News 6 Nov 2019

Kawasaki announces updates to selected 2020 models

Image: Supplied.

Kawasaki Motors Australia has announced updates to its Z650, Z900 and Ninja 1000SX motorcycles for year model 2020.

The superbly balanced Z650 offers Sugomi performance and styling featuring a powerful engine with strong low-mid range torque in a lightweight chassis. The thorough attention given to ensure a high-quality fit & finish results in a machine that riders can be proud to own – an ideal ambassador for the Z brand.

Engine refinements contribute to cleaner emissions and increased mid-range torque, new tyres offer lighter handling, and a redesigned tandem seat offers increased passenger comfort.

As before, nimble handling and superb feedback are complemented by easy-to-manage power delivery and rider-friendly manoeuvrability, offering an ideal blend of sporty performance and everyday versatility designed to accommodate a wide range of riders.

Sharp new styling, highlighted by a new LED headlight and TFT instrumentation, gives this second generation Z650 an even stronger sugomi presence.The thorough attention given to ensure a high-quality fit and finish results in a machine that riders can be proud to own

Image: Supplied.

Updated for 2020, the Z900 maintains the ‘Exciting and Easy’ concept of its predecessor, while offering the next step in aggressive Z sugomi styling. A host of advanced new features – including integrated Riding Modes (combining newly added KTRC and Power modes), new TFT colour instrumentation, smartphone connectivity, all-LED lighting and cleaner emissions – to name a few.

The Z900’s engine and chassis are extremely well matched, making it an excellent all-rounder, able to cater to wide range of riders. Its rider-friendly character (further enhanced with the addition of traction control) is complemented by agile handling and a responsive throttle.

As before, the Z900 will happily accommodate city riding, but as a machine designed to deliver
maximum riding impact, it is most at home carving corners in the hills.

Image: Supplied.

The new Ninja 1000SX marks the fourth generation of a successful sport-touring platform that enables experienced riders to enjoy sporty riding and touring capability from a relaxed position.

Cleaner emissions with the same great performance, sportier, more dynamic new styling featuring a single-sided muffler and all-LED lighting, increased seat comfort for both rider and passenger, and a host of technology updates make this refined sport-tourer more attractive than ever.

All three bikes are anticipated to land in Australia during the early months of 2020, while pricing is still to be confirmed. For more information, visit www.kawasaki.com.au.

News 6 Nov 2019

Aprilia uncovers 2020 RS 660 at EICMA

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Aprilia has pulled the covers off its newly-introduced 2020 RS 660 at EICMA, while also unveiling a Tuono 660 concept bike.

Created around a totally new technical base defined by the 660 parallel twin comes a new generation of lightweight, high-performance bikes that are sophisticated in design. A return to the mid-sized engine, supported by the electronics and technology of the Aprilia Racing department, to rediscover the pleasure and joy of everyday riding.

The innovative concept behind the RS 660 project can be summed up by its excellent weight/power ratio that makes for enjoyable riding, whether relaxed or more sports-orientated – 169kg while boasting 100hp is the perfect formula for enjoyment on the road.

It is also a unique project from a technical standpoint, featuring a new frame and swingarm in lightweight aluminium, and a new high-performance parallel twin engine accessible to everyone.

Inherited from the unbeatable RSV4, the electronic equipment is top class and comprises a Ride-by-Wire throttle and a six-axis inertial platform for optimum operation of the APRC electronic aids.

It offers five riding modes designed to regulate the behaviour of the electronic controls for safety and fun during daily riding, dynamic riding on the road, and extreme riding on track.

RS 660 also stands out for its particularly advanced aerodynamics comprising a double fairing with aerodynamic appendage function to optimise stability at high speeds, effectively protecting both rider and passenger from the air pressure.

Image: Supplied.

The Tuono 660 concept best expresses the new concept of sports versatility introduced by Aprilia with the new family of motorcycles designed around the new 660cc twin-cylinder that is able to deliver 95hp.

In keeping with Aprilia tradition, the naked version is born from the RS 660. It features the same technical content and incomparable stand-out chassis, but with heightened road riding connotations, with a raised riding position on the large and wide handlebar.

The Tuono 660 concept is ideal for new riders, as it is also available in a 34kw version, but also for young motorcyclists moving up from smaller engine capacities and who seek a high-level naked sports bike, as its able to offer daily thrills and fun on the road and even support the rider during occasional track sessions.

Pricing and availability in Australia is still to be determined.

News 24 Oct 2019

Ducati unveils all-new 2020 models at World Premiere

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Ducati has unveiled a selection of all-new models at its 2020 World Premiere event, including the introduction of a Steetfighter V4 and Panigale V2.

The first of the all-new Ducati bikes for 2020 was the Panigale V2. The twin-cylinder Panigale has a completely new look, as well as sophisticated Inertial Platform-based electronics and, thanks also to a comfortable seat and its suspension set-up, it offers better yet safer sports performance while making road riding more enjoyable and user-friendly than ever.

It is powered by a 995cc Superquadro engine with a maximum power of 155hp at 10,750rpm, and a maximum torque of 104Nm at 9,000rpm.

Built around the monocoque frame, the chassis set-up is embraced by a new, sports-style design. The extensive fairing hugs the mechanics, highlighting the compactness of the Superquadro twin-cylinder engine to create a bike that is visually compact.

Other key Panigale V2 features include the single-sided swingarm and an exhaust with extremely compact under-engine silencer and single-side tail pipe. The clean lines typical of Ducati superbikes are enhanced by the traditional Ducati Red livery and black wheels.

Another major EICMA 2019 preview took the form of the Panigale V4. A series of refinements for 2020 make for a more user-friendly, less fatiguing ride while simultaneously making the bike faster not just on individual laps but over entire timed sessions.

Ducati and Ducati Corse engineers have crunched the feedback and data numbers from customers all over the world and Superbike World Championship events. Their analysis has led to a series of aerodynamic, chassis, electronic control and Ride by Wire mapping changes: designed to increase stability and turn-in speed, these changes make it easier to close corners and ensure riders enjoy more confident throttle control.

The Panigale V4 is now equipped with content taken from the V4 R, starting with the aero pack: aerofoils, Plexiglas screen, nose fairing and larger lateral fairings, more efficient side vents for radiator through-air. This provides better airflow protection and improves overall vehicle stability, enhancing confidence.

Completing the update is the front frame, with modified stiffness to give better front-end ‘feel’ at extreme lean angles. Thanks to a new ‘predictive’ control strategy, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO 2 significantly improves out-of-the-corner power control – Ducati Quick Shift up/down (DQS) EVO 2, instead, shortens up-shift times, allowing sportier high-rev gear shifts (over 10,000rpm) and boosting shift stability during aggressive acceleration and cornering.

The bike also features specially-developed Ride by Wire system mappings with several different torque delivery control logics. Powering the Panigale V4 is the 1,103 cm3 Desmosedici Stradale – a MotoGP-derived 90-degree V4 with Desmodromic timing, a one-of-a-kind engine with a counter-rotating crankshaft and Twin Pulse firing order.

Another star of the Ducati World Premiere 2020 was the new Streetfighter V4, the super-naked long-awaited by enthusiasts worldwide.

The foundation of the Steetfighter V4 is a Panigale V4 stripped of its fairings and equipped with high, wide handlebars. Weighing 178kg, it is powered by a 1103cc Desmosedici Stradale engine, its 208hp kept under control by biplane aerofoils and a latest-generation electronics package – a combination of factors and modifications that Ducati calls the ‘Fight Formula’.

The result is an over-the-top naked Ducati, modern and technological, with an assertively eye-catching design. A bike that does nothing to hide its segment-leading performance, but which also ensures practicality and full-on fun during everyday rides.
The minimalist full-LED headlight with its V-shaped DRL captures the spirit of the Streetfighter V4 perfectly.

On the one hand, it recalls the front of the Panigale V4 and, on the other, evokes the crazy grin of the Joker (the comic strip character from which the Ducati Style Center drew inspiration for this new Bologna-built naked). On the Streetfighter V4, the front frame and Desmosedici Stradale engine take centre-stage. Only partially screened by superstructures that have been cut to a bare minimum, their sharp lines create a clean, essential whole.

For 2020, there are new colours for the Diavel and Ducati Scrambler, the special Grand Tour version for the Multistrada 1260 S and three absolute novelties. First among these is the Panigale V2, our super-sporty twin powered by the 955cc Superquadro engine, the middle-weight superbike new both in its aesthetics and its performance.