Tag Archives: By manufacturer

Indian mark 100th with Scout updates and new models

For 2020, the Indian Scout gets a new model and a limited edition to mark its 100th anniversary, plus better brakes, tyres and a host of accessories for current models.

However, there is no word on updates to the rest of the Indian range nor the expected Challenger models powered by a new liquid-cooled 1770cc engine called the Powerplus.

Indian Challenger Powerplus 100th
Indian Challenger Powerplus V-twin

Pricing will be announced on September 11, says Indian Motorcycle Australia and New Zealand marketing manager Chris Gale.

“We will be selling the 100th Anniversary and Bobber Twenty in Australia and will receive stock later this year. No dates confirmed,” he says.

The Scout Sixty is not returning to Aussie showrooms “any time soon”, he says.

Bobber Twenty

Indian Scout 100th Anniversary
2020 Indian Scout Bobber Twenty

The new Scout is a Bobber Twenty which refers to 1920 and pays homage to the original Scout in its 100th year since it began.

In acknowledgement of its tradition it comes with classic wire wheels, 10-inch ape hanger handlebars and a floating saddle like the original.

Expect a small premium over the standard ride-away Bobber price of $A18,995.

They come in a choice of Thunder Black, Sagebrush Smoke (green) and Burnished Metallic (red).

Scout 100th Anniversary

Indian Scout 100th Anniversary
Limited-edition 2020 Indian Scout 100th Anniversary.

Only 750 limited-edition 100th Anniversary models will be available worldwide.

It is highlighted by the “100th” badge on the engine and features “Indian Motorcycle Red” paint with “Anniversary Gold” trim, a desert tan leather solo seat, black wire wheels, beach bars, a luggage rack and chrome finishes.

Indian Scout 100th Anniversary
Limited-edition 2020 Indian Scout 100th Anniversary

In the US, they cost an extra 28% more than the standard model, so they could be around $A24,000.

Scout updates

Indian Scout 100th Anniversary
2020 Indian Scout Bobber

Scout and Scout Bobber models get upgraded brake callipers, master cylinders and floating rotors.

Bobber now comes with Pirelli MT60RS tyres.

All other Scout models get a new sport seat and passenger pegs.

There will be quite a colour range to choose from.

Indian Scout 100th Anniversary
2020 Indian Scout.

Accessories

For those who want to convert these competent cruisers into competent tourers, there is a host of accessories.

The most interesting is the colour-matched quick-release bikini fairing with a 5cm windscreen or optional 12cm and 18cm screens.

There is also a solo luggage rack and solo rack bag and new semi-rigid quick-release saddlebags.

Indian Scout 100th Anniversary
2020 Indian Scout.

Other accessories include a new Bobber seat plus bar-end mirrors, smoked turn signal lenses, tinted windshields and various handlebar and foot control options for the standard Scout.

To cap it off are new stage 1 shorty slip-on mufflers and a 2-into-1 full exhaust system.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Norton builds limited Dominator Street

Norton Motorcycles has followed the success of its Commando Street with a limited “Street” edition of the Dominator with upright bars and a hand-painted tank.

Only 50 bikes will be made costing £21,950.

Australian Norton importer James Mutton of Brisbane Motorcycles says the bikes are only available on order.

James Mutton Brisbane Motorcycles discounting
James with Norton motorcycles

“The factory does not actually make stock as usual when they do a limited-edition bike,” he says.

“They all sell out within a month or so and are then built and imported.”

Dominator StreetNorton Dominator Street

The Dominator Street is expected to start deliveries from next month.

“We will probably end up bringing one or two in if an Australian customer places a deposit soon enough,” James says.

Pricing will be similar to the Dominator Naked at $A52,990 (+ORC) and customers will need to leave a 10% deposit.Norton Dominator Street

“Our market for this bike is obviously very small,” Jame says.

“The very affluent motorcycle collector that has a passion for ultra-rare motorcycles and wishes to secure a bike that will have its own place in motorcycling history fits the profile of someone we would expect to order one of these bikes.”

Norton says they have modified the Dominator chassis to give it a more “sporty” feel.

It comes with an Ohlins rear shock and Ohlins forks in either upside-down or conventional configurations for a classic appearance.Norton Dominator Street

Features include lashings of carbonfibre and polished yokes and engine covers, and drilled clutch cover and chainguard.

The 961cc parallel-twin engine with 58kW and 90Nm now has more of a bark through the two-into-one handmade exhaust system.

Big year

James says he is expecting a big year from the handbuilt British brand.

Some £4m in government funding has now flowed through to the company who have also concluded a £20m deal with Japan.

The deal involves delivering an extra 1000 motorcycles worth £5m to Japanese riders over the next five years.

The extra money will allow Norton Motorcycles to revamp their plant in Castle Donington and hire 200 new workers.

“It’s an amazing place with carpet on the floor and technicians hand assembling the bike at little work benches,” James says.

The big new models coming from Norton soon are the flagship V4 and the affordable Atlas Nomad and Ranger.

Norton Atlas Ranger Nomad wait

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Harley-Davidson future in electric bicycles?

The future looks electric for Harley-Davidson with their LiveWire electric motorcycle as well as three pedal-assisted electric bicycles, electric scooter and electric balance bikes for kids.

Harley-Davidson revealed their electric bicycle and electric scooter concepts at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January.

Last month they launched their LiveWire which arrives in Australia next year at more than $A40,000.

Now they have introduced two electric balance bikes for kids and unveiled a photo of three prototype adult-sized pedal-assisted electric bicycles or “e-bikes” on their website.

With Harley sales down and an ageing demographic, the company is keen to bring in new, younger customers.

This shift toward two-wheeled electric bicycles is part of their future-proofing strategy.

Balance bikesHarley-Davidson electric bicycle balance kids

The balance bikes are aimed at introducing three-to-seven-year-olds to the bar and shield brand.

The aluminium-framed Irone12 has a seat height of 33cm, weighs just 7.7kg and costs $649 while the Irone16 has a 43cm seat, 8.6kg and costs $US699.

A Harley-Davidson Australia spokesperson says “at this point in time we don’t have any further information on Australian distribution”.

The BMX-style bikes are powered by 20Vmax lithium-ion batteries with up to 60 minutes of charge.

The electric hub motors have three speed-limited drive modes with top speeds of 8km/h-128km/h.

Earlier this year, Harley bought Californian children’s electric bicycle company StaCyc, which stands for “stability cycles”.

They began selling two StaCyc models branded with Harley logos, for the same price as these new balance bikes.

Electric bicycles

Harley electric bicycle LiveWire ID specs
Harley electric mountain bike

Harley has previously shown their electric mountain bike and now they have unveiled photos of their electric bicycle prototypes under the “Future Vehicles” tab on their website.Harley-Davidson electric bicycle balance kids

It says they are not yet available for sale, but “coming soon” and “future models shown may not be available in all markets”.

They include mid-mounted electric motors, belt drive and one with a step-through “female” frame.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Second patent for ‘auto’ Suzuki Hayabusa

Suzuki Motorcycles has filed its second patent for a major upgrade to its Hayabusa speed demon with semi-automatic transmission.

The ageing Hayabusa has only had two major upgrades in its 17-year history as the world’s fastest production motorcycles of the last century.

While many are expecting turbo or supercharger technology, the two patents so far have been for a semi-automatic transmission.

The first patent in February 2018 details how actuators will be used to control clutch engagement and the shifting of gears.

Suzuki automatics patents in Hayabusa
Suzuki automatics patents in Hayabusa

So it’s not totally automatic as riders would still need to change gears but without the need to use a clutch.

While the patent application used a drawing of a Hayabusa, it was not necessarily meant for that bike.

Second patent

However, the second patent describes the gear position sensor, confirming that it is destined for the Hayabusa.

Hayabusa GSX1300 second patent
Second Hayabusa GSX1300

The rest of the drawings show the bike much as it is now which means it could probably be powered by the same 1340cc in-line four-cylinder engine with 148kW of power.

However, there is talk of a 1400cc version and possibly forced induction.

Suzuki president Toshihiro Suzuki has confirmed that Suzuki engineers are working on the new bike, but has not said when it would be due.

He says it will follow the same style, but gain several electronic riding aids.

Fastest rider Beccie Ellis on her Hayabusa Turbo - wheelie second patent
Beccie Ellis on her Hayabusa Turbo

There is not much they can do with the styling as the bike was designed to be aerodynamically stable at high speeds.

It was apparently designed on paper by aerodynamic experts, but not tested in a wind tunnel until several years later when it was confirmed the aero theories actually worked.

So when it was updated in 2008 and 2017, there was no need to change the shape. 

Auto push

The push toward automatics and semi-auto transmission is gaining momentum.

While most automatic two-wheelers are scooters with CVT, there is a growing list of motorcycles with auto or semi-auto clutchless transmissions.

Honda leads the way with its dual-clutch transmission in the Africa Twin, NC700X, CTX700, VFR1200X and NM4 Vultus.

Aprilia also has the automatic Mana 850 GT and even MV Agusta has a semi-automatic Rekluse clutch in its Turismo Veloce 800 Lusso SCS.

MV Agusta Turismo Veloce 800 Lusso practical
MBW rides the Turismo Veloce 800 Lusso SCS

Husqvarna is also offering an aftermarket automatic Rekluse X clutch option to upgrade their Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401.

And many electric motorcycles are virtually automatic because the electric motor can be used as a direct-drive unit. It is similar to turning up the volume on an amplifier or turning up the “suck” on your vacuum cleaner.

Harley-Davidson employs this drive on their LiveWire electric motorcycle.

We have also heard unconfirmed reports that Harley has invested in American clutch company Rekluse which makes aftermarket auto clutches for Harleys.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Harley keeps lid on 2020 model prices

Despite the Australian dollar falling more than 16% since January 2018, Harley-Davidson Australia has largely kept a lid on prices for the 2020 model line-up.

In January 2018, the Aussie dollar bought 80 US cents and it is now around 67c, yet most models have been pegged at 2019 prices.prices

Prices drop

In fact, the much-hyped, but low-performing FXDR (pictured above) is now $3000 cheaper, the Street Bob is down $1000 and the Fat Bob S is $255 less.

Despite the Touring models gaining a suite of hi-tech rider aids such as traction control, hill-start assist and tyre pressure monitors, prices have only risen a maximum of $500 on some models.

However, prices have been hiked by $4000 on the CVO Street Glide and Ultra Limited which also get the hi-tech rider aids.

As much as that might sound, it’s only an 8% increase which is half the dollar’s decrease since the start of 2018.

New and axed models

2020 Harley-Davidson ow Rider S prices
2020 Low Rider S

Two new models in the 2020 line-up are the Low Rider S and the CVO Tri Glide.

However, they have chopped the lacklustre-selling Street Rod, but strangely also chopped out the popular Breakout (but kept the Breakout S) and Heritage Classic.

We asked Harley-Davidson Australia for comment on the prices, but didn’t receive a reply.

However, it is clear Harley can’t hike prices when Harley sales were down 19.4% in the first half of the year.

Harley-Davidson 2020 models Code Colour 2020 rideaway price  2019 price
Street 500 XG500 Vivid Black $9995.00 $9995.00
SuperLow  XL883L Vivid Black $15,995.00 $15,995.00
Iron 883  XL883N Solid Colour $15,995.00 $15,995.00
Iron 1200 S XL1200NS Vivid Black $16,995.00 $16,495.00
Forty-Eight  XL1200X Vivid Black $18,995.00 $18,995.00
Forty-Eight Special XL1200XS Vivid Black $18,995.00 $18,995.00
1200 Custom  XL1200C Solid Colour $19,750.00 $19,250.00
Street Bob (107) FXBB Vivid Black $22,495.00 $23,495.00
Low Rider (107)  FXLR Vivid Black $24,495.00 $24,495.00
Slim (107)  FLSL Vivid Black $26,495.00 $26,495.00
Sport Glide FLSB Vivid Black $27,750.00 $27,750.00
Fat Bob (107) FXFB Vivid Black $27,750.00 $27,750.00
Low Rider S (114) FXLRS Vivid Black $27,995.00
Deluxe (107)  FLDE Vivid Black $29,750.00 $29,750.00
Fat Bob S (114) FXFBS Vivid Black $29,995.00 $30,250.00
Fat Boy (107)  FLFB Vivid Black $30,995.00 $30,995.00
FXDR (114)  FXDRS Vivid Black $32,495.00 $35,495.00
Fat Boy S (114) FLFBS Vivid Black $33,995.00 $33,995.00
Heritage Classic S (114) FLHCS Vivid Black $33,995.00 $33,995.00
Breakout S (114)  FXBRS Vivid Black $34,250.00 $34,250.00
Road King (107)  FLHR Vivid Black $34,495.00 $34,495.00
Electra Glide (107) FLHT Vivid Black $34,495.00
Road King S (114)  FLHRXS Vivid Black $36,495.00 $36,250.00
Street Glide Special (114) FLHXS Vivid Black $39,250.00 $38,750.00
Road Glide Special (114)  FLTRXS Vivid Black $39,250.00 $38,750.00
Ultra Limited (114)  FLHTK Vivid Black $41,495.00 $40,995.00
Freewheeler (114)  FLRT Vivid Black $45,995.00 $42,995.00
Tri Glide Ultra Classic (114) FLHTCUTG Vivid Black $55,995.00 $53,250.00
CVO Street Glide (117) FLHXSE Custom $54,995.00 $50,495.00
CVO Ultra Limited (117) FLHTKSE Custom $57,495.00 $53,495.00
CVO Tri Glide (117)  FLHTCUTGSE Custom $73,250.00
 

(Prices are for Vivid Black only or solid colour where Vivid Black is not offered. Solid, Two-Tone and Custom paint are optional extras.)

Battle of the KingsHarley keeps lid on 2020 model prices

This comes as 26 Australian and New Zealand Harley dealers have been battling in the second annual custom motorcycle build-off competition, Battle of the Kings.

Winner was Gold Coast Harley-Davidson with a Softail Slim (pictured above) that pays homage to the old Panheads and Knuckleheads with a springer front end, custom bars, an original style muffler from a 1930s Harley and a custom-made 2-1 exhaust with old-school ribbing and a chain and sprocket.

It features paint that also pays respects to Harley race bikes of the 1940s. 

The custom build is named “Hollister Riot” in reference to the Hollister Riot of 1947 at the AMA Sanctioned Gypsy Tour Motorcycle Rally in the Californian town.

The number 16 is a reference to Jimmy Chan, who made history with three consecutive wins at the Springfield Mile and was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1998.
The other finalists were Morgan & Wacker of Brisbane, Adelaide Bike Works, Rolling Thunder of Christchurch and Sunshine Coast Harley.

Gold Coast Harley-Davidson will now represent ANZ against other international winners. Four winners will be selected via online voting and meet the USA winner at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, Italy, in November to battle it out for Global Custom King title.

The other Aussie finalists are pictured below.

 

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Rare ride on Ray’s 1948 Vincent Rapide

It is a rare delight to ride a classic motorcycle, so there was no hesitation when Ray Schriever offered me a ride on his prized 1948 Vincent Rapide.

Ray, 69, is a retired aviation engineer who marvels at the British bike’s clever engineering, much of it courtesy of Australian engineer Phil Irving.

“We became friends over the years when he was president of the Vincent Owners Club,” Ray says of Phil.

“He was a genius and this Vincent has some remarkable engineering and unique ideas.”

1948 Vincent Rapide
Ray with Phil

Unique Vincent Rapide

They include the two side stands which can be used separately or together to create a front wheel stand.

There is also a rear wheel stand and a hinged rear fender.

Together with the front stands, it allows the removal of both wheels.

1948 Vincent Rapide
Two side stands

The rear wheel can also be spun around so you can have two sets of sprockets for road and race gearing or for the use of a sidecar.

It is also the first bike with hydraulic damping and most of the fasteners are T-bars so there is no need for spanners, even to remove the wheels.

1948 Vincent Rapide
Hydraulic damping

You can even adjust the chain tension with a simple finger-operated control.

1948 Vincent Rapide
Easy chain adjuster

“This is truly an engineer’s bike,” Ray says.

“It was the first completely new post-war motorcycle.

“Steel was hard to come by after the war so there is a lot of aluminium and stainless on the bike. It’s a lot lighter than it looks.” 

Vincent love affair

Ray’s love affair with the British Vincent HRD brand began as a kid with a photo of a Vincent on his bedroom wall.

“I bought my first Vincent, a Meteor, in 1968 as an apprentice, for $50 and paid it off over 10 weeks. I later bought a Rapide, I sold both bikes and bought a Black Shadow which I rode for years, in fact decades,” he says.

He bought the 1948 Vincent Rapide five years ago from Melbourne for $60,000. It’s now worth about $80,000.1948 Vincent Rapide

“The Vincent Rapide and Back Shadow are basically the same bike but the Shadow has different cams and larger carburettors,” Ray explains.

“It was in good condition but it had had a hard life as either a speedway or race bike.”

Ray’s done a bit of work on the bike and after tickling the carbs and getting the kickstarter in the right position it starts second go.

He takes it round the block, then allows me a short ride, warning me that the brakes are not great.

My turn

As I set out for my ride around the block the Vincent Rapide feels incredibly light with a ballsy engine and surprisingly slick gears which are one up, three down and on the right foot lever.

I almost overshoot the first turn when I go for the brakes and there are virtually none as Ray had warned.

Plus there was the fact that I instinctively clicked down on the right foot lever going up a gear instead of activating the rear drum brake!1948 Vincent Rapide

It easily flicks left and steers accurately despite that whole front end bouncing around on its girder suspension.

When I round the corner to pull in, Ray implores me to have another lap and give it a red-hot go as he waves his arms in the air.

The ballsy engine roars and the bike vibrates a little but not as much as I thought. It’s a rare and too-short experience, but one I won’t forget.

“They called it the big little bike,” Ray says as I return.

“It’s capable fo 120mph (193km/h) and I’ve startled a few riders in the past on modern bikes as I flash past them.”

Ray has owned a number of motorcycles in his life and still has a BMW R 1100 RS, but says the Rapide is his favourite.

“I’m a Vincent obsessive. I just like the way it works.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Benelli 502C is a LAMS urban cruiser

Benelli 502C fits into a category of bike roughly referred to as an urban cruiser suitable for learner and novice riders.

It arrives in Australian showrooms at $9790 ride away with a two-year unlimited kilometre warranty and roadside assistance in gloss black, “Coniac Red” or matte black.

Urban cruiser

If you think we have invented the term “LAMS urban cruiser” check out these competitors:

It’s a popular class and the best seller is the Honda, followed by the Harley and the Kawasaki.

The first of these urban cruisers was the Yamaha Bolt C which is probably also the most stylish … until now.

Benelli’s Italian-designed and Chinese-made model is beautiful.

After all, it seems to be designed along the lines of a small-capacity Ducati Diavel with a similar trellis-style frame, floating seat, remote rear fender, bellypan and stubby twin single-sided mufflers.

It features forward foot controls which are adjustable like the Vulcan S, wide handlebars, moderate-height 750mm seat and distinctive LED headlights.

The Benelli 502C is powered by their in-line 500cc liquid-cooled twin with 35kW Of power at 8500 revs and 45Nm of midrange torque. The engine is mated to six-speed gearbox.

The generous 21-litre tank should allow these urban cruisers to stray far from their urban environs.

Benelli 502C tech specsBenelli 502C urban cruiser

  • Price: $9790 ride away
  • Engine: 500cc in-line twin, 4 stroke, liquid cooled, 4 valves , DOHC
  • Bore x stroke: 69 x 66.8mm
  • Power: 35kW @ 8500rpm
  • Torque: 45Nm @ 5000rpm
  • Emissions: Euro 4, CO2 96g/km
  • Economy: 4.2Lt/100km
  • Transmission: Multidisk wet clutch, 6 speeds
  • Frame: Trestle steel tubes and plates
  • Suspension: Upside-down 41mm forks, 125mm travel; swingarm with central shock absorber, spring preload adjustable, 50mm travel
  • Brakes: twin 280mm floating disks with 4-piston calliper; 240mm disc, piston floating calliper; ABS
  • Tyres: 120/70 – ZR17” M/C 58W; 160/60 – ZR17” M/C 69W
  • Seat: 750mm
  • Wheelbase: 1600mm
  • Wet weight: 217kg
  • Tank: 21Lt
  • Length: 2280mm
  • Width: 940mm
  • Height: 1140mm
  • Warrant: 2 years, unlimited kilometre, roadside assistance
  • Colours: gloss black, “Coniac Red” or matte black.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Low Rider S returns to Harley stable

The Low Rider S returns to the Harley-Davidson stable with its biggest engine yet, along with three new CVO models for 2020. They will be in stores from early October.

Back in 2016, the Low Rider S was a twin-shock Dyna fitted with a 110-cube Screamin’ Eagle engine. Now it arrives as a single-shock Softail with a Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine.

The previous model was a big seller for Harley-Davidson Australia, so they will be hoping this is the same.

They certainly need the boost after a 19.4% drop in sales in the first half of 2019.

Still, the company is the top-selling road bike company in Australia after Honda sales crashed 11.8% as Australia Post seems to have stopped buying their Postie scooter.

Low Rider S2020 Harley-Davidson ow Rider S

The menacing-looking Low Rider S is marked by blacked-out finishes, raised handlebars, solo seat and a Sons of Anarchy mini fairing.

It’s knuckles to the wind with a 2.5cm (one-inch) diameter motocross-style handlebar mounted on 10cm (four-inch) straight risers.

The Low Rider S powertrain, primary cover and tank console are finished in Wrinkle Black, the derby cover, intake, and lower rocker covers are Gloss Black, the mufflers and exhaust shields are Jet Black and the forks, triple-clamp, riser and handlebar, and rear fender supports are Matte

Black.

The LED layback tail lamp has a smoked lens.

It sits on bronze cast-aluminium wheels will be available in Vivid Black and Barracuda Silver.

Price is now $A27,995 ($NZ29,995), up from $25,995 in 2016 when it was a 110 engine.

2020 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S
Low Rider S in Barracuda Silver

2020 CVO range

The new limited-production Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) models are CVO Tri Glide, CVO Limited and CVO Street Glide.

All are powered by the Milwaukee Eight 117-cube (1923cc) V-twin with 169Nm of torque (125 lb ft).

They now come with new technologies and electronic Reflex Defensive Rider Systems (RDRS) with chassis control, electronic brake control and powertrain technology.

Not only does RDRS feature traction control, but also cornering ABS, linked braking, clutch assist to limit rear wheel lock-up, tyre pressure monitors and even assistance to prevent you rolling backward on hill starts!

Click here for full technical details.

Base prices

CVO Tri-Glide: $A73,250 ($NZ78,995)

CVO Limited: $A57,495 ($NX59,750)

CVO Street Glide: $54,995 ($NZ56,495)

CVO Tri-Glide features:

2020 Harley-Davidson CVO Tri-glide
2020 CVO Tri-glide
  • Tomahawk Contrast Cut cast aluminium wheels (front 19-inch and rear 18-inch diameter)
  • Kahuna Collection accessories: heated rider grips, pegs, rider and passenger floorboards, and muffler tips
  • All LED Lighting: Daymaker® headlamp, fog lamps, tail/brake lamps and signals
  • Colour-matched painted fairing duct
  • Low-Profile windshield
  • Clean front fender is trimmed to expose more of the custom front wheel
  • Power locking trunk with interior light
  • Heated rider and passenger seat covers
  • Ventilator air cleaner and air cleaner insert
  • Lighted hand controls
  • Tour-Pak carrier dome light and carrier rack
  • CVO motorcycle custom-fit luggage and a trunk organiser
  • CB radio

Colours: Blizzard White with a three-stripe graphic pattern and Gray Contrast Cut wheels and bright chrome finishes; Black Stardust with a three-stripe graphic pattern and Gloss Black Contrast Cut wheels and bright chrome finishes.

CVO Street Glide features:

2020 CVO Street Glide
2020 CVO Street Glide
  • Fugitive cast aluminium wheels
  • Low-profile two-piece fuel tank console
  • Updated rider and passenger seat/backrest cover and stitching
  • Heavy Breather air cleaner with two paint treatments
  • Larger colour-matched oil cooler cover is a larger size
  • Smoked mid-frame air deflectors
  • Billet fairing-mount mirrors

Colours:

  • Black Stardust Fade to Stormcloud with subtle graphic treatment highlighted by Satin Chrome and Bright Chrome finishes. Fugitive wheels finished in Gloss Black/Satin. Ventilator air cleaner.
  • Smokey Gray and Black Hole with new 1970s/race-inspired graphics highlighted by Gloss Black, Satin Black and Black Onyx finishes. Fugitive wheels finished in Denim Black/Gloss Black. Gloss Black Heavy Breather air cleaner.
  • Premium Sand Dune monotone finish with pearl topcoat and subtle graphics highlighted by Smoked Satin Chrome, Gloss Black and Black Onyx finishes. Fugitive wheels finished in Gloss Black/Smoked Satin. Gloss Black Heavy Breather air cleaner.

CVO Limited colours

2020 CVO Limited
2020 CVO Limited
  • Moonlight Blue with Deep Sea Blue Accents done with modern twist of two-tone and panel style paint highlighted by Satin Chrome and Bright Chrome finishes and new graphics and medallions; Tomahawk wheels finished in Contrast Gloss Black/Satin.
  • Smokey Gray with Stormcloud Accents done with modern twist of two-tone and panel style paint highlighted by Gloss Black, Satin Black and Black Onyx finishes and new graphics and medallions; Tomahawk wheels finished in Contrast Denim Black/Gloss Black.
  • Premium Sand Dune monotone finish with pearl topcoat and subtle graphics highlighted by Smoked Satin Chrome, Gloss Black and Black Onyx finishes; Tomahawk wheels finished in Gloss Black/Smoked Satin.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Is BMW chasing a supercharged future?

BMW Motorrad has filed a patent for a supercharger with a drawing of an S 1000 RR (above) which could challenge the supercharged Kawasaki H2R as the fastest and most powerful motorcycle in the world.

Bimota and Hesketh have also launched supercharged models in recent years and Honda is rumoured to be working on a similar project.

Hesketh introducing a Valiant Supercharger supercharged
Hesketh Valiant Supercharger

Meanwhile, Yamaha has filed a patent for a turbo and Suzuki has been considering turbocharging for several years with its Incursion concept.

Suzuki Recursion with turbocharging
Suzuki Recursion

This industry move toward forced induction is not just about setting power records, but also meeting the coming tougher emissions laws.

Now BMW has joined the charge toward cleaner and more efficient forced induction with a supercharger with an electric compressor to free air into the combustion chamber via an intercooler.

Turbo or supercharged?

blown turbo supercharged
1980s Honda CX 650TC Turbo

In the 1980s, several manufacturers played with temperamental turbo technology, but it was a difficult to control the light-switch power delivery so they had a short life.

However, modern turbos are more efficient, lighter, smaller and more reliable.

While a turbo takes its power from the exhaust gases, superchargers that power from the crankshaft.

Kawasaki H2 paint supercgarged
Supercharged Kawasaki H2R

There are advantages and disadvantages in these two technologies.

Turbochargers are quieter, smaller, more efficient, but also more complex.

Superchargers can deliver their boost at lower revs than a turbocharger and are more reliable and easier to maintain. However, they are harder on the engine.

It will be interesting to see which way the industry goes in coming years on forced induction.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Harley-Davidson patenting adaptive cruise

Harley-Davidson is joining Bosch, Ducati and KTM in developing motorcycle adaptive cruise control, but with a special feature that allows for group riding.

The company has recently applied to the US Patent Office for a patent on its system.

Adaptive cruise

Many touring motorcycles now come with cruise control and adaptive cruise is the next step.

Last year KTM and Ducati announced they were working open adaptive cruise control which has been available in many cars for some years.

Ducati even announced they would introduce it and blind spot awareness in “every” 2020 model! We will see when they release their 2020 model line-up on October 23.

Staggered riding

Harley-Davidson motorcycles Harley days Thunder Run adaptive cruise
Harley riders love a parade.

If you’re wondering how this would affect Harley group rides where they ride in close, staggered formation, fear not. Harley is cleverly planning something a little different.

Adaptive cruise control uses radar sensors to detect  vehicles in front and varies your vehicle’s speed accordingly.

It keeps your vehicle a pre-determined distance behind that varies with your speed. Some allow you to select a certain timed gap, such as two seconds and up to about five seconds.

But motorcycles may be a little different because two motorcycles can legally share the same lane in some jurisdictions and group rides tend to run in a staggered formation.

While the bike directly in front may be a safe distance away, the bike in the other wheel track, but the same lane can be a lot closer. That would interfere with adaptive cruise control.

But that’s where Harley’s system is a little different.

It recognises the difference between cars and motorcycles.

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The system also allows the rider to select which vehicle they want to adapt their speed to, allowing safe staggered-formation rides at any speed.

Hopefully the controls aren’t too fiddly or it could become a distraction, rather than a safety device.

Harley has also applied for a patent for an automatic braking system which would no doubt be linked into this tech to make group riding safer.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com