incident thankfully saw both riders get straight up onto their feet, as Mir and Petrucci embraced in a fantastic show of sportsmanship. The number 36 tucked the front while up the inside of Petrucci on Lap 3, seeing both of their races end early. Mir’s title defence was over before the Emilia-Romagna GP had begun, but 2020’s king was forced to concede his crown to new king Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) after a disappointing afternoon.
Brembo has become a byword for excellence in braking systems and is a vital supplier to the FIM MotoGP™ World Championship, continuing to add more and more success to a decorated history within the sport. Over 40 premier class Championships, bikes fitted with Brembo braking systems have won 32 rider titles, 33 Constructors’ Championships and more than 500 races. 2021 marks the sixth season in a row that Brembo has supplied the premier class of Grand Prix racing, and the marque also has an important presence in Moto2™, Moto3™ and the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup.
That rider is, of course, Enea Bastianini (Avintia Esponsorama). The 2020 Moto2™ World Champion has finished P6, P3, P6, P3 in his last four races – on older Desmosedici equipment – to now take the lead in the race to become 2021 Rookie of the Year against Martin. Bestia’s second podium of 2021 was another sign that he’s going to be a regular frontrunner next season in the premier class, adding to Ducati’s electrifying arsenal of riders.
H2 Motoronics is a French company that specializes in electronics and mechatronics projects; the most recent one could be their most ambitious yet. RideApart has reported that the company has partnered with the Tecmas Racing Team to develop a motorcycle dubbed the H2 Koncept (H2K). Why is this such a big deal? It’s because the H2K will be powered by hydrogen, and it’s being designed for the racetrack.
The H2K project began in 2019 when Emmanuel Esnault became the CEO of the Texys Group, H2 Motronics’ parent company. Esnault is no stranger to building high-performance machines. Before joining the Texys Group, he worked with Renault Sports Technologies, McLaren Applied Technologies and even spent 5 seasons with McLaren’s Formula 1 team.
“Like many, we were focused on all-electric, especially for motorcycles,” explained Texys Group President Philippe Leuwers. “From there, the company met officials from the Vehicle of the Future Pole (PVF). We discussed a lot and arrived at the yields of hydrogen.”
Like we mentioned above, the bike is being developed with help from the Tecmas Racing Team. For those of you who are unaware, Tecmas is one of France’s most successful racing teams, having won championships across various classes. RideApart mentions that they jointly developed a race chassis, a fuel cell, a compressor, a humidifier, and control units.
The company claims that the H2K will weigh about 30% less than similar fully-electric race bikes (perhaps the Energica Ego) while delivering Moto3 levels of performance with a top speed of 237kph (around 147mph). The bike will carry 1kg of hydrogen, and the team estimates it should be good enough for 44km (27.3 miles) of racing.
The H2 Motoronics website is currently filled with digital renders of the H2K, but the bike is set to debut in Spring 2022. If the motorcycle proves successful, the Texys Group plans to use the powerplant on other vehicles — two- and four-wheeled — in urban, recreational, and even marine applications.
We’re yet to see a hydrogen-powered two-wheeler that’s been widely accepted by the masses, but it’s a technology that even more prominent manufacturers are experimenting with. If the H2K delivers impressive performance while being notably lighter than its electric counterparts, it could act as a shining example of what’s possible with hydrogen power.
TVS Motor Co. is one of India’s largest two-wheeler manufacturers, and its current portfolio comprises mainly small-capacity scooters and motorcycles. It also produces the BMW G 310 R and G 310 GS. The company has recently invested in EVs, and the first product to emerge from this effort was the TVS iQube electric scooter. Now, Business Standard has reported that the two-wheeler giant is working on launching a subsidiary that will focus on electric vehicles.
Online reports mention that TVS announced in July 2021 that it would be investing $133 million towards developing new all-electric scooter and motorcycle platforms. It said that a total of 6 new models would be launched over the next 2 years. The company also acquired Ego Movement, an e-bike manufacturer from Switzerland, and we’re curious to see what kind of products will come of this.
In a conversation with Autocar Professional, Sudarshan Venu, TVS’s joint MD, said, “We are committed to electrification. We will invest and launch a range of products to really show our commitment and also seek to play a leading role. In two-wheelers (premium segment, scooters) and also three-wheelers (passenger, cargo), we will have the range. Around 500 members of our talented team of engineers are working on this.”
He went on to mention — “With some countries dominating the supply chain, this is an opportunity not to be dependent. We need to plan the electric transition the way it is to our advantage. We need to work and make it happen. Localized supply and renewable power are the keys to ensure the benefit of EV is there for the whole ecosystem,” Venu said.
TVS is also looking to invest an additional $33 million into the new subsidiary. Everything from the conceptualization of the EVs to the development and production will be handled solely by the new subsidiary.
Over the last few years, India has seen a steady rise in promising EV manufacturers. Apart from startups like Ather and Ultraviolette, the big-name manufacturers have also started to produce notable electric scooters and motorcycles. We’re looking forward to what the new TVS subsidiary has in store.
All four models have received updates for 2022, starting with revisions to the engine to meet Euro 5 regulations, including updated BMS engine control, two knock sensors, and two additional lambda probes. BMW says the six-cylinder engine still makes 160 peak horsepower, though it now arrives at 6,750 rpm, 1,000 rpm earlier than before. Peak torque has increased to 133 lb-ft, up from 129, at 5,250 rpm.
The K 1600 lineup is powered by a 1,649cc inline-Six that makes 160 horsepower and 133 lb-ft of torque.
Standard equipment on all K 1600 models now includes engine drag torque control (MSR), which compares the rotational speeds of the front and rear wheels in the same way as the standard Dynamic Traction Control and thus determines the slip or traction capacity at the rear wheel, with input on lean angle from the new 6-axis IMU. The level of intervention depends on riding mode (Dynamic, Road, or Rain).
Also new on all K 1600 models is BMW Motorrad Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) “Next Generation,” with revised calibration and new automatic load level compensation. The semi-active suspension adjusts damping based on conditions based on input from front and rear sensors and the new IMU.
New welcome, good-bye, and follow me home lighting is standard on all 2022 BMW K 1600 models.
Also new are “welcome,” “good-bye”, and “follow me home” light functions. When the ignition is switched on, a “welcome” light function is activated. The headlight and taillight remain on for a short time and then fade to the waiting state before the engine starts. After switching off the ignition, the front and rear lights are also automatically activated briefly for the “good-bye” function which illuminates the area around the motorcycle. After switching off the ignition, the “follow me home” function allows the rider to activate the lights by briefly pressing the high-beam headlight button to assist with maneuvering in parking spaces or opening the garage at home.
A new full LED headlight consists of nine LEDs for the low-beam headlight and eight LEDs for the high-beam headlight. The standard “adaptive headlight” function features a low-beam LED headlight which turns into the curve according to the lean angle. The cornering function now operates through a range of ± 35 degrees (up from ± 24 degrees) for better illumination. It also adjusts up or down by 2 degrees during acceleration and braking.
The K 1600s get a new high-definition 10.25-inch TFT color display.
Like the R 18 B and R 18 Transcontinental, the new K 1600 models features a 10.25-inch high-definition TFT color display with integrated map navigation (via the BMW Motorrad Connected app) and Bluetooth connectivity. For protection against the elements, the display is equipped with a hardened glass cover with an anti-reflective and fingerprint-resistant coating. Functions such as “My vehicle,” “Navigation,” “Radio,” “Media,” “Telephone,” and “Settings” menus can be selected via displayed tiles, and features such as cruise control, riding modes, and audio are seamlessly integrated into the display. The Multi-controller wheel is used to manage some functions.
Standard on the K 1600 GTL and K 1600 Grand America and optional on the K 1600 GT and K 1600 B is BMW’s new Audio System 2.0, with antennas now integrated into the bodywork. Whereas the previous audio system was connected to the motorcycle as a primarily independent system, Audio System 2.0 is integrated into the electrical system. Menu control and setting options as well as the unique display screens are said to make the audio experience a seamless listening experience. The system offers more customization functions as well as SiriusXM satellite radio with 1-year subscription.
Option 719 “Midnight” features a the paint finish in Meteoric Dust II Metallic with a “Galaxy” theme.
The new K 1600 GT, GTL, B, and Grand America are available in three color options each: a standard color, a style variant, and Option 719. Option 719 “Midnight” is particularly noteworthy, which is only available for K 1600 B and K 1600 Grand America. The highlight of this variant is the paint finish in Meteoric Dust II Metallic with the “Galaxy” theme depicted using the water transfer printing method.
MSRP pricing begins at $22,545 for the K 1600 B, $23,895 for the K 1600 GT,
$26,895 for the K 1600 GTL, and $27,745 for the K 1600 Grand America. Motorcycles will be in dealerships starting in February 2022.
Below is a summary of colors, details, standard equipment, options, and accessories for each model. For more information or to find a BMW dealer near you, visit bmwmotorcycles.com.
2022 BMW K 1600 GT: Standard
2022 BMW K 1600 GT in Black Storm Metallic
Black Storm Metallic body color
Frame in black
Engine in black
Seat in black
Front fender in Black Storm Metallic
Radiator cowls in Night Black Matte
Tank center cover in Black Storm Metallic
Slipstream deflector trim in Black Storm Metallic
Front brake calipers in black
2022 BMW K 1600 GT: Sport style
2022 BMW K 1600 GT in Light White/Racing Blue Metallic/Racing Red
Light White/Racing Blue Metallic/Racing Red body color
Frame in black
Engine in black
Seat in black with gray piping and decorative stitching
Front part of the front fender in Light White
Radiator cowls in Night Black Matte
Tank center cover in Black Storm Metallic
Slipstream deflector trim in Black Storm Metallic
Gold-anodized front brake calipers
2022 BMW K 1600 GT: Option 719
2022 BMW K 1600 GT in Option 719
Mineral White Metallic
Mineral White Metallic body color with lines
Frame in black
Engine in black
Seat in black (Optional Option 719 seat with diamond top-stitching in saddle brown and cloud print)
Front part of the front fender in Mineral White Metallic
Radiator cowls in Night Black Matte
Tank center cover in Mineral White Metallic
Chrome slipstream deflector trim
Front brake calipers in black
Optional Option 719 classic forged rims
2022 BMW K 1600 GTL: Standard
2022 BMW K 1600 GTL in Black Storm Metallic
Black Storm Metallic body color
Frame in Monolith Metallic matte
Engine in platinum
Seat in black
Front fender in Black Storm Metallic
Engine spoiler in Monolith Metallic matte
Tank center cover in Black Storm Metallic
Slipstream deflector trim in Black Storm Metallic
2022 BMW K 1600 GTL: Exclusive style
2022 BMW K 1600 GTL in Gravity Blue Metallic
Gravity Blue Metallic body color
Frame in Monolith Metallic matte
Engine in platinum
Seat in black
Front fender in Gravity Blue Metallic, rear part in Monolith Metallic matte
Engine spoiler in Monolith Metallic matte
Tank center cover in Black Storm Metallic
Chrome slipstream deflector trim
Chrome strips on cases
2022 BMW K 1600 GTL: Option 719
2022 BMW K 1600 GTL in Option 719
Mineral White Metallic
Mineral White Metallic body color with lines
Frame in Monolith Metallic matte
Engine in platinum
Seat in black (Optional Option 719 seat with diamond top-stitching in saddle brown and cloud print)
Front fender in Mineral White Metallic with chrome bar, rear part in Monolith Metallic Matte
Engine spoiler in Monolith Metallic Matte
Tank center cover in Mineral White Metallic
Chrome slipstream deflector trim
Chrome strips on cases
Optional Option 719 classic forged rims
2022 BMW K 1600 B and K 1600 Grand America: Standard
2022 BMW K 1600 Grand America in Black Storm Metallic
Black Storm Metallic body color
Frame in black
Engine in black
Seat in black
Front part of the front fender in Black Storm Metallic
Engine spoiler in Night Black Matte
Tank center cover in Black Storm Metallic
Slipstream deflector trim in Black Storm Metallic
2022 BMW K 1600 B and K 1600 Grand America: Exclusive style
2022 BMW K 1600 B in Manhattan Metallic Matte
Manhattan Metallic Matte body color
Frame in black
Engine in black
Seat in black
Front part of the front fender in Manhattan White Metallic
Engine spoiler in Night Black Matte
Tank center cover in Black Storm Metallic
Slipstream deflector trim in Black Storm Metallic
2022 BMW K 1600 B and K 1600 Grand America: Option 719 “Midnight”
2022 BMW K 1600 Grand America in Option 719 “Midnight” Meteoric Dust II Metallic
Meteoric Dust II Metallic body color with water transfer printing method
Frame in black
Engine in black
Option 719 seat in black with diamond top-stitching and model designation
Front part of the front fender in Meteoric Dust II Metallic
Engine spoiler in Night Black Matte
Tank center cover in Meteoric Dust II Metallic
Slipstream deflector trim in Meteoric Dust II Metallic
“Midnight” badge
Standard Equipment on 2022 BMW K 1600 GT, GTL, B, and Grand America
Black Storm Metallic paint
10.25-inch TFT screen with BMW Motorrad Connected app navigation
Audio System 2.0 with fairing speakers (K 1600 GTL)
Shaft drive
Slipper clutch
Reversing aid
Hill Start Control Pro
Dynamic Engine Brake Control
Adjustable windscreen
Cast aluminum wheels
Duolever front suspension
Paralever rear suspension
Integral ABS with ABS Pro
Dynamic Traction Control
Dynamic ESA “Next Generation”
Steering stabilizer
Tire pressure monitor
12v power socket
Cooled, mobile device charging compartment
Electronic immobilizer
Heated grips and seat
Adaptive LED headlight, LED turn signals and rear light
Multi-controller
Programable function buttons
Dynamic Cruise Control
Ride modes
Luggage rack
Centerstand
Comfort footrests
Integrated side cases in body color
Top case in body color (K 1600 GTL)
2022 BMW K 1600 GT: Optional equipment and accessories
Premium Package
Keyless Ride
Central locking system
Gear Shift Assist Pro
Anti-theft alarm
Audio System 2.0
LED fog lights
Engine protection bar
2022 BMW K 1600 GT: Stand-alone options
Style: Sport Light White/Racing Blue/Racing Red metallic
Ducati has reported impressive sales numbers over the last few years. In 2019, the Italian manufacturer shared a monumental statistic — 1 in every 4 superbikes sold that year was a Ducati Panigale. The company’s fortunes have continued to grow as Asphalt and Rubber have reported that Ducati has had its best sales year in 2021.
Francesco Milicia, VP Global Sales Director Ducati Motor Holding
The Italian marquee managed to sell a respectable 48,042 units of its machines last year, and it surpassed this number in the first 9 months of 2021. Yes, 2020 was a tumultuous year for motorcycle manufacturers, but the number of bikes sold so far in 2021 also surpasses those sold up until the same period in 2019.
With 49,693 motorcycles sold by the end of Q3 2021, Ducati sales are up 25% compared to the same period in 2019. A&R mentions that this makes the third quarter of 2021 the best one for Ducati ever.
“Ducati closed the first nine months of the year with sales volumes that are already higher than the full year 2020, both for the bikes and after-sales products like clothing, accessories, and spare parts,” said Francesco Milicia, Ducati VP Global Sales and After Sales.
“The growth we are experiencing is practically widespread in all the main markets in which Ducati is present and extends across the product families. We are very satisfied with the results obtained: the community of Ducatisti is growing all over the world, and the most influential magazines in the motorcycling sector are awarding important prizes to Ducati bikes.”
“This is a source of pride and satisfaction for us here in Borgo Panigale and in all Ducati subsidiaries worldwide. The brand is now more solid and appreciated than ever and we are already focusing on next year. In fact, in these weeks, we are presenting to the world the new products for the coming year, through the web series Ducati World Première 2022.”
By region, Ducati’s sales continue to be spearheaded by the home market, Italy (7,954), followed by the United States (7,475) and Germany (5,627). The Ducati Multistrada V4 is one of the most significant contributors. It is followed by the Scrambler 800 models, which the Streetfighter V4 and Monster follow — it seems like not as many people are interested in the Panigale line anymore.
Ducati is set to reveal its lineup for 2022 very soon, and we already know that the Streetfighter V2 and DesertX adventure bike will be part of it. With more options to choose from, next year could be just as great for the Italians.
Bajaj has unveiled the next generation of the popular Pulsar motorcycle, introducing the new Pulsar N250 and F250 in India. Priced at Rs 1.38 lakh ($1,845) and Rs 1.40 lakh ($1,872), respectively, the two entry-level motorcycles cost just Rs 4,000 (around $53) more than the smaller Pulsar 220F from the previous generation.
The Pulsar line is one of the most popular motorcycles in the world’s largest two-wheeler market, and these two models mark two decades since the first of them debuted in India. The F250 and N250 share the same engine and chassis, with the only difference between the two models being their appearance — the F250 features a sportbike-like fairing, while the N250 is a street-naked.
Powering the bikes is a 249cc, liquid-cooled, SOHC, single-cylinder engine that produces peak output figures of 24.5hp and 21.5Nm — these numbers put in between the Bajaj Pulsar 220F and the Dominar 250. The engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox that works alongside a slip-and-assist clutch.
Both motorcycles feature LED headlights (unlike the older Pulsars), a sporty split-seat design, and a digital-analog instrument cluster. The F250 also features raised clip-on handlebars. Both bikes feature aggressive styling, which is more prominent on the Pulsar N250 — the rear end has sharp lines accentuated by the twin LED tail-lights.
Autocar India also reports that this is the first time that a non-NS/RS Pulsar gets a rear monoshock. The frame and swingarm, however, are different to incorporate this feature. At the front, the Pulsars continue to employ a conventional telescopic fork.
Braking is handled by a 300mm disc up front and a 230mm disc at the rear. The N250 weighs 162kg (357lbs), while the added bodywork on the F250 adds a couple of pounds taking its total weight to 164kg (361lbs).
Bajaj has reported that it will start shipping the bike to dealerships on November 10.
