KTM pulls the covers off extensive new range at EICMA

KTM has pulled the covers off an extensive new range of motorcycles at EICMA in Milan to join its already impressive collection for 2019, the presentation being headlined by the highly-anticipated KTM 790 Adventure and 790 Adventure R.

The KTM 790 Adventure is for travel enduro fans of every ambition and ability, ready to discover new roads whichever way it’s pointed at – no matter surface. The KTM 790 Adventure R is a lightweight, agile and technically advanced machine for adventurers that endeavour to challenge themselves while challenging tricky terrain.

Both powered by the 799cc LC8c parallel twin – first seen in the KTM 790 Duke – the engine has been tuned to deliver its torque lower down the rev range to fit the specific requirements of adventure riding. The result is smooth acceleration, plentiful performance and a 450 km range from a 20-litre tank.

Each of these rugged bikes have been developed by some of the best adventure riders in the world and in conjunction with the Red Bull KTM Rally Factory Racing Team to provide a confidence-inspiring chassis with a low centre of gravity and riding ergonomics to suit riders of all sizes and spirit.

A full suite of rider assistance systems, easily navigated and activated with a bar-mounted menu switch, aligned to a full colour, TFT display, allow the adventurous to get the most from these machines in all situations. Both versions are anticipated to land in June 2019.

Elsewhere in the KTM Travel Enduro range, the incredible KTM 1090 Adventure R, KTM 1290 Super Adventure S and KTM 1290 Super Adventure R receive new colours and graphics to keep these exciting machines looking as sharp and bold as they perform.

Rebooting supermoto for the road, the KTM 690 SMC R returns in 2019 and takes the KTM Ready To Race approach to its purest incarnation on the street – lightweight, agile, addictive single-cylinder punch, premium chassis components and now backed up by leading performance-enhancing electronics.

Powering the KTM 690 SMC R is the latest generation LC4 engine – the world’s most powerful production single-cylinder engine dishes up a devastating 74hp and 73.5Nm of torque. Getting the most from this performance in all situations is a suite of rider assistance systems.

Two ride modes – Street and Sport – cornering ABS, lean angle-sensitive motorcycle traction control (MTC), motor slip regulation (MSR) and Quickshifter+ are new to the game, with the familiar Supermoto ABS mode aiding rear slides with front-end confidence.

All this is packaged in an updated chassis and new subframe, supported by the latest generation fully-adjustable WP APEX suspension and wrapped up in slimmer, sharper bodywork. Better still, the fun goes further with a 1.5-litre larger fuel tank. Expect this model to hit dealerships in March 2019.

The new KTM 690 Enduro R is even more perfectly positioned to connect the tarmac and trails, also benefitting from the same engine, electronics and chassis improvements made to its sliding Supermoto sibling, but in a platform completely focused on off-road.

Evolution means retaining everything that was good about the previous model and building on that. Under the new seat and fresh bodywork –sharpened for both style as well as better movement on the bike – is an all-new chassis with WP XPLOR suspension derived from KTM’s world-beating EXC models.

Designed to be confidence-inspiring with ease of handling, it is ready to tackle everything from easy trails to extreme off-road obstacles as well as being a competent every day street bike. Endless enduro without the need to ever trailer to the trails. KTM are anticipating the model will be available in April 2019.

As unveiled last month in Cologne, also joining the 2019 range is a sharper, stronger and more refined version of the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT. The most radical long-distance Sports Tourer on the market takes the best from ‘The Beast’ – phenomenal engine performance, street handling and race track capabilities of the KTM 1290 Super Duke R are brought into a machine that is as happy munching massive miles in comfort as it is carving up challenging corners.

Major updates to this premium machine can be found in the engine, suspension, electronics and bodywork with a focus on improving comfort and performance – be it while two-up touring, continent cruising or track attacking. Availability is pencilled in for February 2019. For more information, visit www.ktm.com/au.

Yamaha unveils selection of 2019 models at EICMA

Yamaha was one of the first to unveil a selection of its 2019 models at EICMA in Milan this weekend, with its presentation overnight being headlined by the all-new Tenere 700 amongst a special edition YZF-R1 and XSR700 motorcycles.

Now the time has come to re-establish Yamaha as a leading force in the adventure segment with the introduction of the all-new Tenere 700 – a lightweight no compromise adventure model with one of the highest specifications in its class, and one of the most exciting and significant new adventure models to be launched for many years.

Yamaha has revolutionised the motorcycle world with the development of the crossplane philosophy engines that power a range of the company’s best-selling models, and the new Tenere 700 is equipped with the highly respected 689cc parallel-twin engine.

The key characteristic of this compact CP2 engine is its strong and linear torque output that gives instant throttle response together with outstanding acceleration – attributes that make it a capable and versatile performer on and off the road.

Producing maximum torque at 6,500rpm, this engine offers the ideal balance of performance and controllability – and with its excellent fuel economy, it contributes towards the Tenere 700’s ability to cover long distances between fuel stops. Click here for more information.

2018 saw the 20th anniversary of one the most iconic designs in motorcycle history, the Yamaha YZF-R1. This first 1998 model revolutionised superbike engineering. The engine size and position, the configuration of parts within the chassis and the chassis itself were all re-imagined. Yamaha have continued to use their industry defining superbike as a platform for innovation for two decades now, reaching unprecedented levels of excellence in the sport bike industry.

Marking this momentous occasion and two decades of leading the way in superbike technology, Yamaha Motor Europe are proud to announce they will be releasing the limited edition, track ready 2019 YZF-R1 GYTR.

Featuring the winning 20th Anniversary Suzuka 8 Hours livery including a wide range of GYTR Performance Products – Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing – and other performance parts as standard. Pricing and availability in Australia is yet to be confirmed.

Over 40 years ago Yamaha introduced the XT500, an air-cooled four-stroke single that went on to become one of Europe’s best-loved motorcycles.

The key to its success was simple design, useable power and all round versatility, and with its XT-inspired colours and classic scrambler looks, the new XSR700 XTribute respects the XT’s true character and pays homage to this iconic bike.

This special combination of timeless good looks and modern technology perfectly illustrates the true spirit of the Faster Sons philosophy, and with its unique specification the XSR700 XTribute gives a new generation of riders the chance to celebrate the past.

While at the same time it benefits from the very latest technology and an outstanding riding experience. Availability along with domestic pricing has not yet been revealed.

For 2019, the XT1200Z and XT1200ZE will be available in a new Ceramic Ice colour option that sharpens their rugged looks. Equipped with 74-litre side cases, a high screen and fog lamps, the exclusive XT1200ZE Raid Edition is continued for 2019.

Ducati unveils three all-new 2019 models ahead of EICMA

Ducati has unveiled its 2019 collection of motorcycles ahead of EICMA in Milan this week, revealing three all-new models in the Panigale V4 R, Diavel 1260 and Hypermotard 950.

Compared to previous R versions, the Panigale V4 R is now even more specialised and bristles with technology taken directly from MotoGP. The modifications extend far beyond the engine and suspension set-up – they also include the fairing, designed and developed by Ducati Corse in close collaboration with the Ducati Style Centre to improve aerodynamic efficiency.

The new fairing also incorporates the aerofoil appendages developed for the MotoGP prototypes. Made of carbon fibre, they increase stability throughout the ride, to allow for reduced reliance on electronic controls, boosting confidence for the pinnacle of rider performance

The Panigale V4 R is, to all intents and purposes, a road-legal WorldSBK category competition bike and constitutes the technical foundation for the official Ducati Superbikes that will compete in the world championship as from the 2019 season.

The Desmosedici Stradale 1103cc engine has been replaced with the 998cc Desmosedici Stradale R to comply with displacement limits set by WorldSBK rules. Unlike the larger V4 – designed to provide fluid power delivery and excellent low-rev pulling power for optimal road use – the 998cc powerplant offers more extreme performance as power delivery has been designed with the track in mind.

Moreover, it’s characterised by lighter internal components which reduces the overall bike weight by 2kg compared to the Panigale V4S, bringing the kerb weight down to just 193kg. Greater air intake efficiency allows faster engine ‘rev-up’ and shifts the rpm red zone higher to ensure improved acceleration.

The result is 221hp (162kW) of power at 15,250rpm (EU homologation values), 2,250rpm higher than the point of peak power on the 1103cc V4. These impressive figures can be taken even higher by fitting the full-racing Ducati Performance exhaust by Akrapovic, which boosts maximum power to 234hp (172kW) at 15,500rpm. In short, it’s the most powerful Ducati factory motorcycle ever!

Another major development unveiled is the new Diavel 1260. Unconventional, unique and absolutely unmistakeable – as soon as it was launched at EICMA 2010 the Diavel stunned with its personality, design, sport naked handling and thoroughbred engine.

The second-generation Diavel 1260 remains faithful to the original spirit of that incredibly special bike, drawing on its key styling elements and putting a decidedly more contemporary slant on them: it now offers more assertive outlines and higher performance, is more fun on mixed-road routes and offers greater comfort for rider and passenger alike.

Its sport naked soul is evident in the Testastretta DVT 1262 engine, capable of delivering 159hp (117kW) at 9,500rpm and 129Nm (13.1kgm) at 7,500rpm. An immensely satisfying torque curve ensures both breath-taking acceleration and a low-rev smoothness that’s ideal for everyday riding or touring.

An upgraded chassis set-up makes the Diavel 1260 more responsive on mixed-road routes while top-drawer technology and electronics provide braking performance on a par with that of a sport bike and user-friendly engine performance control.

The excellent riding position and ‘power cruiser’ ergonomics that helped make this motorcycle so successful remain unaltered – what has changed is the chassis set-up, characterised by a new tubular steel trellis frame that goes perfectly with another Diavel hallmark, the 17-inch rear wheel with its 240mm wide tyre.

A sportier S version of the Diavel 1260 is also available, featuring fully-adjustable Ohlins suspension at both front and rear, dedicated wheels and an even higher-performance braking system. The S version mounts Ducati Quick Shift up and down Evo (DQS) as standard to allow clutchless shifting.

The new Hypermotard 950 is now racier, more adrenalin-packed and rider-friendly. The Ducati ‘fun bike’ par excellence has been given a full-blown makeover – the new look takes its cue from the supermotard race world, the completely overhauled ergonomics ramps up the fun and riders can now count on an ultra-advanced chassis set-up and electronics package.\

A full 4kg lighter than the previous model, the new Hypermotard 950 mounts a renewed 937cc Testastretta 11-degree engine with a more muscular 114hp, combining greater pulling power with new electronics to ensure smoother control. The Hypermotard 950 electronics package includes Bosch Cornering ABS with the Slide by Brake function, Ducati Traction Control EVO (DTC EVO), Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO and Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up and Down EVO (as standard on the 950 SP version and available as an accessory on the 950).

Now even higher-performing and with racing overtones, the Hypermotard 950 SP features a flat seat, increased-travel Ohlins suspension to ensure an acuter lean angle, Marchesini forged wheels and Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up and Down EVO. Pricing and availability for all three in Australian are yet to be determined.