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Ducati Streetfighter V4 may be delayed

Ducati has revealed its new Streetfighter V4 in a live streaming show as its scheduled delivery may be delayed by the pandemic.

The live streaming may have been planned to satisfy anxious customers, although it didn’t reveal much more than we already knew.

Delivery delayed

It was scheduled to be available from March 2020.

However, given the company has closed it factory until further notice over the pandemic, deliveries are expected to be delayed.

Ducati Streetfighter V4 ready to brawl

The Steetfighter will come in a “base model” at €19,990 (about $32,500) and a V4 S version at €22,990 (about $A37,500).

Aussie prices may vary and the delivery schedule is not yet confirmed.

Power packed

It is only slightly detuned from the Panigale V4’s 211 (157kW) to 208hp (155kW) and weighs in at 201kg.Ducati Streetfighter V4 ready to brawl

To control all that power and keep the front wheel on the ground, it has an aero package that creates 28kg of downforce at 270km/h.

The aggressive street brawl design is highlighted by two sets of wings on either side of the bike.Ducati Streetfighter V4 ready to brawl

Here is the Ducati press release and tech specs:

The foundation of the Steetfighter V4 is a Panigale V4 stripped of its fairings and equipped with high, wide handlebars. Weighing 178 kg, it is powered by a 1103 cc Desmosedici Stradale engine, its 208 hp 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).Ducati Streetfighter V4 ready to brawl

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.

Such powerful design demands a powerful engine, and the 1103 cc 208 hp Desmosedici Stradale fits the bill: for a naked, it packs an impressive punch, yet dedicated engine mapping lets the rider control the power with confidence. The engine – combined with a kerb weight of 178 kg (“S” version) – boosts the power/weight ratio to an impressive 1.17. Performance can be further improved by mounting the full-racing Ducati Performance exhaust by Akrapovič, which raises power to 220 hp and reduces weight by 6 kg.Ducati Streetfighter V4 ready to brawl

The feisty performance of this bike is stabilised by sophisticated electronics lifted directly from the Panigale V4 and the ‘biplane’ aerofoils developed by Ducati Corse aerodynamicists. Brought forward to maximise their effect, the aerofoils generate 28 kg of downforce at 270 kph, attenuating front wheel ‘floating’ at high speed and the tendency to wheel-up. They also boost stability during braking at the turn-in point and through the corner. On the road, this dynamic behaviour instils confidence. On the track, instead, it boosts performance by limiting electronic control intervention and allowing delayed braking.Ducati Streetfighter V4 ready to brawl

The latest-generation electronics package on the Streetfighter V4 is based on a 6-axis inertial measurement platform which instantly detects the bike’s roll, yaw and pitch angles. The electronics oversee every part of the ride: some controls manage start, acceleration and braking, others handle traction, while some lend a helping hand on corners and out-of-the-corner stretches. Safety, performance, and bags of personality: the new Ducati Streetfighter V4 has arrived!

Ducati Streetfighter V4 tech specs

Engine Desmosedici Stradale 90° V4, rearward-rotating crankshaft, 4 Desmodromically actuated valves per cylinder, liquid cooled
Displacement 1,103 cc
Bore X stroke 81 x 53.5 mm
Compression ratio 14.0:1
Power 153 kW (208 hp) @ 12,750 rpm
Torque 123 Nm (90.4 lb-ft) @ 11,500 rpm
Fuel injection Electronic fuel injection system. Twin injectors per cylinder. Full ride-by-wire elliptical throttle bodies.
Exhaust 4-2-1-2 system, with 2 catalytic converters and 2 lambda probes
Transmission
Gearbox 6 speed with Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) up/down EVO 2
Primary drive Straight cut gears; Ratio 1.80:1
Ratio 1=38/14 2=36/17 3=33/19 4=32/21 5=30/22 6=30/24
Final drive Chain; Front sprocket 15; Rear sprocket 42
Clutch Hydraulically controlled slipper and self-servo wet multiplate clutch
Chassis
Frame Aluminium alloy “Front Frame”
Front suspension Fully adjustable Showa BPF fork. 43 mm chromed inner tubes
Front wheel 5-spokes light alloy 3.50″ x 17″
Front tyre Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II 120/70 ZR17
Rear Suspension Fully adjustable Sachs unit. Aluminum single-sided swingarm
Rear Wheel 5-spokes light alloy 6.00” x 17”
Rear tyre Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II 200/60 ZR17
Wheel travel (front/rear) 120 mm (4.7 in) – 130 mm (5.1 in)
Front brake 2 x 330 mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo Monobloc Stylema® (M4.30) 4-piston callipers with Cornering ABS EVO
Rear brake 245 mm disc, 2-piston calliper with Cornering ABS EVO
Instrumentation Last generation digital unit with 5″ TFT colour display
Dimensions and weights
Dry weight 180 kg (397 lb)
Kerb weight* 201 kg (443 lb)
Seat height 845 mm (33.3 in)
Wheelbase 1.488 mm (58.6 in)
Rake 24,5°
Front wheel trail 100 mm (4 in)
Fuel tank capacity 16 l – 4.23 gallon (US)
Number of seats Dual seats
Equipment
Safety equipment Riding Modes, Power Modes, Cornering ABS EVO, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO 2, Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO, Ducati Slide Control (DSC), Engine Brake Control (EBC) EVO, Auto tyre calibration
Standard equipment Ducati Power Launch (DPL), Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) up/down EVO 2, Full LED lighting with Daytime Running Light (DRL), Sachs steering damper, Quick adjustment buttons, Auto-off indicators, Passenger seat and footpegs. Ducati Multimedia System (DMS).
Additional equipment
Ready for Ducati Data Analyser+ (DDA+) with GPS module, Ducati LinkApp, anti-theft, heating grips, Ducati Lap Timer GPS (DLT GPS)
Warranty
Warranty (months) 24 months unlimited mileage
Maintenance (km/months) 12,000 km (7,500 mi) / 12 months
Valve clearance adjustment (km) 24,000 km (15,000 mi)
Consumption and Emissions (only for countries where Euro 4 standard applies)
Standard Euro 4
*Kerb weights indicate total bike weight with all operating consumable liquids and a fuel tank filled to 90% of capacity (as per EU Regulation 44/2014 Annex XI).

Ducati Streetfighter V4 ready to brawl

Ducati Streetfighter V4 S tech specs

Engine Desmosedici Stradale 90° V4, rearward-rotating crankshaft, 4 Desmodromically actuated valves per cylinder, liquid cooled
Displacement 1,103 cc
Bore X stroke 81 x 53.5 mm
Compression ratio 14.0:1
Power 153 kW (208 hp) @ 12,750 rpm
Torque 123 Nm (90.4 lb-ft) @ 11,500 rpm
Fuel injection Electronic fuel injection system. Twin injectors per cylinder. Full ride-by-wire elliptical throttle bodies.
Exhaust 4-2-1-2 system, with 2 catalytic converters and 2 lambda probes
Transmission
Gearbox 6 speed with Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) up/down EVO 2
Primary drive Straight cut gears; Ratio 1.80:1
Ratio 1=38/14 2=36/17 3=33/19 4=32/21 5=30/22 6=30/24
Final drive Chain; Front sprocket 15; Rear sprocket 42
Clutch Hydraulically controlled slipper and self-servo wet multiplate clutch
Chassis
Frame Aluminium alloy “Front Frame”
Front suspension Öhlins NIX30 43 mm fully adjustable fork with TiN treatment. Electronic compression and rebound damping adjustment with Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 event-based mode
Front wheel 3-spokes forged aluminum alloy 3.50″ x 17″
Front tyre Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II 120/70 ZR17
Rear Suspension Fully adjustable Ohlins TTX36 unit. Electronic compression and rebound damping adjustment with Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 event-based mode. Aluminium single-sided swingarm
Rear Wheel 3-spokes forged aluminum alloy 6.00″ x 17″
Rear tyre Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II 200/60 ZR17
Wheel travel (front/rear) 120 mm (4.7 in) – 130 mm (5.1 in)
Front brake 2 x 330 mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo Monobloc Stylema® (M4.30) 4-piston callipers with Cornering ABS EVO
Rear brake 245 mm disc, 2-piston calliper with Cornering ABS EVO
Instrumentation Last generation digital unit with 5″ TFT colour display
Dimensions and weights
Dry weight 178 kg (392 lb)
Kerb weight* 199 kg (439 lb)
Seat height 845 mm (33.3 in)
Wheelbase 1.488 mm (58.6 in)
Rake 24,5°
Front wheel trail 100 mm (4 in)
Fuel tank capacity 16 l – 4.23 gallon (US)
Number of seats Dual seats
Equipment
Safety equipment Riding Modes, Power Modes, Cornering ABS EVO, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO 2, Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO, Ducati Slide Control (DSC), Engine Brake Control (EBC) EVO, Auto tyre calibration
Standard equipment Ducati Power Launch (DPL), Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) up/down EVO 2, Full LED lighting with Daytime Running Light (DRL), Ducati Electronic Suspension (DES) EVO with Ohlins suspension and steering damper, Quick adjustment buttons, Auto-off indicators, Passenger seat and footpegs, Ducati Multimedia System (DMS). Marchesini aluminium forged wheels
Additional equipment
Ready for Ducati Data Analyser+ (DDA+) with GPS module, Ducati LinkApp, anti-theft, heating grips, Ducati Lap Timer GPS (DLT GPS)
Warranty
Warranty (months) 24 months unlimited mileage
Maintenance (km/months) 12,000 km (7,500 mi) / 12 months
Valve clearance adjustment (km) 24,000 km (15,000 mi)
Consumption and Emissions (only for countries where Euro 4 standard applies)
Standard Euro 4
*Kerb weights indicate total bike weight with all operating consumable liquids and a fuel tank filled to 90% of capacity (as per EU Regulation 44/2014 Annex XI).

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Cleveland CycleWerks Falcon plugs in

American fun bike manufacturer Cleveland CycleWerks has joined the electric motorcycle race with their new Falcon BLK and are seeking an Australian distributor.

For years now, the Ohio-based company has been designing small-capacity fun machines that have been built in China and retailed for less than $50000.

Cleveland CycleWerks Heist and AceCleveland CycleWerks Heist and Ace

“We do not currently have an Australian distributor,” a company spokesman told us.

“Not sure if the bike (electric Falcon BLK) will make it there at this point, but we would love to get our network back up and running.”

Falcon BLK Cleveland CycleWerks Falcon

The electric Falcon BLK is along the same lines as their previous lightweight low-capacity models.

They claim a top speed of 137km/h (95mpg) and range of 290km (180 miles) which is probably in city traffic, with about half that range on the highway.

Price in America is $US14,995 which is about $US400 more than the Zero FX.

They will also have a Falcon 01 moped edition which costs $US7995 and has half the battery capacity.

Falcon BLK is powered by a 13kW motor with four power modes (Eco, Custom, Ego and Wheelie for a power boost) and uses a conventional motorcycle chain driving the rear wheel.

It has two 2.2-kWh “Angry Pixy Power” packs that use Samsung cells which look like they can be taken out to charge up. Maybe you can have powered-up spares ready to go.

Cleveland CycleWerks FalconSwappable batteries

It features a “robot bent” and hand-welded frame.

Like their conventional models, Falcon BLK has minimal appointments such as a tiny headlight, single bar-end mirror, blacked-out rims, 200mm disc brakes and non-adjustable suspension.

The company will join other American motorcycle manufacturers Harley-Davidson, Lightning Motorcycles and Zero Motorcycles in the race to win market share of this nascent market.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Electric Harley covers 1723km in one day

A Swiss rider has just ridden a Harley-Davidson LiveWire 1723km across four nations in one day using Level 3 DC fast chargers.

Sounds good, but we did some calculations and reckon he would have spent six hours recharging!

Rider Michel von Tell, aged 39, is a journalist and comedian described as the Euro version of US comedian Bill Burr … we don’t know him either. Anyway, he’s apparently a bit of a celebrity and his YouTube channel has millions of followers. 

His feat shattered the previous record of 1134.3km in one day set in 2018 by German Remo Klawitter on a Zero electric motorcycle fitted with an optional Charge Tank with Level 2 charging.

Calculations for one day record

Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle(All images are of MBW riding the LiveWire at the world launch in 2019)

Harley claims the bike has city range of up to 235km and 152km of highway range. We tested that on the launch last year and it appears about right.

They also say that the bike takes 30 minutes to charge to 80% capacity and 40 minutes to fully charge on a Level 3 DC fast charger.

Michel says he usually only stopped for 25 minutes at a time, but let’s be generous and say that was enough for an 80% charge.

So we calculate that to cover 1723km in 24 hours (actually 23 hours and 48 minutes), Michel needed to keep an average speed of about 70km/h.

Recharging

Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle electric highwaysLiveWire on a DC fast charger

We imagine he mainly did highway riding to attain that average speed.

That means recharging every 121km as that’s 80% of 152km.

So he would have had to recharge about 14 times.

If he recharged for 25 minutes at a time, he spent almost six hours recharging.

So he was only travelling for 18 hours, which means his average speed would have had to be more like 95km/h.Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle

At that rate, he would cover 121km in about 90 minutes.

So he rode for 90 minutes, then sat around for 25 minutes to recharge.

And that’s using Level 3 DC fast chargers which are not in abundant supply outside Europe and California!

It’s really not a great advertisement for electric motorcycles.

Michel didn’t pay the hefty fee to Guinness World Records to validate his claimed record, but does have signed witness statements.Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle

The LiveWire was launched in northern hemisphere in September at $US30,000 and is expected to be launched in Australia late this year.

At current low exchange rates that could mean it might cost more than $A50,000.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Ducati selling more premium bikes

Ducati has posted its 20129 financial results which shows a record in turnover for per bikes sold which indicates they are selling more premium bikes.

The financial results come amid the factory being closed by the pandemic for cleaning and restructuring to allow workers to have more distance between them.

Ducati expects to reopen the factory on Wednesday (25 March 2020).

Several motorcycle factories have also closed across Europe and Asia for cleaning as well as Harley-Davidson in the USA.

The latest to join the factory closures is Royal Enfield in India and the UK until March 31.

All these production halts may not have an immediate effect on motorcycle supplies, but could result in longer term delays, especially on spare parts.

Ducati resultsDUCATI MOTOR HOLDING premium

Ducati has announced it “delivered” 53,183 motorcycles last year. That doesn’t necessarily mean that’s how many were sold.

It’s the fifth consecutive year the Bologna factory has receded deliveries above 50,000.

Ducati report turnover of €716 million ($A1332m) and €52m ($A97m) in operating profit, equal to 7.2% of operating margin.

While the Scrambler has become the biggest-selling model since its release in 2015, Panigale and Multistrada are generating the most income.

The company says turnover per bike of about €13,500 ($A235,120) per motorcycle represents the highest value in the history of the company.

They say this indicates a move toward the premium part of the market.

Panigale was the best-selling super sports bike in the world for the second consecutive year, with a market share of 25%.

The Multistrada family recorded the highest value of motorcycles sold since entering the market in 2003. last year the Multistrada family added the 950 S and 1260 Enduro.

Premium Streetfighter V4

Ducati EICMA Streetfighter V4 voteDucati Streetfighter V4 wins most beautiful bike at EICMA

The premium Streetfighter V4 should also help lift turnover-per-motorcycle when it is released this year.

It was unveiled in November 2019 at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan where it won the most beautiful bike award.

Price and delivery have not yet been revealed.

However, we expect they may be announced when Ducati telecasts a presentation on Wednesday (25 March 2020) featuring techs involved in developing the bike.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Subscribe to an electric motorcycle

Riders can now subscribe through Blinker.com.au to hire the fun, dual-sport Grom-sized Fonzarelli NKD, the first Australian-made production electric motorcycle.

The Special Edition is capable of up to 120km range and 100km/h top speed and is now available through Blinker in Brisbane and Sydney for $120 a week.

The electric mini bike and a range of electric cars are being offered for subscription for the first time in Australia.

Blinker boss Michael Higgins says Aussie motorists will be able to experience electric vehicles without the added costs of buying one.

Subscription costs cover registration, insurance and maintenance, which is low for electric vehicles anyway. 

Subscribe online

Fonzarelli NKD electric mini motorcycleFonzarelli NKD

Customers can subscribe either online, or by visiting a Blinker partner dealership. 

Michael says the interest in electric vehicles has increased substantially in the past year and would continue to rise as “more people move towards a sustainable lifestyle”.

He says the adoption of electric vehicles “removes the need for fossil fuels, using batteries for power, ultimately reducing the impact of greenhouse gases and pollution on the environment”.

However, there are still issues with coal-fired power generation and the disposal of batteries. 

Fonzarelli electrics

Fonzarelli X1 electric scooterFonzarelli X1 electric scooter

If you are interested in buying a Fonzarelli NKD the Entry model costs $A9990 and has 60km of range and a top speed of 80km/h, while the Special Edition costs $14,990 and reaches 100km/h in five seconds.

The Redfern-based company makes the Fonzarelli in Adelaide and has also produced three electric scooters ranging in price from $5490 to $9890.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Harley-Davidson first with Android Auto

Harley-Davidson is the first motorcycle company to offer Android Auto which is similar to Apple CarPlay and allows riders to access some phone apps.

Honda Goldwing was the first with Apple CarPlay in 2018 and Harley followed a year later with the software update to its Boom! Box GTS Infotainment Systems on their Touring models.

Now they will be the first with the Android version coming in the next couple of months.

Harley-Davidson Australia says they are not sure when it will be available here nor the price, but the Apple version is a free software update, anyway.

The Harley collaboration with Google means riders with Android phones will now be able to access Google Maps for navigation, traffic and weather reports, as well as some other apps such as Spotify.Here's why Harley's Street Glide Special is our top tourer android

Android features

As with the Apple feature, the phone must be plugged into the bike via its charging cable.

The screen will mirror the phone, allowing riders to access it through the touchscreen, Google Assistant voice control or the toggle controls on the left switchblock.

Google Assistant is available in Australia, Canada (English), France, Germany, India (English), South Korea, United Kingdom, and United States.

The new feature is a boon (or should that be boom?) to customers who want all the important features of their phone.

It’s also a boon to Harley which has fallen on hard times recently with declining sales and the departure of its CEO.

Harley aids bushfire appealHD t-shirt

Harley-Davidson Australia has created a special “We Ride With You Australia” t-shirt featuring original Willie G. Davidson artwork which will be sold for bushfire relief efforts.

The men’s and women’s t-shirts costs $A50 and $NZ50 at Harley dealerships in Australia and New Zealand.

Meanwhile, the Harley-Davidson Foundation has donated $US100,000 (about $A166,000) to Australian bushfire relief, via international nonprofit Give2Asia.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Enevate drops electric bike hurdle

Electric motorcycles could soon recharge to 75% capacity in as little as five minutes, according to Californian battery company, Enevate.

Company spokesman Bill Blanning tells us they are “talking to motorcycle and scooter makers worldwide” about their Li-ion batteries that use silicon-dominant anodes. 

“We are not ready to disclose that just yet. Stay tuned,” he says … and we will!

“Electric motorcycles can do very fast charging at EV DC fast-charging stations.

“We believe that cooling systems would need to be beefed up and feasible for extreme fast charging of motorcycles while parked.”

Enevate claims

The Californian company has more than 200 patents worldwide and licences its products to many automotive manufacturers.

Here are their claims about their battery:

  • 30% more range, higher energy density;
  • >100% better low temperature performance;
  • Safer battery with no lithium plating.
  • Enables lower cost and affordable EVs
  • 10-times faster charging; and
  • 5-minute Extreme Fast Charge.

The best way to show their charging and range claims in action is in this video using two slot cars.

Given the claimed 30% increased range, in Harley-Davidson’ electric LiveWire it would equate to range of more than 300km in the city and almost 200km on the highway.

Low temperature performance means you would be less likely to get stranded if riding up in the alps.

While Enevate doesn’t give any secrets away about how it is made, the fact that it uses less lithium is another safety, economic, environmental and humanitarian benefit.

Bill explains: “Li-ion cell safety issues are typically caused by contamination or lithium-plating.  For today’s conventional graphite Li-ion cells available, lithium plating typically happens at very high charge rates and/or charging at low temperatures.  Enevate’s technology does not have any lithium plating and can be safer than conventional graphite cells.”Enevate batteries

The company says the size and expense of batteries is a hurdle to widespread adoption of electric vehicles.

It’s also a particular hindrance to motorcycles which weigh less and usually cost a lot less than cars.

However, we have seen electric motorcycles at ridiculous prices. For example, the LiveWire costs almost $US30,000 in the US and could cost more than $A40,000 when it is launched here late this year.

Enevate say their batteries have much higher energy density which means they can be smaller and therefore a lower cost component of the whole vehicle cost.

Their claim that recharging will be 10 times faster means that electric motorcycles such as the LiveWire that take all night to recharge from a standard AC output could recharge in less than an hour.

Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycleHarley-Davidson's electric LiveWire short circuitLIveWires on DC fast chargers

If the rider has access to a DC fast charger, that time can drop to about five minutes with the Enevate battery which compares with Harley’s claim of 30 minutes for the LIveWire.

The big hurdle in Australia is our lack of such infrastructure, but it is gradually being installed across the nation’s highways.

https://motorbikewriter.com/solutions-electric-vehicle-charging/

Enevate isn’t the only company claiming faster recharge times.

Canadian company GBatteries are making the same claim with their batteries that use a special micro-pulse technology.

https://motorbikewriter.com/recharge-electric-motorbike-5-minutes/

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Which R 18 will BMW unveil in April?

BMW Motorrad will unveil their much-anticipated R 18 on 3 April 2020, but exactly what it will look like is still anyone’s guess.

So far they have shown two concepts – a retro classic and a modern cruiser – and there have been spy shots of touring models.

Perhaps they will unveil a whole family of R 18 models, all powered by the same massive 1802cc Boxer engine.

BMW Motorrad boss Dr. Markus Schramm certainly isn’t giving anything away:

With the R 18 and the associated entry into the cruiser segment, we are consistently pursuing our growth strategy with the clear goal of becoming the number one in the premium segment worldwide”.

The most recent spy shots show a full dresser to take on the HarleyDavidson and Indian Motorcycle tourers.

BMW R 18 full-dresserAll spy images: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien

Full dresser details

The most obvious feature is the fork-mounted “batwing” fairing that closely resembles that used by Harley.

However, it has a much higher four-dial instrument section. Unlike Harley and Indian full dressers, this doesn’t include satnav as there is a separate aftermarket GPS mounted on the bars.

There are also tacked-on lowers to protect your knees from the cold and rain that look more like an afterthought.

Panniers are hard and the hinges are on the outside so you can open them while seated, just like Harley introduced a few years ago. Convenient, but a Harley rip-off.

BMW R 18 (Image: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien)BMW R 18 (Image: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien)

But unlike a Harley, there are no forward controls and big floorboards.

We reckon touring on this beast would be hard on the knees which are bent back further than 90 degrees.

BMW has been taking orders and even deposits on the R 18 since last September, despite no firm idea of what it will look like.

But we do know all the details of the massive 1802cc Boxer engine with 67kW (91hp) at 4750rpm.

It pumps out a whopping 158Nm of peak torque at 3000 revs. Click here for more details.

BMW R 18 Big BoxerBMW R 18 Big Boxer

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Meet the retro-style Bullit Bluroc 250

Bullit congers images of Steve McQueen driving a Mustang through the streets of San Francisco in the 1968 film Bullitt, or maybe the retro Bell Bullitt motorcycle helmet.

But Bullit is actually a Belgian motorcycle company with one “t” in the name (maybe to avoid copyright concerns!).

They make retro small-capacity motorcycles from 50cc that are suited to specially licensed novice riders in Europe like our Learner-Approved Motorcycle Scheme.

Bullit motorcyclesBullit motorcycles

Bullit Bluroc 250

Bullit motorcyclesBullit Bluroc 250

Their latest and biggest yet is the meagre 17kW Bluroc 250 powered by a Chinese Lifan four-stroke V-twin married to a five-speed gearbox. It’s also their first multi-cylinder product.

The bike weighs just 151kg and is claimed to have a top speed of about 125km/h. Perhaps that’s downhill, with a tailwind!

In keeping with the retro theme it comes with a single round headlight, round instrument pods, bench seat, spoked wheels and gaitered forks but with a modern monoshock rear rather than twin shocks.

We love the overall scrambler-esque style and that exhaust system looks extremely handsome.

Bullit motorcyclesBullit Bluroc 250

The Bullit Bluroc 250 will be sold throughout Europe costing £3599 (about $A7100) in British racing free (of course) and matte grey.

It reminds us of the Italian SWM range with Chinese Shineray 445.3cc single-cyllinder engines: Gran Milano cafe racer ($7990 ride away), Silver Vase scrambler ($7490) and Gran Turismo naked roadster ($7490).

We contacted the company to find out if they will be exporting outside of Europe and they said: “We do not at the moment however we are actively looking for distributors in other countries.”

However, being built in Europe, they should meet the toughest emissions and safety standards recognised around the world.

Would you like to see Bullit motorcycle imported here? Leave your comments below.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

CFMoto adds 300SR supersport

Chinese motorcycle manufacturer CFMoto will introduce its first fully faired sports model to Australia in May, the 300SR.

It is powered by a 300cc single-cylinder engine with 21kW (29hp) at 8750rpm and 23.5Nm of torque at 7250rpm.

Further details and pricing will be revealed later this month.

However, given the bargain prices of CFMoto models, it will no doubt be highly competitive.

Its main rivals are the Honda CBR300R at $5749, KTM RC390 ($5995), Suzuki GSX250R ($5790) and Yamaha YZF-R3 ($6299).

Supply of the 300SR should not be affected by the coronavirus.CFMoto 300SR

While the CFMoto factory was closed for an extra couple of weeks in January because of virus outbreak, it has reopened.

Australian importer Michael Poynton of Mojo Motorcycles says production is now “close to returning to full capacity”.

The 300SR will join the company’s first non-LAMS bike, the sexy new 700CL-X, which is due at the end of this year.

CFMoto 700CL-X SportCFMoto 700CL-X

The current Aussie line-up consists of the 150NK ($3490 ride away), 250NK ($4290), 300NK ($4990) and 650NK naked bikes, plus 650MT sports/adventure ($7490) and 650GT tourer ($8490). 

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com