Aprilia has cleverly taken half a Tuono engine and made what they call an RS 660 Supersport twin concept machine.
It is powered by two cylinders from a Tuono/RSV4 1100 engine as a 660c parallel twin.
“This configuration was chosen for its compact nature and efficiency, the extremely low level of heat transmitted to the rider and for the freedom that it leaves the designers to create a sleek and lightweight frame and suspension,” Aprilia’s press release says.
The Austrian company says the RS 660 project is aimed at younger riders and shows the supersport market may not be quite dead yet.
They say it will also be the “development base for a wider range that intends to make Aprilia a key player in an extremely strategic market segment in Europe, but also in Asia and the American market”.
Although not mentioned, we should expect to see it in Australia to compete against the very popular mid-sized naked sector led by the Yamaha MT-07.
RS 660 aero
Aprilia says the Concept RS 660 was developed out of a “series of aerodynamic studies” in a wind tunnel.
With fuel economy top of mind and emissions regulations tightening, motorcycle manufacturers are looking for ways to compete and aero remains one of the biggest hurdles to motorcycles, even more so than big, bulky cars.
Aprilia’s Concept RS 660 features a unique “variable front section” which can adjust air flow direction to vary downforce.
RS 600 has a large saddle and a comfortable riding position to suit most rider sizes.
It is supported by a lightweight aluminium frame and swingarm with the engine as a stressed element.
The right arm of the swingarm has a curved shape to accomodate the exhaust, while the shock absorber mount is mounted directly to the swingarm with no linkage to reduce weight.
Cardo Systems and Ducati have partnered to produce branded PackTalk communicators for Ducati dealerships. Guess what color they are.
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CARDO PARTNERS TO PRODUCE DEDICATED PACKTALK UNITS FOR DUCATI
Partnership Builds On Cardo’s Commitment to Integrate Motorcycles and Communicators
Milan, Italy (Nov. 6, 2018) –Cardo Systems, Ltd. the global market leader in wireless communication systems for motorcyclists, and Ducati Motor Holdings S.p.A. manufacturer of the world’s most attractive motorcycles, have partnered to produce dedicated PACKTALK units, designed in the classic Ducati red for the 2019 riding season. The collaboration represents the next evolution of Cardo’s commitment to integrate motorcycles and communicators.
“Ducati’s motorcycles are among the world’s most coveted bikes and the company is second to none in terms of innovative design, advanced engineering and overall technical excellence. These are also qualities we admire and remain committed to implementing them in every product we design and produce,” said Dr. Abraham Glezerman, Cardo’s founder and CEO.“Ducati is a world-class brand, and an ideal partner to help further our commitment to integrate industry leading communication systems with motorcycles.”
PACKTALK products are powered by Cardo’s proprietary and pioneering mesh technology (“DMC”) and give riders the ability to enjoy the company of their riding companions like never before by remaining seamlessly connected with up to 15 riders. Riders can also enjoy a safe riding experience utilizing Cardo’s unique natural voice-command by simply saying, “Hey Cardo” with the desired action to the always-on system and it reacts instantaneously. No other product in the market offers such seamless voice command technology, in 8 different langugaes. Users will have instant access to their mobile device, GPS and music. Plus, riders will enjoy world-class sound for the best riding experience possible thanks to Sound by JBL.
In October, Cardo Systems and Bosch SoftTech announced the integration of the Cardo ConnectiOS and Android smartphone application into Bosch SoftTech mySPIN for two-wheelers. The award-winning technology enables convenient use of Cardo Connect on motorcycles and other two-wheelers for a whole new connected riding experience without compromising safety.
Cardo Systems PACKTALK units will be available exclusively through Ducati official networkworldwide in spring of 2019.
After seeing first hand the lengths that KTM have gone to in order to make the dimensions of their new 75-degree offset crank-pin 790 cc parallel twin as minimalist as possible, and then sampling how strong and linear the performance of the 435-degree firing interval engine is myself over many kilometres of fanging the 790 Duke, I am dying to see just how well this engine will translate in to the 790 Adventure, but unfortunately we are going to have to wait until its June 2019 arrival to sample it!
KTM quote 95 horsepower at 8000 rpm and 88 Nm at 6600 rpm for both 790 Adventure models. This is 10 hp down on the 790 Duke, but the claimed 88 Nm torque is marginally higher while at 6600 rpm, that peak twist arrives 1400 rpm earlier than the 790 Duke.
The incredibly small engine packaging (only fractionally larger externally than the 375cc single in the 390 Duke), gives KTM the room to fit a long swingarm and more space for the fuel cell.
The small engine dimensions also allow for plenty of ground clearance while maintaining a reasonable seat height.
Clearance on the 790 Adventure is 233 mm while the 790 Adventure R has 263 mm of clearance.
Seat height on the Adventure is adjustable between 830 and 850 mm while the saddle on the 790 Adventure R is a taller 880 mm.
Both are also claimed to tip the scales at 189kg without their 20-litre fuel cells being topped up.
Thus we can extrapolate that the 790 Adventure weighs in at 204kg fully fuelled and ready to ride.
Again those slim and compact engine dimensions have played their part in keeping the fuel low with the tank extending down alongside the engine, similar to what we once saw in the 990 Adventure models some years ago.
KTM claim a fuel range as high as 450 km from the new bikes and while this might be possible when being nursed, realistically a rider will more likely able to count on a 350+ km range in most touring duties.
Predictably, KTM owned WP provides the suspension for both bikes.
Inverted 43 mm forks on the Adventure grow to more premium 48 mm XLPOR forks in the R.
Suspension travel at both ends is 200 mm for the Adventure and 240 mm on the R.
Both bikes roll on an 18-21 inch spoked rim combination.
Easily adjusted from the left bar-mounted menu switch, the KTM 790 Adventure has different ride modes to enable riders to explore the full potential of the bike.
Street, Offroad and Rain riding modes, along with the optional Rally mode (standard on the R), alter the behaviour and feeling of the engine.
Changing a ride mode changes the throttle response, the traction control level and, depending on the mode, the peak power.
The KTM 790 Adventure is also equipped with the state-of-the-art TFT display. Easily readable in all conditions, the full color, 5″ screen’s configuration is variable and automatically adapts to changes in environmental light.
The main information is arranged in a position where the rider can immediately see it, while additional displayed information can be chosen by the rider with the integrated KTM MY RIDE system is integrated. This allows pairing with a smartphone for receiving (or rejecting) phone calls, listening to music and, using the optional app, navigating with on screen turn-by-turn directions along with audio prompts.
For 2019 Triumph are boasting a better than ever Street Twin, with a significant improvement to power, higher spec’ equipment and a higher quality of finish, as well as improved rider comfort and technology.
First launched in 2016 the Street Twin has gone on to become of the brand’s strongest sellers in the Bonneville range, offering a modern affordable custom classic, blending technology with a retro theme and strong accessibility for a wide range of riders.
2019 Triumph Street Twin updates
Up 9.8hp to 64hp, 18% more peak power
Red line now 500rpm higher
80Nm of accessible torque
New Brembo four-piston front brake caliper
New higher-specification cartridge front forks
Improved rider ergonomics
New Road & Rain riding modes
New cast aluminium multi-spoke wheels with machined detailing
New contemporary logo
New premium instrument styling
Improved finish and detailing
2 new inspiration kits – Urban Ride and Café Custom
High Torque Bonneville
The 900cc High Torque Bonneville engine benefits from a significant upgrade in 2019, delivering 9.8hp more peak power, taking the total up to 64hp, 18% more than its predecessor.
This upgrade also brings a higher redline, up 500rpm to 7500rpm, with peak torque of 80Nm delivered low down in the rev range from just 3800rpm. Twin upswept silencers were also chosen to deliver an unmistakeable British Twin soundtrack.
To deliver the higher power and performance, the engine updates include a new magnesium cam cover, new lightweight crankshaft, dead shafts and balance shafts, new mass optimised clutch cover and new lighter clutch.
The standard ride-by-wire brings also offers optimised control from a single throttle body, while liquid-cooling delivers low emissions and fuel efficient riding. High service intervals of 10,000 miles (16,000km) also reduce the Street Twin’s cost of ownership.
Improved ergonomics & chassis
The new 2019 Street Twin also represents a step forward in handling and rider and pillion comfort, now including a new Brembo four-piston front brake caliper, for better bite and feel for greater control.
New higher spec cartridge front forks have also been added, with 120mm travel, aiming to deliver a more comfortable ride.
On top of the higher specification equipment, the Street Twin improves rider ergonomics with a more comfortable seat-to-peg riding position. A 10mm increase to the seat foam thickness also increases both rider and pillion comfort, improving longer distance rideability.
First class technology
The 2019 Street Twin boasts a host of advanced rider technology, including the new Road and Rain riding modes, which adjust the throttle map and traction control settings for the optimum riding experience in all conditions.
Traction control is also fitted and switchable via the instrument menu, optimising the delivery of the Street Twin’s torque when traction is compromised. ABS is likewise standard fitment for enhanced rider safety and control, with a torque-assist clutch bringing a lighter touch and feel to the clutch.
A longer LED rear light incorporated into the minimal tail set-up offers a distinctive rear light pattern, while an immobiliser is fitted as standard, with transponder incorporated into the key, for maximum security. A USB charging socket located under the seat also offers convenient charging of personal electronic devices.
A new optional Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) accessory is also now offered and ready for fitment.
Contemporary custom style
The Street Twin’s custom character has been enhanced with more contemporary details and touches, the most noticeable being new cast aluminium, multi-spoke wheels with machined detailing.
The new Street Twin logo, features on the new side panel and provides a more contemporary look compared to the previous model.
There is also an upgrade to the instrumentation with a new bezel complete with metallic Bonneville embellisher, plus a new dial face with a premium translucent silver finish and more integrated warning lights.
Several other enhanced details across the bike include new brushed aluminium headlight brackets, new premium foil decal tank badge, new seat materials, leather inspired dual-material construction with tactile feel and durable finish and new machined headlight detailing.
These new features join the Street Twin’s distinctive custom looks and features including contemporary black engine finish, signature ‘Bonneville’ finned head and header clamps, single throttle body with aluminium finisher, twin upswept brushed stainless-steel silencers, compact headlight with Triumph bulb cap badge, sculpted fuel tank, minimal mirrors and stylish indicators.
The new Street Twin will be available in three paint schemes: Matt Ironstone; Korosi Red; Jet Black.
Customisation platform
Triumph’s Street Twin has become a popular starting point for custom builds around the world, with Triumph’s accessory range also offering 140 dealer-fit options for easy customisation. This range includes a range of custom inspired parts, including silencers from Vance and Hines, Fox rear shocks, bench seats, fly screens, rear mudguard removal kits, and compact bullet LED indicators.
Triumph have also announced a set of two inspiration kits for the Street Twin, which can be fitted as a complete set. The stripped-back Urban Ride kit and the contemporary urban custom style Café Custom kit.
Brushed 2 into 2 exhaust system with twin brushed silencers
Final drive
O ring chain
Clutch
Wet, multi-plate assist clutch, cable operated
Gearbox
5-speed
Frame
Tubular steel cradle
Swingarm
Twin-sided, tubular steel
Front Wheel
Cast aluminium alloy multi-spoke 18 x 2.75in
Rear Wheel
Cast aluminium alloy multi-spoke 17 x 4.25in
Front Tyre
100/90-18
Rear Tyre
150/70 R17
Front Suspension
KYB 41mm cartridge forks with cartridge damping, 120mm travel
Rear Suspension
KYB twin shocks with adjustable preload, 120mm rear wheel travel
Front Brake
Single 310mm disc, Brembo 4-piston fixed caliper, ABS
Rear Brake
Single 255mm disc, Nissin 2-piston floating caliper, ABS
Length
2,090 mm
Width (Handlebars)
785 mm
Height Without Mirrors
1,114 mm
Seat Height
760 mm
Wheelbase
1,415 mm
Rake
25.1 º
Trail
102.4 mm
Dry Weight
198 Kg
Instruments
LCD multi-functional instrument pack with analogue speedometer, engine rpm, odometer, gear position indicator, fuel gauge, range to empty indication, service indicator, clock, 2x trip, average & current fuel consumption display, traction control status display, TPMS ready & heated grip ready – controlled by a handlebar mounted scroll button.
Husqvarna Motorcycles has unveiled the production Svartpilen 701 flat tracker as well as the Vitpilen 701 Aero retro sports bike concept and the EE 5 electric minicycle at EICMA in Milan.
Svartpilen 701
Husky calls the Svartpilen 701 a “street explorer”, but it is inspired by flat-trackers which are all the rage, especially since Indian Motorcycle unveiled its FTR 1200 recently.
Svartpilen means “black arrow” in Swedish and, like the Vitpilen (white arrow), it is powered by a lightweight 692.7cc, liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine with 56kW (75hp) of powerand 72Nm of torque.
There is no word yet on when it will arrive in Australia but the Vitpilen 701 sells for $17,500 (+ORC) which is a tall order for a single-cylinder bike in this market.
The lightweight trellis frame is made with high-grade chromium molybdenum steel, the suspension is fully-adjustable WP and brakes are Brembo brakes with Bosch’s latest switchable ABS.
It has ride-by-wire throttle, slipper clutch and Up/down quickshifter and a big range of dedicated Husqvarna accessories.
Vitpilen 701 Aero Concept
Husky describes this as “a modern faired sport bike with an innovative design approach that pays its respect to the past”.
Again it is powered by the 692.7cc single.
EE 5
Europe is literally buzzing with small electric motorcycles, so Husky has jumped on the bandwagon with the EE 5 mini trail bike.
They say it has the latest in high-quality componentry, a 5kW motor, six ride modes, 907Wh lithium-ion battery, quick charging, and WP suspension.
Unlike most tangible concepts coming out of EICMA, Bosch is outlining its plans for the future of motorcycling with a comprehensive three-step safety concept, a vison, if you will. Firstly, by keeping the bike stable in braking situations and acceleration; secondly, by realizing predictive safety and comfort functions with innovative surround-sensing; and thirdly, by connecting the bike with its environment. Learn more about Bosch’s vision for the future of motorcycling from our visit to the Renningen Bosch facility.
EICMA 2018: Bosch’s Two-Wheeler & Powersports business continues to gain speed
Bosch’s Two-Wheeler & Powersports business is still on course for growth: sales are forecasted to rise more than 20 percent in 2018 compared to 2017
Dirk Hoheisel: “Bosch continues to invest in dedicated motorcycle and powersports technologies, aiming at becoming the market leader.”
Being shown to a wide audience for the first time – surround sensing technologies are making their way from car to motorcycle
Accident-free riding: Bosch tackles this challenge with a comprehensive three-step safety concept
More information about the solutions for motorcycles can be found here
Milan, Italy – Bosch’s Two-Wheeler & Powersports business unit continues to gain momentum in the global motorcycle and powersports market. Bosch’s motorcycle technology sales for 2018 are forecasted to rise more than 20 percent compared to 2017. According to Bosch’s estimate, the business unit´s sales will continue to grow twice as fast as the market, heading towards the target of one billion euros of sales in 2020, generated by assistance, powertrain, electrification, and connectivity systems. Major growth is forecasted in India where Bosch supplies market-specific motorcycle powertrain and safety solutions to comply with the ABS and Bharat Stage 6 emission regulation as well as local market trends. Bosch continues to invest in a constantly growing market. The global demand for two-wheelers is forecasted to grow annually by more than four percent from 2017 to 2022, reaching 122 million bikes by 2022 (source: Freedonia). In 2018, Bosch has set up a dedicated Two-Wheeler & Powersports team in ASEAN, one of the Top 3 motorcycle markets in the world besides China and India, to address the local market needs. “Bosch continues to invest in dedicated motorcycle and powersports technologies, aiming at becoming the market leader,” says Dr. Dirk Hoheisel, Executive Board Member at Robert Bosch GmbH.
Bosch’s vision is to make the mobility of the future accident-free, stress-free, and nearly emissions-free – and this goes for motorcycles as well. Safety is one of the most pressing challenges in the motorcycle market. The fact is, motorcyclists are still the most vulnerable road users. Their risk of dying in an accident is up to 20 times higher than for car drivers. Bosch is tackling this with a comprehensive three-step safety concept towards accident-free mobility. Firstly, by keeping the bike stable in braking situations and acceleration; secondly, by realizing predictive safety and comfort functions with innovative surround-sensing; and thirdly, by connecting the bike with its environment.
Comprehensive safety concept: three steps towards accident-free mobility
Bosch has made motorcycle riding safer with assistance systems such as ABS and MSC. According to Bosch accident research, around one-third of powered two-wheeler accidents with injuries could be avoided with MSC. Now Bosch goes one step further by building a virtual safety shield for motorcycles. A new safety package for motorcycles, comprising adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and blind-spot detection is being shown at EICMA to a wide audience for the first time. These electronic assistants are always vigilant and, in emergencies, they respond more quickly than people can. According to Bosch accident research estimates, these radar-based assistance systems could prevent one in seven motorcycle accidents. The technology underpinning these systems is a combination of radar sensor, brake system, engine management, and human machine interface. Giving motorcycles radar as a sensory organ enables these new motorcycle assistance and safety functions while providing an accurate picture of the vehicle’s surroundings. As a result, these assistance functions not only increase safety, they also enhance enjoyment and convenience by making life easier for riders. “The motorcycle of the future must be able to see and feel,” says Geoff Liersch, Head of the Bosch Two-Wheeler and Powersports business unit.
More safety, more enjoyment
Assistance systems alone are not enough to make roads safer. Bosch’s vision for the future is to prevent accidents happening in the first place. According to estimates by Bosch accident research, motorcycle-to-car communication could prevent nearly one-third of motorcycle accidents. Up to ten times a second, vehicles within a radius of several hundred meters exchange information about vehicle types, speed, position, and direction of travel. Long before drivers or their vehicles’ sensors catch sight of a motorcycle, this technology informs them that a motorcycle is approaching, allowing them to adopt a more defensive driving strategy. If a crash is unavoidable, the eCall system will trigger the rescue chain to support the rider as soon as possible. “We will continue to develop new technologies to make motorcycle riding safer without reducing enjoyment,” says Geoff Liersch, Head of Two-Wheeler & Powersports.
The evolution of electromobility for city riding
Another major challenge for the motorcycle market is urbanization. Today, 55 percent of the world’s population lives in urban areas, a proportion that is expected to increase up to 70 percent by 2050 (source: UN). However, as populations grow, so too does the urban landscape with congested roads, higher noise levels, and poorer air quality. To cope with these challenges worldwide, Bosch offers electromobility solutions for nearly all vehicle segments – from eBike systems up to solutions for commercial vehicles. For the electrification of light vehicles on four, three, or two-wheels, for all performance classes between 0.25 and 20 kW, Bosch provides not only highly efficient mobility solutions for the urban environment but also a unique riding experience for the individual riders. As a part of Bosch’s integrated eScooter system, an app integrates vehicle information, connected functions, and social networking. Riders can easily manage trips with the app focusing on the riders’ needs for the specific situation. In addition, Bosch is not only electrifying personal vehicles, but also vehicles used in commercial applications. Electromobility is playing an increasingly important role in the fast and flexible delivery of goods within cities. The Bosch 48 V central drive system is also used to power the Ligier cargo three-wheeler, which delivery services use to carry letters and parcels the last mile to their destinations in urban areas.
The Cardo Freecom 4+ unveiled at EICMA 2018 features a host of premium features at a decent price. We hope to get some for testing as soon as possible.
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Cardo Systems Unveils All-New Freecom 4+ Setting Again New Standards for Bluetooth Communications Systems
The company continues its tradition of innovation, delivering the world’s 1st Bluetooth Communicator with JBL-Sound, Natural Voice-Command Operation, and a razor-thin Control Wheel
Plano, Texas (Nov. 6, 2018) – Cardo Systems, the global market leader in wireless communication systems for motorcyclists, today unveiled the Freecom 4+, an all-new scion of its immensely successful Freecom Bluetooth Communicators line – packing high-end technology, at a mid-range price point. Cardo’s Freecom 4+ is the first-ever Bluetooth system to deliver top-end Packtalk features such as JBL-sound, real natural voice-command operation, and a razor-thin analog wheel. Together with state-of-the-art four-way rider-to-rider, rider-to-passenger, and single-rider intercom, the Freecom 4+ is the best equipped and best performing Bluetooth communication system anywhere.
“We are excited to offer top-end technology at an affordable price point for the consumer,” said Dr. Abraham Glezerman, Cardo’s founder and CEO. “With its best-in-class sound, truly natural voice operation and the innovative razor-thin wheel, FREECOM 4+ underscores again our ongoing and firm commitment to developing the industry’s best solutions and providing consumers with communication systems that perform extremely well for virtually any riding style.”
The FREECOM 4+ sports a cutting-edge aerodynamic and ergonomic design, plus comes loaded with new technology including two features only available through Cardo: Sound by JBL and truly natural voice-command operation. Developed specifically for Cardo, Sound by JBL now also gives riders the highest standard of audio quality. Freecom 4+ single sound profile offers the purest sound designed and perfected in JBL’s Los Angeles audio labs. Natural voice-command operation allows riders to simply say, “Hey Cardo” without having to press any buttons, and the always-on device reacts instantaneously. The big safety benefit: hands always remain on the handlebar, including activation of Apple’s Siri and “OK Google” by voice-command.
FREECOM 4+ ($249.00 MSRP)
The FREECOM 4+ represents all of PACKTALK’s premium features in a Bluetooth system to create the best Bluetooth communication device in the world. Connect one to four riders with up to 3/4 mile range, experience Sound by JBL and easy-to-use natural voice-command operation, Bluetooth 4.1, and universal connectivity.
Freecom 4+, like all Cardo units, is IP-67 waterproof, not simply water-resistant, and feature a two-year warranty and a U.S.-based customer-support system.
Over the past few years we have seen old motorcycle brands return to the market and more to come including little-known 80-year-old Italian brand Malaguti.
Brands that have returned include Bultaco, Brough, Hesketh, Levis, Matchless and Norton and there are several more to come including Jawa, Cagiva and BSA.
Now Austrian KSR Group has announced at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan that they have bought Italian brand Malaguti.
They will launch next year with six models, five being single-cylinder 125cc road and trail bikes and a 300cc scooter.
Malaguti was founded in 1930 by Antonino Malaguti in San Lazzaro di Savena, a suburb of the traditional university town of Bologna, as a bicycle dealership and repair shop.
The passionate cyclist began to make his own bicycles soon afterwards. From 1949 onwards, he built bicycles with auxiliary engines, soon after that also small motorcycles, finally also scooters.
In contrast to other manufacturers, he refused to participate in the “arms race” of motorcycle manufacturers with increasingly larger and more expensive models.
He concentrated on smaller bikes for younger riders.
Similarly, this new breed are small bikes.
KSR Group has partnered with an unidentified production partner, but claims the bikes are equipped with “reliable and proven Italian technology”.
The models presented in Milan are powered by water-cooled injection engines developed by Aprilia.
Their 125cc engines have 11kW of power for use in Europe by riders with novice A1 licences.
The Supermoto XSM 125, cross-country XTM 125, naked Monte Pro 125, RST 125 and Dune 125 will be made from February 2019.
Madison 300 will be the Italian company’s first scooter and will be available from April 2019.
They will hit the European market at €2999 for the XSM and XTM models.
There is no word on other prices or whether they will be exported outside Europe.
The Austrian owners say they will also produce Malaguti motorcycles with larger displacement and a three-wheeled scooter.
As a supplier of electric two-wheelers, KSR will also develop electric Malaguti motorcycles and scooters.
Haber conseguido algo tan grande como el séptimo Campeonato del Mundo merecía un regalo igual de grande. ¡Felicidades Marc Márquez! #UnaHistoriaDiferente #MM93 #Level7 Source: Marc Márquez on Facebook
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