BMW Motorrad seems to be getting serious about an electric motorcycle, judging by their latest patent application for a frameless motorbike.
The patent drawing, published by Electrek, shows the motor and battery making up the book of the frame, linked via upside down forks and a single 45-degree mono shock to the swingarm.
The Bavarian company already has and electric scooter, the C-Evolution.
But this drawing is a long way from that as well as their electric concepts of the past few years:the boxer-style Vision DC Roadster unveiled in June 2019, the Concept Link electric scooter and the electric S 1000 RR concept called the eRR.
Vision DC Roadster
Concept Link
BMW eRR electric sports bike
Serious spark
But it does lend weight to the likelihood of BMW getting serious about an electric motorcycle sooner, rather than later.
Maybe they will unveil one at the Intermot motorcycle show in Cologne next year.
This is despite managing director Stephan Schaller telling Italian publisher Motociclismo in March 2018 that electric motorcycles are “not in their immediate future”.
Clearly they are now getting serious about electric motorcycles.
Just don’t expect it to be released in Australia soon.
Despite their electric scooter being available for several years, it is still not on sale here.
In 2017, BMW Group Australia boss Marc Werner said Australia needed tax incentives, import subsidies and/or charging infrastructure to catch up with the rest of the world on low-emissions vehicles.
Norton says the crowd-funding objective is to give global customers and bike enthusiasts a chance to become part of the heritage company, “profiting from its continued success”.
The offering page is also not yet live. Shares apparently start from £10 (about $A18.90).
Norton says details of the securities offering, company valuation and current year financials will be made available when it goes live on Crowdcube.
Meanwhile, you can review the most recent financials on Norton’s Companies House page.
Dale says the GT is a “great bike” with “world-class” fit and finish that makes it well worth the extra money.
“If it had another name on the tank, you could easily believe it came from one of the best manufacturers,” he says.
“The only part of the bike that appears cheap are the switchblocks which need a better choice of symbols and fonts.”
Here is Dale’s assessment of the CFMoto 650GT:
Engine
At 100km/h, the engine is running at 4000rpm which is 500rpm less than the MT.
I get about a very reasonable 4.3L/100km from the MT, so the GT’s economy should be a little better.
At highway speed, power delivery is good and it doesn’t feel like it is over-geared.In fact, it feels a little stronger in the mid-range than the MT.
Engine temperature shows it runs cooler than the MT which does tend to run hot in traffic.
It also feels cooler but this can be difficult to quantify as the temperature gauge does not indicate the actual temperature, only an LCD line.
Suspension
I would rate the GT’s suspension as the best of any CFMoto I’ve ridden.
It handles all manner of road bumps with ease and in general gives no cause for concern.
I would encourage CFMoto to add a preload adjuster cap to the fork, as these not only look good but offer a positive feature at little extra cost.
An Ohlins cap, spacer and spring kit costs the manufacturer very little and a lesser brand cap would add little to the bike’s overall cost, but more to its value.
The rear coloured spring is an attractive feature, but it would be great if it could be adjusted.
I would like to see a pin-type adjuster as used by Ohlins which is easy and simple to use.
Wheels, tyres and brakes
The German Metzeler tyres are a noticeable improvement over the Chinese CST Adrenos fitted to the MT.
They add stability under braking, cornering integrity, they cope better with bumps and undulations and they have better grip. I would imagine they would have superior wet too, but it hasn’t rained here for a while!
The 160 section rear sat on the 4.5-inch rim better than the MT, as well.
Braking power started out a bit poor but began to offer good bite and progression after about 800km.
If they have used the same compounds as the MT, it will be best around 2000km.
Features
The riding position on the 650GT is good and suits a wider range of people with a lower seat than the MT.
I note that some effort has been used to weight the footpegs and rubber mount them.
The left footpeg was in the way most times when I put the side stand down.
By the way, as a tourer, it needs a centre stand, especially with the left-hand side chain run, making chain lubing more difficult on the side stand alone.
The 650GT windscreen is perfect and the type of adjustment should be employed on the MT as it is more effective. Perhaps the robust MT system works better on rougher roads.
The fuel filler cap is much better than the MT as it stays in place during filling.
Mirrors are not as good as the MT as they vibrate. They need better weighting to reduce harmonics. Field of view is poor and there is not enough adjustment available.
Digital instrumentation are what you would expect on a more expensive bike with two layouts. I also love the way they change to night settings and are dimmable.
There is also a USB for charging your phone or GPS, which is essential for a tourer.
My only complaints are minor:
Like the MT, it needs a helmet lock;
It is difficult to tell the fuel and temperature gauges apart;
It was too easy to confuse the horn with the change button for the maps/dash layout; and
The rear axle nut is probably the biggest in the business and could do with at least 1cm shaved off.
Conclusion
This is a recommended option for anyone looking for a good-value, midsize road bike.
They should fit these with panniers from standard not only to fill in the rear aesthetically, but to truly live up to the “Grand Tourer” moniker.
CFMoto 650GT tech specs
Engine
Engine Type:
Two cylinder, inline 4-stroke, 8-valve, DOHC with counter balance
Capacity:
649.3cc
Bore & Stroke:
83mm x 60mm
Compression Ratio:
11.3:1
Fuel System:
Bosch EFI
Max Power Output:
41.5 kW @ 9,500rpm (LAMS Restricted)
Max Torque:
62 NM @ 7,000rpm
Gearbox:
6-speed
Clutch:
Multiplate wet
Chassis
Frame:
Tubular steel diamond frame employing engine as fully-stressed member
French start-upEfesto has developed a hybrid drive kit system for motorcycles, delivering a scintillating 299hp in their Ducati Panigale 1299 prototype.
Efesto MD Luca Morfino contacted us to tell us they are serious about taking the hybrid kit to market after some more testing. There is no word on pricing yet.
But the Efesto hybrid kit is the first we have head of that will attach to an existing fuel-powered bike.
It consists of a 100hp electric motor, battery pack and chain drive, plus electronic controls that allow the rider to select the Ducati engine, the electric motor or a combination of the two, yielding 299hp and 300Nm of torque.
Luca unveiled the Efesto protoype at the recent EICMA motorcycle show in Milan.
On the prototype, the electric motor sits underneath the bike, but Luca says it does not compromise clearance or lean angles.
Electric motor
The inverter is hidden behind the radiator and the high-voltage battery pack is installed below the tail subframe. It looks a bit ugly, but it’s not as bad as some electric bikes we’ve seen.
Battery pack
The electric motor is connected via chain to the secondary shaft.
Rider modes
Riders can select the power mode via a control on the left switchblock.
Mode 1 is purely Ducati’s 205hp L-twin engine. Meanwhile, the battery is being recharged by taking some of the engine’s power and through regenerative braking.
The battery can only be recharged via these methods using Efesto’s special software. You cannot plug in the battery to the mains to recharge.
To select mode 2 for pure electric drive, the rider has to select neutral and switch off the Ducati engine.
In this mode, it is twist-and-go like a scooter with no gears.
Luca claims it will ride for 30 to 40 minutes in urban traffic below 70km/h.
MV Agusta has released the first of a series very beautiful scenic videos shot in northern Italy and featuring the equally beautiful, limited-edition 208hp Brutale 1000 RR Serie Oro.
Warning: You cannot watch this video without wanting to book a flight to Italy now and hire a bike to do the same roads!
Our Beautiful Land
The series of MV Agusta videos is called “Il Nostro Bel Paese” (Our Beautiful Land).
First up is “Motosinfonia d’Autunno” (Autumn Motor Symphony) which was shot in Trentino and features CIV Supersport champion Davide Stirpe.
It’s all in slow motion and there is no exhaust note to relish, only Pucini’s most famous aria, Turandot.
Call us plebs, but we would have preferred to hear the Brutale’s beautiful but brutal cry!
After all, not many of us will ever get to see one in the flesh — or carbon, titaniam and CNC machined bits — as they cost $71,990 ride away.
The “Il Nostro Bel Paese” video will be followed by“Motosinfonia d’Inverno” (winter), “Motosinfonia di Primavera” (spring), and “Motosinfonia d’Estate” (summer).
We reckon it’s an exercise in over-styling, but we still are interested in seeing it among the beautiful Italian landscape.
Rush 1000 is another limited-edition model, based on the Brutale 1000 RR.
The bike didn’t rate with Italian visitors to the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan who voted the Ducati Streetfighter V4 most beautiful bike with 36.7% of the votes.
It was followed by Aprilia RS 660 on 14.9%, MV Agusta Superveloce 800 (11.23%), Honda CBR1000RR-R SP (9.43%) and Moto Guzzi V85 TT Travel (4.76%).
Honda has been releasing a raft of patents o√er the past year for futuristic products and innovations, but the latest is actually a retro design based on the CMX 500 Rebel.
While the Rebel is a cruiser style, this is a more traditional bike like the Triumph Bonneville with a round headlight, bench seat and flat fuel tank.
It retains the Rebel’s 471cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin four-stroke engine, but has a modified chassis and sub-frame.
While this could be a handsome offering that would do well, we would prefer Honda Australia just imported the retro CB1100.
Honda CB1100
Or even better, go ahead and produce the sexy Concept CB Type II which they unveiled at the 2016 Osaka Motorcycle Show or the CB4X from this month’s EICMA show in Milan.
CB110 Concept Type II
CB4X
While Honda’s current range of motorcycle lack flare, these concepts and patents show they don’t lack for design, only commitment!
Honda patents
This latest patent from Honda continues its blitzkrieg of patent applications.
Honda patent for variable riding position
This is one of many patents Honda has lodged in the past year and we are not sure how many of these they will put into production.
This new patent join the following from Honda over the past year:
Triumph will unveil the Tiger 900 Rally and GT models on 3 December 2019, according to this teaser video.
It shows a new headlight and daytime running light system at the front that looks like but horns.
The only other shots of the full bike are from too far away.
However, the video ends with a link to an official page to stay informed on the bike’s release.
It includes a few photos that show the screen is adjustable, it has gold anodised forks which could be Ohlins, the Rally is obviously the off-roader and the GT is the tourer, possibly with standard luggage.
We’re not sure at this stage the 900 Rally and GT will replace the Tiger 800 to meet Euro5 emissions starting in January or if the two models will co-exist.
One thing is for sure, the naming makes a lot more sense than the XRX, XCX, XRT and XCA of the 800s.
Any name that needs explaining is a marketing disaster!
As Ducati offers a four-year warranty on 2020 Multistrada models in Europe only, most motorcycles in Australia come with just two-year warranties.
Meanwhile, the car industry is offering up to seven-year warranties.
Isn’t it about time motorcyclists were offered the same sort of cover as car drivers?
You may say that riders are tougher on their bikes than most car drivers, but it can be done.
Yamaha has offered a five-year warranty on its Star cruisers for some time and the axed Victory brand offered a five-year warranty for a limited period to move floor stock.
Warranties can vary according to the type of bike. Dirt bikes, for example, cop a harder time from owners, so some offer warranties based on hours of operation or just a few months.
While it would be good to get a longer warranty on a motorcycle, the customer should be careful to read the manufacturer’s warranty in full because not all are the same.
The Ducati Europe-only warranty campaign is called 4Ever Multistrada and offers unlimited mileage for all models in their 2020 Multistrada range such as the new Multistrada Grand Tour.
2020 Ducati Multistrada Grand Tour has four-year warranty in Europe only
Fine print
Their fine print says is also offers free roadside assist, covers manufacturing defects (excluding wear parts, aesthetic defects, battery and accessories) and only if scheduled services are done.
Most warranties do not cover service items that need replacing due to general wear and tear such as brake pads, chains and sprockets.
Customers should also be aware that their warranty may be voided if they modify their bike from the manufacturer’s original specification or use it for training, hire, competition or racing.
There is also an onus on the customer to have the bike serviced at correct intervals and to alert the dealer as soon as a problem arises, rather than waiting until a little noise becomes a major problem.
You can have your bike serviced by a qualified mechanic who is not part of the manufacturer’s franchise network, but warranties may be voided if they use non-factory parts or parts that are not equal to manufacturer specification.
Make sure you mechanic uses the right parts
Warranty purpose
The purpose of a warranty is to protect consumers against loss due to components that fail within an unreasonable period of time, or defects in vehicle assembly.
It has nothing to do with normal wear and tear, unless there is a fault with a component within a reasonable lifespan.
Manufacturers usually agree to replace or repair faulty parts at no cost to the owner. However, some don’t cover labour costs.
Warranty periods may also vary for the engine, and various parts such as tyres, battery, light bulbs, etc.
You can buy extended warranties from some manufacturers or insurance organisations.
However, you should think first about how long you want to keep the bike.
Also, check whether the warranty can be passed on to the next owner. If it can, that’s a good selling point.
Roadside assist
Manufacturer roadside assistance programs are becoming popular.
However, check whether you are paying for something that is already offered by your automobile association membership (RACV, NRMA, RACQ, etc).
If not, it may be cheaper to add that to your club membership rather than buying a separate assistance program from the manufacturer.
Some roadside assistance packages offer a host of benefits that may not be related to the bike such as travel and insurance assistance and even medical advice.
Ensure you read the contract carefully and don’t pay for anything you think you may never need.
Moto Guzzi Australia has confirmed we will be getting the new V85 TT Travel unveiled last week at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan.
The V85 Travel simply features formerly optional accessories as standard fittings. They are panniers, extra LED lights, a higher windshield, heated grips and phone connectivity.
It also comes in a unique Sabbia Namib colour and graphics with a grey frame and matte chassis.
There is no word yet on arrival or pricing, but expect to pay more than the V85 TT at $18,890 (plus on-road costs).
Travel accessories
Moto Guzzi unveil the new Touring V85 TT at 2019 EICMA
The screen has a 60% larger surface protection area than the standard screen.
The lightweight plastic panniers with alloy inserts have 37-litre capacity on the right to hold a full-face helmet and 27.5 litres on a the left as it sits over the high exhaust pipe.
Pannier locks use the same key. They come with discrete frame mounts to retain the bike’s lines.
The heated hand grips and additional LED lights are controlled by buttons on the left switchblock.
V85 Travel also comes with the Moto Guzzi multimedia platform that allows riders to connect their phone and extend functions of the instrument cluster.
The V85 Travel is powered by the 853cc air-cooled, OHV, transverse 90° V-twin and is shod with Michelin Anakee Adventure tyres.
Moto Guzzi V85 TT Travel
ENGINE
Type
Transverse 90° V twin, two valves per cylinder (titanium intake).
Cooling
Air
Engine capacity
853 cm³
Bore and stroke
84 x 77 mm
Compression ratio
10.5: 1
Maximum power
80 HP (59 kW) at 7,750 rpm
Torque
80 Nm at 5,000 rpm
Fuel system
Electronic injection; Ø 52 mm single throttle body, Ride-by-Wire
Fuel tank capacity
23 litres (including 5 litre reserve)
Emissions compliance
Euro 4
Consumption (WMTC cycle)
4.9 l/100 km
CO2 Emissions (WMTC cycle)
118 g/km
TRANSMISSION
Clutch
Dry single disc
Transmission
6 gears
Gear ratio values
1st 16/39 = 1: 2.437
2nd 18/32 = 1: 1.778
3rd 21/28 = 1: 1.333
4th 24/26 = 1: 1.083
5th 25/24 = 1: 0.960
6th 27/24 = 1: 0.889
CHASSIS
Frame
High strength steel tubular frame
Front suspension
41 mm hydraulic telescopic USD fork, with adjustable spring preload and hydraulic rebound
Front wheel travel
170 mm
Rear suspension
Double-sided swingarm in box-type aluminium with a single shock on the right side, with adjustable spring preload and hydraulic rebound
Rear wheel travel
170 mm
Front brake
Double 320 mm stainless steel floating discs, Brembo radial-mounted callipers with 4 opposed pistons
Rear brake
Ø 260 mm stainless steel disc, floating calliper with 2 pistons
