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All you need to know: Ducati Panigale V2

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The new Ducati Panigale V2 is actually the Panigale 959 with a new name and updates, the most notable of which are the underslung exhaust and single-sided swingarm.

We expect it will arrive in Australia early next year with pricing announced closer to the date. The current 959 starts at $A22,490.

It was presented in Italy by boss Claudio Domenicali along with Streetfighter V4, more aerodynamic Panigale V4, Scrambler Dark, Multistrada 1260 S Grand Tour and all-red Diavel S.

Claudio Domenicali and the Ducati Streetfighter V4
Claudio

The Panigale V2 not only gets much of the V4’s electronic rider aids, but also a more comfortable seat and softer springs for a plusher ride on bumpy real-world roads, not the racetrack.DUCATI PANIGALE V2

It is powered by a Euro5 995cc Superquadro engine with 115kW (155hp) at 10,750rpm and 104Nm of torque at 9000rpm.DUCATI PANIGALE V2

Valve checks are now only every 24,000km and services every 12,000km or 12 months.

It looks very compact with its tightly hugging all-red wrap-around fairing and black wheels.DUCATI PANIGALE V2

The electronics package is based on the six-axis inertial platform from the V4.

It includes ABS with cornering function, upgraded quickshift that now includes down-changes, traction control, engine brake control and wheelie control.

All controls are incorporated in the three Riding Modes (Race, Sport, Street) and can be adjusted via the new 4.3″ colour TFT dashboard with browsing menus and adjustable settings.DUCATI PANIGALE V2

The Panigale V2 features fully adjustable 43mm Showa Big Piston Forks with improved damping at low speed, ensuring lower-pressure oil feed and reducing the amount of fluid needed for compression and rebound adjustment.

Ducati says this not only improves suspension performance but significantly reduces weight.

The fully adjustable side-mounted Sachs monoshock is joined to the new die-cast single-sided aluminium swingarm via progressive-rate linkage.DUCATI PANIGALE V2

Panigale V2

ENGINE

ENGINE

Superquadro 90° V2, 4 valve per cylinder, Desmodromic, liquid cooled

DISPLACEMENT

955 cc

BORE X STROKE

100 x 60,8 mm

COMPRESSION RATIO

12.5:1

POWER

114 kW (155 hp) @ 10.750 rpm

TORQUE

104 Nm (76,7 lb-ft) @ 9.000 rpm

FUEL INJECTION

Electronic fuel injection system. Twin injectors per cylinder. Full ride-by-wire elliptical throttle bodies

EXHAUST

2-1-2-1 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 1.77:1

RATIO

1=37/15 2=30/16 3=27/18 4=25/20 5=24/22 6=23/24

FINAL DRIVE

Chain; Front sprocket 15; Rear sprocket 43

CLUTCH

Hydraulically controlled slipper and self-servo wet multiplate clutch

CHASSIS

FRAME

Monocoque Aluminium

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 5,50” x 17”

REAR TYRE

Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II 180/60 ZR17

WHEEL TRAVEL (FRONT/REAR)

120 mm (4.72 in) – 130 mm (5.12 in)

FRONT BRAKE

2 x 320 mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo Monobloc M4.32 4-piston callipers with Cornering ABS EVO

REAR BRAKE

245 mm disc, 2-piston calliper with Cornering ABS EVO

INSTRUMENTATION

Digital unit with 4,3″ TFT colour display

DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS

DRY WEIGHT

176 kg (388 lb)

KERB WEIGHT*

200 kg (441 lb)

SEAT HEIGHT

840 mm (33,1 in)

WHEELBASE

1.436 mm (56,5 in)

RAKE

24°

FRONT WHEEL TRAIL

94 mm (3.70 in)

FUEL TANK CAPACITY

17 l – 4.5 gallon (US)

NUMBER OF SEATS

Dual seat

EQUIPMENT

SAFETY EQUIPMENT

Riding Modes, Power Modes, Cornering ABS EVO, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO 2, Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO, Engine Brake Control (EBC) EVO, Auto tyre calibration

STANDARD EQUIPMENT

Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) up/down EVO 2, Full LED lighting with Daytime Running Light (DRL), Sachs steering damper, Auto-off indicators

READY FOR

Ducati Data Analyser+ (DDA+) with GPS module, Ducati Multimedia System (DMS), anti-theft, Ducati Lap Timer GPS (DLT GPS)

WARRANTY

WARRANTY (MONTHS)

24 months unlimited mileage

MAINTENANCE (KM/MONTHS)

12,000 km (7,500 m)/12 months

VALVE CLEARANCE ADJUSTMENT (KM)

24,000 km (15,000 m)

CONSUMPTION AND EMISSIONS (ONLY FOR COUNTRIES WHERE EURO 5 STANDARD APPLIES)

STANDARD

Euro 5

CONSUMPTION

6,0 l/100km

CO2 EMISSIONS

CO2 = 139 g/km

*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 PANIGALE V2 DUCATI PANIGALE V2 DUCATI PANIGALE V2 DUCATI PANIGALE V2 DUCATI PANIGALE V2

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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Ducati unleashes 2020 models

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Ducati unleashes its 2020 model line-up including the Streetfighter V4, more aerodynamic Panigale V4, Scrambler Dark, Multistrada 1260 S Grand Tour, all-red Diavel S and Panigale V2.

There was nothing new for Monster, Supersport or Hypermotard.

Despite talking about the importance of the Panigale V4 and race wins in the MotoGP, WSBK and BSB, boss Claudio Domenicali started his presentation with the launch of three e-bikes.

Claudio Domenicali and Ducati e-bikes
Claudio Domenicali and Ducati e-bikes

This stresses the future focus of the company on electric mobility.

The e-bikes are the MIG-RR limited edition on which you can have your name printed on the frame, the MIG-S mountain bike and the e-Scrambler for riding in the city.

Ducati Dark Scrambler cheapest yetClaudio Domenicali and Ducati Scrambler Dark

Speaking of Scramblers, which are now the company’s biggest seller with more than 70,000 sales since launch in 2015, Claudio unveiled their cheapest yet, the Scrambler Icon Dark.

IN fact, it will be €800 cheaper than the Icon on which is is based. that means it should be about $A1000 less than the current price of $A13,990 (plus on-road costs).

Like previous Ducati Dark models, it has a blacked out engine and is a cheaper model.

‘It strips away what was not necessary for the product,” Claudio says.Claudio Domenicali and Ducati Scrambler Dark

Yet it still features cornering ABS which was introduced last year, plus round rear mirrors and bulb blinkers.

Claudio also showed a future direction for Scrambler with two artist impressions for a Motard version and a Desert X with Dakar Rally styling and powered by the 1100ss engine.

While on the topic of black he also unveiled a Diavel 1260 matt black as well as an all-red 1260 S Red available from February 2020.

Multistrada 1260 S Grand Tour

One of the highlights of the Multistrada 1260 S Grand Tour, according to Claudio, is that it has an electric fuel cap with no need to use your key.

It also comes with new styling features and creature comforts for the long haul.

Claudio says that in the past 16 years they have sold more than 100,00 Multistradas.

Ducati unleashes Panigale V2

Claudio stressed the mid-weight sports bike section with the unveiling of the Panigale V2 in all red.

“You can see how lean and pure this bike is,” he says.

It features a low and short muffler, single sided swingarm and is powered by the V2 Superquadro engine with 115kW at 10,750rpm and 104Nm @ 9000rpm.

It also has the same electronics as the top Panigale, TFT colour dashboard, up and down quickshifter, engine brake control, traction control, ABS cornering control and wheelie control.

“It is the safety package that is the most developed we have in Ducati,” Claudio says.

Among the tech is “DTC Evo 2 with predictive strategy” which apparently regulates revs so you have better stability out of a corner even when aggressive on the throttle.

“It’s the perfect first track bike for young people; a springboard bike,” he says.

Panigale V4Claudio Domenicali and the Ducati Panigale V4

The updated V4 is now lighter and has upgraded aerodynamics with a wider side fairing, wider front fairing, racing screen and winglets.

The result is 30kg of downforce at 270km/h on the front wheel to reduce wheelie tendency and improve high-speed stability.

Claudio then went very techno as he rambled a= on about the “science of speed”, mentioning “higher centre of gravity”, “higher chain force angle” and the “new torque correlation law”.

And hallelujah, it now has softer springs to handle bumpy roads.

Streetfighter V4 and V4S

The highlight was the Streetfighter V4 and V4S which was unleashed the same day as Kawasaki unveiled their Z H2 with 147.1kW of power.

Ducati’s Steetfighter retains the Panigale’s 208hp (155kW), but only weighs 177kg dry.

Claudio Domenicali and the Ducati Streetfighter V4
Claudio Domenicali and the Ducati Streetfighter V4

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.

They will be available from March 2020 in a “base model” at €19,990 and an S version at €22990.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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Kawasaki unveils naked and supercharged Z H2

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Kawasaki has just announced their naked and supercharged Z H2 will arrive in Australia early next year.

It’s not quite naked with a sporty nose-cone fairing, but it is more exposed than the current range of H2, H2 Carbon, track-only H2R and super-touring H2 SX SE+.

Z H2 will arrive in metallic spark black with metallic graphite grey and mirror-coated spark black with pricing yet to be confirmed. However, it should cost less than the H2 at $29,9990 (plus on-road costs).

Z H2 powerKawasaki Z H2

Power and torque will also be a little lower at 147.1kW compared with 170kW and torque at 137Nm com[ared with the H2’s 141.7Nm.

Kawasaki says this is more manageable power that will make it easier to ride and “you would be more likely to want to ride it every day, regardless of where you had to go”.

Strangely, stripped of much of its fairing, it will actually 1kg more at 239kg.Kawasaki Z H2

Kawasaki says it will include the following features:

  • Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU);
  • Hydraulic Assist & Slipper Clutch;
  • Kawasaki Quick Shifter for up and down shifts;
  • New TFT display with Rideology THE APP Bluetooth connectivity;
  • Trellis Frame;
  • Showa suspension; and
  • 4 Integrated Riding modes: Sport, Road, Rain and Rider mode.

Kawasaki Z H2 (ZR1000K) specs

  • Engine: 9983cc liquid-cooled, 16-valve, in-line four
  • Compression: 11.2:1
  • Bore x stroke: 76.0 × 55.0 mm
  • Power: 147.1 kW @ 11,000rpm
  • Torque: 137Nm @ 8500rpm
  • Transmission: 6-speed
  • Frame: Trellis, high-tensile steel
  • Tyres: 120/70ZR17 M/C 58W; 190/55ZR17 M/C 75W
  • Wheels: 17M/C × MT3.50; 17M/C × MT6.00
  • Rake and trail: 24.9, 104mm
  • Brakes:  290mm discs, 226mm disc
  • Length: 2085mm
  • Width: 810mm
  • Height: 1130mm
  • Wheelbase: 1455mm
  • Clearance: 140mm
  • Seat: 830mm
  • Kerb weight: 239kg
  • Tank: 19 litresKawasaki Z H2

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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Kawasaki adds a Chrome W800 to retros

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Kawasaki will add a Chrome W800 model to its retro range to join the blacked-out W800 SE and the bubble-faired W800 Cafe.

The Japanese company has announced the addition ahead of the Tokyo Motor Show tomorrow.

We also expect Kawasaki will unveil their naked supercharged Z H2 at the show.

2020 Kawasaki Z-H2
2020 Kawasaki Z-H2 spy photo

It will be interesting to see if it has the same power as the H2 or whether it is “retuned”.

Crome W800

Meanwhile, the Chrome W800 not only has more chrome than the SE or Cafe, but also a silver-finished engine, chrome tank badge and a 19-inch front wheel with a chrome fender.

There is no word yet on when it will arrive or pricing, but we suspect it will sit between the SE at $11,999 and Cafe at $13,999 (plus on-road costs).

Many – including us – had been expecting a scrambler W800 version.

Kawasaki is also expected to unveil a baby Versys with the Ninja 400 engine at the show along with updates to the Ninja 650 and Ninja 1000.

We have not heard any confirmation yet from Kawasaki over the rumours that the big green machine has gobbled up Italian icon, Bimota, for which it has historically supplied engines.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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Indian reveals new liquid cooled engine

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Indian Motorcycle has unveiled its liquid cooled 1770cc engine with three ride modes called the Powerplus to be fitted to a new line of Challenger motorcycles.

The move was leaked in a video from the company dealer conference in the USA in July and has now been confirmed.

The video was been taken down, but is still available on Motorcycle.com.

Liquid cooled

The video seemed to confirm our tip in April that it would be a 90kW (120hp), liquid-cooled, DOHC 1770cc V-twin engine.

However, it’s slightly more powerful with 91kW (122hp) and 178Nm of torque.

It is believed the quad-valve Powerplus was originally developed as the Victory Freedom V2 before Polaris axed the brand in 2017.

2020 Indian Challenger spy
2020 Indian Challenger spy photo

Liquid cooling should make the engines compliant with the next generation of European emissions targets.

The new liquid cooled Powerplus powered motorcycle range will be smaller than the current 111-cube Thunderstroke V-twin that powers the Chief and Roadmaster models.

Powerplus will be available in chromed and black-out versions.

It is not yet known how many models will be in the range, when they will be released and whether they will replace the Chief and Roadmaster models or be an extra line-up.

2020 liquid Indian Challenger spy bagger
Spy photo of a 2020 Indian Challenger

Here is the official release from Indian:

The PowerPlus will serve as the heart of the new Indian Challenger, an all-new, fixed-fairing bagger that utilises Indian Motorcycle’s state-of-the-art technology to become the highest-performing American V-twin ever developed. The new engine’s name is a nod to Indian Motorcycle’s iconic history, paying homage to the Indian PowerPlus motorcycle produced from 1916 to 1924.

“We challenge our engineers with the notion that anything less than best-in-class design and performance will simply not get it done, and it’s clear with this new engine that they have delivered on that high standard,” said Steve Menneto, Indian Motorcycle President. “Countless hours were spent in design, development and testing to ensure this is the best liquid-cooled V-twin ever developed, and I could not be prouder of our team and this incredible motor.”

The PowerPlus adopts several design and performance features from the liquid-cooled 1,133 cc Indian Scout engine, including an overhead camshaft design utilising four valves per cylinder. But comparisons end there. The PowerPlus was developed with a big-piston, big-torque mindset with an end game of maximum power delivery across the entire curve.

Power Plus Engine – Chrome – Left.

The all-new powertrain features a six-speed transmission with true overdrive, assist clutch to reduce clutch effort, and three ride modes that allow riders to tailor throttle mapping to their riding preferences. Advanced technology also includes hydraulic valve lash adjusters and hydraulic camshaft chain tensioners for ease of maintenance and reliability.

The PowerPlus was tested, refined and proven by one of the industry’s most rigorous development and testing programs, accumulating over one and a half million kilometres of simulated testing, including state-of-the-art dyno testing, and more than 400,000 on-road kilometres.

“You simply cannot deliver the ultimate bagger without an engine that stands head and shoulders above anything else in its class, and that was the motivation behind the PowerPlus,” said John Callahan, Indian Motorcycle Vice President, Engineering. “We developed the most sophisticated V-twin powerplant in the industry, and then we spent month after month, hour upon hour, putting it through the most intense paces to ensure it could take whatever we threw at it. The end result is something truly special.”

Indian Motorcycle PowerPlus Engine Specifications:

  • Engine Displacement: 108 cubic inches (1769 cc)
  • Power: 91kW (122hp) @ 5500rpm
  • Torque: 178Nm @ 3800rpm
  • Maximum Engine Speed: 6500rpm
  • Architecture: 60-degree V-twin, liquid cooled powerplant
  • Crankcase: Unit design featuring a high capacity semi-dry sump oil system
  • Timing System: Overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder
  • Fuel System: Electronic fuel injection. 52mm dual bore throttle bodies
  • Compression Ratio: 11:1
  • Transmission: Six-speed with true overdrive, constant mesh
  • Clutch: Assist clutch

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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Harley-Davidson trademarks Rude Boy

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Harley-Davidson trademarks often end up as names for their motorcycles, but in this case, Rude Boy will be used for their upcoming range of electric bicycles.

The company has struck some trouble with the recent launch of their LiveWire electric motorcycle:

  • The bike was delayed a month going into North America dealerships;
  • Several dealerships refused to pay big money to instal DC fast chargers in order to sell them;
  • Sales have also been a disaster as customers have baulked at the $US29,950 (about $A44,000 when it arrives in Australia late next year) ticket price; and
  • They temporarily pulled the plug on production to fix a problem with one charger.

    Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle electric highways short circuit
    Riding the LiveWire in Orgeon

Rude Boy electric bicycles

The company has filed its application for the Rude Boy trademark with the US Patent and Trademark Office for use with “electric bicycles; electric bicycle parts and accessories”.

Harley already has a Fat Boy Softail motorcycle which has been a huge success over the years, so they will be hoping for the same with with Rude Boy.

So far Harley has shown three pedal-assisted electric bicycles, an electric scooter and electric balance bikes for kids.

Harley and Indian announce 2018 sales results electric scooter bicycle
harley electric scooter

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.

Harley electric bicycle LiveWire ID specs rude boy bicycles
Harley electric mountain bike

Harley has previously shown their electric mountain bike (above) and their electric bicycle prototypes (below) under the “Future Vehicles” tab on their website.

We expect the latter will be the Rude Boy bikes.Harley-Davidson electric bicycle balance kids rude boy bicycles

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

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Why You Should Change Your Old Electric Scooter

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(Sponsored post)

Scooters are not just meant for kids. If you want to avoid the hassles of parking your car or being stuck in traffic, then you should invest in buying a scooter. Electric scooters also come with a variety of features allowing you to choose one that will suit your needs. Whether you are an urban commuter or you want to take on nature travel, you must get a scooter suitable for your needs. Also, the engine noise associated with motocross tracks is a bit of a turn-off; hence, you must replace your old electric scooter with a better one.

1. Improvement in battery technology

More companies today are producing better electric scooters. This has increased competition in battery production. These recent years have been characterized by environmental-friendly and economical scooters. It is, thus, necessary for you to change your old electric scooter to allow yourself to experience the joy of these newer, improved batteries. These electric scooters have long-lasting batteries, which enables you to travel for up to 43 miles per charge. Also, battery consumption when the scooter is motionless remains minimal, so your charge will last longer.

2. Affordability

The electric cars are pricey, and biking is exhausting. Consequently, scooters are the most viable option. This means that to save some cash, you only have to change the old scooter for a newer model. Also, if you do not take a long-distance journey, scooters are better than electric bikes. They are available at affordable prices with great qualities. If the scooter is damaged, it is easier for you to get spare parts. The repairs will also not cost as much as they used to for the older models; click here for more information on repairs and pricing.

3. Speed Increase

With many electric scooter models released recently, most companies are competing to provide higher speeds and more control to the buyers. There are scooters, today, that go at an average speed of 60mph. This is why you should replace your old scooter and increase your speed. You cannot afford to miss the new upcoming powerful motors, which are equal to 400cc engine hence guaranteeing you great speed.

4. Better Appearance

You can change your scooter and get a better and fancy looking one. Most of them now come with a pillion passenger seat. They have stylish and contemporary designs. This means that they are more elegant and boost your self-esteem when you are riding around the city. The new models are equipped with a larger cargo box hence allowing you to carry more luggages.

5. Greater Control

The upcoming scooters are equipped with powerful motors, thus allowing the users to handle all acceleration of the motor. This means that you will not need a clutch and a gearbox. Besides, the scooters are environmentally friendly. This makes the new electric scooters efficient hence fun to ride.

Features To Consider When Buying a New Scooter

Ducati Super SOCO electric scooters
Ducati Super SOCO electric scooter

· Electric Motor

Before you choose a scooter for yourself, you need to consider whether you can climb mountains on the scooter. If your grounds are not smooth, then you need to choose an electric scooter with a motor that is powerful enough to allow you to climb fast without any issue. At least a 350-watt motor should do the trick.

· Range

You will have to consider how far the batteries can go on a single charge before you buy one. The range will also vary depending on whether you will be riding on flat ground or rough terrain. Temperatures will also affect the mileage of the scooter. You should put that into consideration too.

· Portability

The last thing you want is an electric scooter that is too heavy to carry around. One thing is for certain; you will not always be riding your scooter. Sometimes you will have to carry it around. While all scooters are relatively smaller, some are heavier than others. This difference could cause a huge problem for you. Whether you are buying online or from a brick and motor store, you need to consider how much weight you can handle versus how much the scooter weighs.

Conclusion

Old electric scooters put you at high risk of an accident. Also, sticking to your old machine limits you from experiencing the great power that comes with the new upcoming one. The British government is now subsidizing the production of electric scooters. Hence, they are inviting more innovation and more producers to enlarge the Market. You cannot afford to miss such new inventions, which will be revolutionary in the upcoming days.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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Harley-Davidson plugs LiveWire back in

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Production of the Harley-Davidson electric LiveWire motorcycle has started again after being stalled a few days this week over a problem with one home charger.

The company says it was only a “single occurrence”. There was no problem with the motorcycle, only the charger.

“We take pride in our rigorous quality assurance measures and our drive to deliver the world’s best motorcycles,” their press statement says.

They had asked owners only to charge their bikes with the DC fast charger supplied at some HD dealerships. However, they say it is now safe to use any method to charge them.

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

Even though it doesn’t arrive in Australia until late next year, Harley-Davidson Australia had issued this statement:

As we lead in the electrification of motorcycles, we have delivered our first LiveWire motorcycles to authorized LiveWire dealers. We recently discovered a non-standard condition during a final quality check; stopped production and deliveries; and began additional testing and analysis, which is progressing well. We are in close contact with our LiveWire dealers and customers and have assured them they can continue to ride LiveWire motorcycles. As usual, we’re keeping high quality as our top priority.

We also asked how many Aussie orders they had and how many dealers were installing the DC fast charger:

We are not in a position to share any specific details and we are currently working closely with our dealer network as we get ready to welcome what will be a very exciting product for Australian and New Zealand customers.

Phone and other electrical devices can have issues with chargers overheating and causing a fire.

In March, the entire fleet of 18 Energica electric motorcycles for the MotoE series were destroyed in a blaze that was blamed on a short circuit in one of the charging units.

electric garage fire energica short circuit
Energica garage explodes in flame

Electric fires

Electric vehicle and charger fires can be caused by short-circuits, power surges, impact, excessive discharge or overheating.

They also cause special concerns for fire fighters.

Lithium batteries are obviously made with lithium which is highly flammable and stored in mineral oil.

short circuit
Tesla goes up in flames

While it is not toxic, it can cause nausea, diarrhoea, dizziness, muscle weakness, fatigue and a dazed feeling.

Electric vehicle and battery fires can also release sulphuric acid, carbon monoxide, copper and cobalt.

Fire fighters can’t douse the flames with water as the high voltage can cause an electric shock or electrocution.

Instead, they have to disconnect the power supply (usually an orange plug) and contain the fire to let it burn itself out.

LiveWire short circuit

Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle electric highways short circuit
Riding the LiveWire in Orgeon

This temporary hiccup with Harley’s electric motorcycle program follows a month delay in deliveries to US dealerships where it has created a lot of interest, but not a lot of sales.

Buyers are apparently baulking at the $US29,990 price (about $A44,000).

Some dealers are even rejecting the expensive DC fast-charger installation which is a requirement of being able to sell the bike.

PR exercise

So Harley has two major PR exercises going at the moment to rescue the LiveWire.

Charley Boorman and Ewan McGregor are currently shooting Long Way Up from the bottom to the top of the Americas, riding LiveWire motorcycles.

Charley and Ewan adventure on LiveWire
Ewan and Charley pack their LiveWire bikes for the trip

And now HD has brought in Hollywood action star Jason Momoa who plays Aquaman and Khal Drogo to test ride the bike.

“Harley wanted me to test one of the new LiveWires, I was kind of like ehhh. I like the idea of it but I wanted to hear it,” says Jason who is more at home on pushrod fuel burners.

While filming on the Gold Coast in 2017, he took delivery of a Softail.

Now he says he is stoked by the electric bike.

“I have never been on anything this fast, it kind of blew my mind,” he says.

“I am in love with it, it’s amazing and I look forward to the future of many more of these bikes.

“It’s so fast, faster than I need, it’s amazing. It’s good for the planet, beautiful, we’re moving with the times.

“Best part is, it’s the future. You can have this and your old one. It’s amazing.”

Harley is going to need a lot of star power to help the LiveWire over this current short circuit!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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BMW F 850 GS Rallye and R coming?

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BMW Motorrad could soon be adding a limited-edition F 850 GS Rallye and an F 850 R production bike to its expanding line-up.

The company has prepared a special F 850 GS Rallye for the annual International GS Trophy Oceania competition in February 2020 in New Zealand.

While they have been specially prepared for the GS Trophy, we reckon they are so attractive the company will make a limited production run.BMW F 850 GS Rallye for NZ GS Trophy

BMW has already made at least 140 of the GS Rallye models for the competition and possibly more as replacements in the event of crashes or failures.

So there are probably also more sitting in storage waiting for release next year.

BMW usually uses the big 1200 (now 1250) machines for the Trophy and has produced 1200 GS Rallye X models for production.

It used the smaller F model in 2008, 2010 and 2012.

The BMW F 850 GS Rallye Trophy comes with special black and yellow colours and graphics, gold anodised forks and a host of features from the BMW Motorrad catalogue. 

GS Rallye features: 

  • High handlebars 14 mm higher than standard;
  • Enduro footrests plus adjustable foot brake lever and gear lever;
  • Hand protectors made of impact-resistant and UV-resistant plastic;
  • Engine protection bar made of electropolished stainless steel for lightness and longevity;
  • Enduro engine guard made of aluminium;
  • Rallye seat is narrower, taller and has more padding;
  • Water-resistant tail bag;
  • LED auxiliary headlights in a compact aluminium housing;
  • Headlight protection; and
  • Touring windshield with adjustment.

F 850 R

BMW F 850 R
BMW F 850 R patent image

Meanwhile, F 850 R patent images have been leaked ahead of its tipped unveiling at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan in a couple of weeks along with their new R 18 cruiser.

Apart from the new engine, the mages shows the bike has a new swingarm, new frame, bodywork, instrument panel, fuel tank and smaller exhaust now on the left. 

We expect the engine may be differently tuned for more midrange oomph than the F 850 GS.BMW F 850 R patent image

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

CFMoto 650GT is third model in the range

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CFMOTO Australia has added the third 650cc model to the range, called the 650GT ABS which is a “grand tourer”.

It will cost just $8490 ride away and joins the naked 650NK at $6490 and the 650MT at $7490 including a free set of panniers valued at $650 until the end of the year.

Comparative models are the Honda CBR650L ($9999 +ORC), Kawasaki 650L ($9999 +ORC), Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 (from $84440 ride-away), Suzuki SV650 LAMS ($8990 +ORC) and Yamaha MT-07 $9999 +ORC).

That makes the CFMoto 650 range among the cheapest 650cc learner-approved road-going motorcycles in our market.

Not only do they represent good value, but our long-term test on the 650MT shows they are reliable.

CFMoto 650MT update 650gt
Our long-term test 650MT

CFMoto 650GT

CFMoto’s grand tourer comes standard with a large colour auto dimming TFT display, adjustable windscreen and USB and 12 volt charging sockets on either side in the cockpit. Panniers are also available as an option.

The 650GT ABS is powered by the same 41.5kW (LAMS restricted) 650cc parallel twin engine as used in the 650NK and 650MT variants.

It is managed by a Bosch EFI system delivering a user-friendly power curve, perfect for new riders. CFMoto 650GT

The hydraulic brakes are supplied by Spanish company J.Juan with a Continental ABS.

It is shod with Metzeler tyres and claims to have a “plush ride” on the KYB conventional telescopic forks and cantilever KYB rear monoshock.

CFMoto also claims the low seat height of 795mm will provide a relaxed riding position.

They say it will appeal to commuters, tourers and learner riders.

The 650GT ABS is available in two colour options, Concept Blue or Nebula Black and is backed by CFMOTO’s two-year, unlimited km warranty.CFMoto 650GT

KTM links

Like the other models in the CFMoto range, the 650GT has European styling thanks to Austrian design house Kiska which also designs KTM motorcycles.

CFMoto  has close ties with KTM, making their bikes in China for the domestic market.

This collaboration will lead to a host of new motorcycle models to be released by CFMoto over 2020/21.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com