Tag Archives: By manufacturer

BMW appears set for 9cento production

BMW Motorrad appears to be going ahead with a production version of the Concept 9cento that converts from a solo sports bike to a two-up tourer with luggage in a matter of seconds using strong magnets.

The clue is in these design drawings filed with property offices in Germany and Brazil.

It is difficult to tell from the drawings whether the bike has the same two-in-one features of the Concept 9cento, pronounced ‘nove cento’, which means 900 in Italian.

It’s also a little less aggressive than the concept model.BMW 9cento concept tourer

But it’s still an interesting model that we suspect will have the new 850cc parallel twin engine.

The mid-sized sports tourer concept launched this time last year featured magnetic clip-on luggage that also extends the seat from solo to dual.

The drawings don’t show any luggage features.

BMW’s popular R nineT was their first bike developed with a solo-to-dual-seat conversion, but it uses mechanical latches.

Rather than fiddly mechanical attachments, the 9cento uses a powerful electromagnet that easily attaches the luggage to the lower section of the rear carrier.

Heaven forbid the magnet loses current and drops your luggage and pillion on the ground!

The BMW Motorrad Concept 9cento to be revealed at the 2018 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.

9cento details

The German manufacturer unveiled the 9cento at the 2018 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este at Lake Como in Italy.

BMW has still not released any tech specs.

Other highlights are a lightweight carbon fibre triangular frame, aluminium panels, long travel suspension and two symmetrical LED headlights and twin LED taillights that feature the BMW Motorrad motif.

BMW Motorrad Head of Design Edgar Heinrich says the bike brings together sports, adventure and touring as an allrounder.

“It doesn’t always have to be about ‘bolder, bigger, brighter’ nowadays: this concept bike focuses on achieving a sense of balance,” he says.

The BMW Motorrad Concept 9cento to be revealed at the 2018 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.

3D printed protectors

When BMW Motorrad unveiled the 9cento, they also showed leather and Kevlar jackets in similar design which is another indication of a production model looming.

They feature shoulder protectors integrated into the jacket using 3D printing.

Last year the company won an award for the carbon fibre swingarm in their HP4 Race made cheaply using 3D printing techniques.

BMW HP4 RACE Swingarm MAGNETS
BMW HP4 RACE swingarm

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Royal Enfield faces new Trials ahead

Royal Enfield is facing trialling times with a new CEO, plans to build an assembly factory in Thailand and the launch of Trials versions of its 350cc and 500cc Bullet.

Bullet Trials

While the new Trials bikes could hardly be used for trials riding, they do show a slightly more off-road emphasis, although they have avoided the usual trendy scrambler styling.

Instead, they get a single pipe that rises at a 45-degree angle, headlight grille, slightly knobby rubber, solo seat, rear rack, bash plate and a side plate.

They come with chrome tanks in a day-glo red and an olive green.

The Trials versions look pretty cool and should be able to tackle some dirtier roads.

Not that gnarly tracks have ever stumped the RE thumpers.Royal Enfield Trials

Many tours are conducted up the Himalayan mountains on these bikes and I did a trip around Sri Lanka last year that included some rough dirt tracks with ease on a Classic 500.

There is no word yet on when or whether they will be available in Australia, but they shouldn’t cost any more than the current crop.

New CEO

Royal Enfield CEO Siddhartha Lal trials
Siddhartha Lal

Parent company Eicher Motors has announced the appointment of Vinod K. Dasari as the Chief Executive Officer of Royal Enfield to take over from Siddhartha Lal who will continue as the Managing Director of Eicher Motors Ltd.

Siddhartha says the new CEO will lead the company “into its next phase of evolution to a global brand”.

Vinod has been CEO and Managing Director of Ashok Leyland since 2011 and also served as President of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers and President of Automotive Research Association of India.

“Vinod is a proven leader who combines business vision and people skills. He has been a catalyst in reviving the fortunes of his previous company and re-shaping the dynamics of a hitherto slow-moving industry,” Siddhartha says.

Thai plant

Thailand Triumph factory trials
Thailand Triumph factory

Royal Enfield also recently announced it would build an assembly plant in Thailand to cater for rising demand in the domestic market.

There is no confirmation that the bikes will be exported to other countries, but it has also not been ruled out.

Thailand has become the new automotive powerhouse.

It is now the largest automotive manufacturer in South East Asia and the 12th in the world, thanks to protective tariffs, corporate tax breaks and a central location wth several ports for export.

In 2015, Thailand made 1.8 motorcycles, with domestic sales of 1.6 million and exports of 350,000 units.

Australia gets 80% of the Triumph range, Ducati Scramblers and some small- and medium-capacity Japanese bikes and scooters from Thailand.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Indian trademarks Challenger name

Challenger is the third new model name Indian Motorcycle has trademarked since last December when they trademarked Raven and January when they added Renegade.

The trademark filings in the US and Europe have got the industry buzzing about a possible model assault from a company which has been fairly steady in its lineup for a few years.

This is in stark contrast to their American colleagues, Harley-Davidson, who are on a plan to release 100 new models in 10 years, including electric bikes and an adventure bike.

All of which begs the question, could the Raven, Renegade or Challenger be electric or something totally out of the box like Harley’s Pan America adventure bike?

2020 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 clutch challenger
Harley Pan America

The trademarks are for the names Indian raven, Indian Renegade and Indian Challenger for use on “motorcycles and structural parts therefor” plus “clothing namely shirts, jackets, hats and gloves”.

The use of the name “Indian Challenger” is probably to avoid any trademark infringement on the Dodge Challenger pony car.

Dodge Challenger
Dodge Challenger

Challenger name

With absolutely nothing else to go on, we have made a few stabs at what we think these models could be.

Apart from the reference to the Dodge muscle car, the name Challenger still has unfortunate ties to the 1986 space shuttle disaster.

Challenger space shuttle explodes 76 seconds after lift off
Challenger space shuttle explodes 76 seconds after lift off

We’re not sure how Americans would take to a motorcycle with the same name.

That disaster aside, the name has two connotations for us: a drag-race and an obstacle course.

So they could be producing a drag-style bike like Harley’s V-Rod or the new Softail FXDR, which seems to have been a bit of a sales flop.

Or they could be doing an adventure bike like Harley.

But all that assumes they would follow Harley’s lead. That’s not a wise thing given the current sales troubles of the Milwaukee icon.

Renegade name

A Renegade is “a person who deserts and betrays an organisation, country, or set of principles”, so it could be a whole new model.

Jeep has a Renegade model, so maybe the Indian Renegade will be their adventure bike, or even a trendy scrambler.

Or perhaps it’s a smaller capacity bike for young rebels.

That would fit into our Learner-Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS) and be a huge leg up for Indian Motorcycle Australia as the learner sector continues to thrive in a slow market.

Renegade could also be a variation of the FTR 1200 which arrives in the next couple of months.

Indian FTR 1200 adds accessories renegade
Indian FTR 1200

However, they already have the base model, S and S Race-Replica.

Ride away prices for the FTR 1200 are:

  • FTR 1200 (Thunder Black) from $20,995;
  • FTR 1200 S (Indian Motorcycle Red over Steel Gray, Titanium Metallic over Thunder Black Pearl) from $22,995;
  • FTR 1200 S Race-Replica from $23,995.

Raven name

Raven would be a useful designation for blacked-out models.

However, Indian already uses “Dark Horse” for blacked-out versions of their Chief, Springfield and Roadmaster models.

2018 Indian Springfield Dark Horse - scout bobber pricing halogen machine renegade
2018 Indian Springfield Dark Horse

So maybe, Raven could be used to differentiate blacked-out versions of their FTR 1200 street tracker and Scout models from their cruisers/tourers.

Either way, it looks like being another big year for Indian Motorcycle which last year recorded 8.7% sales growth.

This was the highest growth rate of any motorcycle companies in Australia and one of only three to record any growth.

Click here for the full 2018 sales results.

2018 Motorcycle Slump renegade
Total motorcycle, scooter, and ATV sales

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Extreme Aprilia RSV4 X for track only

Ten years after introducing the RSV4, Aprilia has produced 10 extreme RSV4 X track-only models available at €39,900 (about $A63,700).

That compares with the RSV4 RR at $25,3990 (plus on-road costs).

They will only be available online sometime in April.

RSV X extrasExtreme Aprilia RSV4 X for track only

However, the RSV4 X features MotoGP and World Superbike components and is bound to be the closest thing to a production race bike with 165kW (221.8hp) and weighing in at a mere 165kg.

One of the highlights is the Aprilia No Neutral gearbox which has neutral below first gear.

Aprilia says this allows faster upshifting from first to second and prevents accidentally selecting neutral.

It’s the same system A prolix Racing uses on its race bikes and it is the first time it has been included in a production bike.

The RSV4 X engine comes from the RSV4 1100 Factory which increased from a World Superbike-legal 996cc to 1078cc this year by boring out to 81m.

Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory slims rsv4 x
Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory

In Factory trim, it produces 162kW (217hp), so the X gets an extra 5.2 ponies.

The RSV4 X sheds weight tanks to a host of carbon fibre, billet aluminium levers and pegs, shedding 12kg in all.

There is also Marchesini forged magnesium wheels shod with sticky Pirelli slick tyres and Brembo GP-4 MS front calipers paired to a set of street brake rotors with T-Drive technology.Extreme Aprilia RSV4 X for track only

Track day

Meanwhile, Aprilia Australia is celebrating the arrival of the 2019 RSV41100RF and Tuono V41100 RF model with semi-active suspension with two special Aprilia owners track day events in April.

The first is on Monday April 8 at Phillip Island Circuit and on Wednesday April 24 at Sydney Motorsport Park.

The RSV4 and Tuono V41100 range will be on show at the track days.

2017 Aprilia RSV4 RF
Knee-and-elbow-down time!

Full day track passes are available for $225 which includes a powered garage spot, 6 x 15-20 min sessions on track and access to suspension technicians and a tyre change service. Places are limited and skill levels from Novice to Racer will be catered for.

For further information or to book your place please visit the Aprilia Australia Facebook events page or contact Paul McCann (Aprilia Australia) on 0447 233 912.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Suzuki announces Australian Katana price

Suzuki Australia has announced that the reincarnated Katana will arrive in September at $18,990 ride away.

That’s more than $1000 more than the similar retro-inspired Kawasaki Z900RS.

It’s a hefty price to pay for a bike that looks very little like its predecessor, but is packed with modern tech.

The Katana price includes 12 months registration and is backed by Suzuki’s 24 month, unlimited kilometre warranty.

2019 Katana deposits gp

Suzuki Australia is only taking pre-orders online with a $1000 deposit.

If you pay the deposit and change your mind after three business days, Suzuki Australia told us they would only refund $450.

The remaining $550 would take into account the “reasonable administrative costs Suzuki will incur as a result of your cancellation”.

All customers who order the Katana online also receive a Katana-themed Arai QV-Pro helmet, valued at $995, with their bike delivery.

Reincarnated Katana

2019 Suzuki atana deposits gp

The reincarnated Katana was unveiled at the Intermot show in October 2018 in traditional silver and black.

The next month, a second “Glass Sparkle Black” version was unveiled at the EICMA show in Milan.

Australia will get both colours.

2019 Suzuki atana deposits gp

The 2019 Katana has several styling cues from the old Katana including sharp lines, sports screen, half-fairing, stepped two-tone seat, stubby black exhaust and rectangular headlight.

Modern styling changes and features include full LED lighting, a remote rear fender and a massive catalytic convertor underneath.

The biggest change is straight bars instead of clip-ons, so it might be ergonomically less painful to ride.

2019 Suzuki atana deposits gp

Power comes from a long-stroke version of the fuel-injected 999cc inline-four engine with 110kW at 10,000rpm and 108Nm of torque at 9500rpm.

Features include a back-torque-limiting clutch, Suzuki’s three-mode Traction Control System, Fujico disc brakes with Brembo front brake calipers and ABS, and new tyres with a tubeless inner structure designed exclusively for the Katana.

Suzuki makes a point of saying the seat is comfortable, probably because the old Katana was notoriously uncomfortable. However, the seat is fairly high at 825mm.

2019 Katana deposits gp

Former two-stroke GP racer Nobuatsu Aoki who raced against Mick Doohan features in this video riding the upcoming Suzuki Katana, claiming it delivers power in a similar way.

Interestingly, Nobuatsu who finished third in the 500cc GP championship in 1997 to Mick, says the bike reminds him of his GP machines. Or at least we think so. It’s a little confusing, or may simply be lost in translation.

This is what he has to say about the power delivery:

The power at full throttle is important, but very little time is spent full power.

Much more of your time is spent just easing open the throttle from the fully closed position.I ’d rather feel the smooth pickup you’d expect from a two-stroke or GP machine.

When the engine kicks in and the chain tenses, it’s important to have a mechanism that gradually increases the load to the rear tyre.

The Katana seems to have such a system, but it hides it.Katana GP Nobuatsu Aoki

Nobuatsu is filmed riding the bike on a slippery, wet, Japanese road strewn with leaves so he comments on the traction control and ABS and says it gives “great confidence”.

For a racer who spent his career with his head down and bum up, Nobatsu says he enjoys the upright stance of the Katana which is far removed from the original.

I like the riding position built into the Katana … the positioning of the handlebars feels natural the first time out, testifying to the value of the Suzuki tradition.

A proper engine in a proper chassis. And the riding position is fantastic. I was surprised how easy to ride it is.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Indian FTR 1200 Aussie roadshow

Indian Motorcycle Australia has acquired several pre-production Indian FTR 1200 models for a roadshow of eastern Australia ahead of their arrival in July.

The flat-track-inspired bike is in Melbourne until March 23, then Canberra Motorcycle Centre (March 25-26), Steel City Motorcycles, Wollongong (March 27-28), Sydney (March 29-April 1), Brisbane (April 10-14 and Brisan Motorcycles, Newcastle (April 17-20) with more dates to come.

Spokesman Christopher Gale says customers will be the first to get to ride the Indian FTR 1200 with demo models available in “July sometime”.

Meanwhile, potential buyers can check out for themselves what they think of the bike.

Top of the pops

Indian FTR 1200 adds accessories
Indian FTR 1200 with accessories

The Indian FTR 1200 is the motorcycle that most excited our readers in 2018, according to readership data.

It also topped our poll of the 2019 models you and we would most like to ride this year.

Late last year the company said their FTR 1200 website and social media announcement had more than 80 million hits.

Since October, this video has been watched more than 170,00 times.

FTR 1200 prices

The FTR 1200 will come to Australia in a basic model in black for $19,995 ride away and the FTR 1200 S in red and grey or titanium and black for $22,995.

It will also be available in a Race-Replica paint scheme with red frame matching the FTR750 race bike starting at $23,995 ride away in Australia.

FTR 1200 Indian buyers
FTR 1200 and FTR 750 flat-track racer

There was some concern when the production model was finally unveiled that the exhaust did not match the high-side exhaust of the prototype.

However, we reckon the lower exhaust will be a lot cooler (literally) than the high pipe!

Indian Motorcycle FTR1200 big-bore flat tracker rod ftr 1200 buyers
FTR1200 prototype

While S&S Cycle has made an aftermarket exhaust, Indian has announced that the Akrapovic Exhaust will now be standard on FTR1200 S Race Replica.

S&S Cycle prototype exhaust for Indian FTR 1200 buyers
S&S Cycle prototype exhaust

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Norton unveils Breitling Commando 961

Norton Motorcycles has unveiled a limited-edition Commando 961 Cafe Racer MKII to mark its collaboration with Swiss watchmaker Breitling.

The bike is one of just 77 and includes dials designed by the watchmaker, as well as signature “Bs” engraved on the clutch box and stitched into the seat. imited-edition Commando 961 Cafe Racer MKII

There is no word yet on price, but the current model costs more than $A33,000 in Australia.

Breitling watchimited-edition Commando 961 Cafe Racer MKII

The limited-edition bike has been developed to coincide wth the release of a new watch from the Swiss watchmaker’s Premier collection.

Their Breitling Premier B01 Chronograph 42 Norton Edition costs a hefty $A11,250 and is only available online

It honours the British bike brand with Norton logos engraved on the left side of the case and transparent caseback. imited-edition Commando 961 Cafe Racer MKII

The black dial has gold numerals, silver subdials and white bezel inscribed with the word “TACHYMETER” in red. 

The hands are coated in a luminescent “Super-LumiNova” finish to make them easily legible for riders day and night.

It comes with either a brown leather strap or stainless steel bracelet.imited-edition Commando 961 Cafe Racer MKII

Watch collaborations

It is not the first time a luxury watchmaker has collaborated with a motorcycle company.

Swiss watchmaker Baume & Mercier has got together with Indian Motorcycle on several occasions to release watches costing up to $5500.

Indian Baume at Mercier watch Breitling
Indian Baume at Mercier watch

Other motorcycle manufacturers have had similar exclusive watches in recent years so devoted fans can wear their “heart” on their sleeve – or wrist!

They include a Ducati Scrambler watch in 2015 with watchmaker Tudor, a BMW GS watchBMW boxer watch designed by Marc Jenni and a host of Harley-Davidson watches with New York company Bulova.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Indian Springfield Dark Horse got Jack!

Throttle and bottle may not usually mix, but it does when Indian Motorcycle and Jack Daniel’s get together to produce yet another gorgeous limited-edition motorcycle like this Springfield Dark Horse.

For the fifth year, the two American icons have collaborated with Klock Werks Kustom Cycles.

In the US and Canada the bike will cost $36,999 (about $US52,600) and will only available in those countries via a lottery.

Indian Motorcycle Australia brand manager Peter Harvey says he is not sure how many will be allocated to Australia, but will have pricing and availability details in the next couple of days.

The “standard” Springfield Dark Horse costs $35,995 ride away, but this bike adds a ton of customisation.

Plus buyers will get a Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel bottle display and have their name engraved on the bike together with the limited-edition number and VIN.

Dark Horse sellout2020 Jack Daniel’s Limited Edition Indian Springfield Dark Horse.

Since these bikes usually sell out in just a few minutes of their release, it is advisable to get in early and register your interest with your closest Indian dealership.

There will only be 177 bikes produced to signify the Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Brand trademark. They will be delivered in September.

The 2020 Jack Daniel’s Limited Edition Indian Springfield Dark Horse features Heavy Metal Crystal and Thunder Black Vivid Crystal paint inspired by the Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Select packaging.

Indian’s craftsmen have hand-painted the graphics and custom Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Select badging. There are also Single Barrel Select wood-grain finishes on the saddlebag hinges and tank badge.

Other styling features include:

  • Premium leather gunfighter seat and tank strap with Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Select logo;
  • Rider and passenger floorboards with Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Select engraving;
  • Numbered Montana Silversmiths badge;
  • 12-inch mid-rise ape-hanger handlebars;
  • Slammed saddlebags;
  • Custom machined wheels;
  • LED lighting; and
  • Quick-release tinted flare windscreen.2020 Jack Daniel’s Limited Edition Indian Springfield Dark Horse.

Charity auction

There will also be a charity auction for the Jack Daniel’s Limited Edition Indian Springfield Dark Horse #001, it will through Richie Bros Auction Company in Arizona.

All proceeds go to the Jack Daniel’s Operation Ride Home, a military-related charity that reunites service member families during the holidays.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Honda Goldwing emergency brakes tip

The next Honda Goldwing could have emergency brakes that sense a collision and slow the bike automatically.

These automatic or emergency braking systems have been endorsed in all new cars made in Europe from 2020.

The decision is based on a joint study by Euro NCAP and Australasian NCAP which concluded that automatic emergency brakes would lead to a 38% reduction in real-world rear-end crashes at low speeds.

With motorcycle companies such as Honda and others now considering this sort of technology, we have to wonder whether motorcycles will be the next with mandated auto brakes.

Emergency brakes rumourGoldwing emergency brakes

The Honda Goldwing rumour is based on some patent images that allegedly show two forward-facing cameras.

It is suggested these could only be used for monitoring traffic in front to avoid a rear-end collision.

They would be connected to an Adaptive Driving Assistance System (ADAS) to slow the bike, prompting the rider to activate the brakes, possibly with extra assistance.

The auto system would be connected to the Goldwing’s combined braking system and Inertial Measurement Unit.

It sounds like a similar system to the one used in Honda’s Civic and CR-V cars.

The car system also monitors lane position, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring and speed limiting, so these could also be added to the Goldwing.

There is no confirmation from Honda of the emergency brakes rumour, nor when it would likely be introduced.

Updated Goldwing

2018 GL1800 Goldwing futuristic
2018 GL1800 Goldwing

However, the 1833cc six-cylinder motorcycle received a major update for its 2018 model.

Honda added a vast array of electronic wizardry: electric windscreen, seven-speed automatic transmission, hill start assist, idling stop/start, traction control, smart key, electronic suspension, four engine modes, LED lighting, auto-cancelling indicators and Apple CarPlay that allows iPhone users to use their device.

Yet it has a smaller fuel tank, almost a third less luggage space and shed up to 48kg in weight.

Goldwing dashboard distracted
Goldwing dashboard

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Husqvarna offers automatic clutch upgrade

Husqvarna Motorcycles now have an aftermarket automatic Rekluse X clutch option to upgrade their Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401.

It’s a similar system as supplied by American clutch company Rekluse for the MV Agusta Turismo Veloce 800 SCS.

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

In Australia, the Rekluse X clutch costs $1812.75 which does not include fitting. However, Husky says fitting is a “quick and uncomplicated” process.

That’s still a lot to pay to upgrade a 373cc learner bike that already costs a whopping $11,592 ride away.

Automatic benefits

While most riders love using their gears, there are advantages with automatic and semi-automatic transmissions.

They include smoother gear engagement, improved traction, faster acceleration, no-fuss riding in traffic, no missed gears and easier use in tricky off-road situations.

Honda offers a similar semi-automatic system in its Africa Twin adventure bike and many modern bikes now have quick shifters for up and down shifts that eliminate the need to use the clutch except when stationary.

Rekluse upgrade

Rekluse Radius X Centrifugal Force Clutch ugrgade Kit
Rekluse Radius X Centrifugal Force Clutch Kit

However, the Rekluse Radius X Centrifugal Force clutch is far more advanced than most other systems.

It even eliminates the chances of engine stalling when starting and when braking hard because you can stop without engaging the clutch.

“Offering an even more accessible and enjoyable experience for riders of all levels, the automatic clutch allows for easy starting and stopping without the need to use the clutch lever,” they say.

That’s great for novice riders as this is, after all, a learner-approved motorcycle.

The kit combines a TorqDrive clutch pack with Rekluse’s EXP automatic clutch disk.

“Providing a more relaxed and controlled riding experience, the Rekluse’s Radius X automatic clutch kit allows Husqvarna owners to ride their Vitpilen 401 or Svartpilen 401 machines for longer periods of time covering greater distances,” Husky says.

“Able to focus more on line selection, users get even closer to the pure riding experience Husqvarna Motorcycles’ sophisticated single-cylinder machines offer.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com