Indian Motorcycle has one of the best audio and infotainment systems on a motorcycle and it has just got better with a free software upgrade and phone app.
The new software will allow riders to plan their trip on their desktop computer with up to 100 waypoints then send it remotely to their bike’s infotainment system.
It will also allow riders to share their planned or completed rides on Facebook.
The app can be downloaded for free in the Apple Store and Google Play.
New models will come with the software upgrade already installed.
Software upgrade
Owners can update their current system at their local dealership or by downloading the software to a USB drive at the Ride Command Page then plugging into their bike’s system.
The page also acts as a platform for riders to plan and share rides. Currently it is an American page, but Indian Motorcycle Australia spokesman Chris Gale says they are working on developing the app and website for Aussie riders.
“The new app has been developed in North America and some of the website/app information and functionality is only available in that region,” web says.
“We are working to localise the app for the Australian market.”
Meanwhile, Australian riders can still use the app to download software updates, plan and track rides then download them onto their Indian Motorcycle.
Owners can also upgrade their Ride Command system by downloading the free 2018 map updates on the Ride Command Page or at their dealer.
Ride Command system
Indian’s Ride Command system has a 7-inch touchscreen that is glove sensitive. We’ve tested it with thick winter gloves and it works perfectly, including the pinch-and-pull motion to zoom in and out like on a smartphone.
2017 Indian Roadmaster Ride Command infotainment system
The system has a split screen so you can display a host of different information art the same time, or you can toggle through screens that show navigation, vehicle data, audio entertainment and phone call information.
Vehicle data includes fuel, oil, tyre pressure, battery charge and service reminders. American riders using the app can also now log their maintenance. The app has not yet been adapted for Australianuse.
After several years as a trendy merchandise and clothing brand, Italian-origin Lambretta has returned to our market with a range of scooters, topped by the V200 Special.
The range includes V50 and V50 Special ($3590), V125 and V125 Special ($4290), V200 and V200 Special ($4990) and limited-edition Pirelli ($5390). (All are retail prices and do not include on-road costs.)
Lambretta Pirelli Limited Edition V200 Special
That’s very competitive for an Italian-origin scooter that comes with a steel body and frame, LED lighting, USB port, Bosch ABS and Pirelli tyres.
While the elite scooterist congoscenti may argue that the modern Lambretta is not truly Italian, what automotive company is truly a complete product of their origin nation?
Cars and bikes are made all over the world with components from a host of nations. Even Harley-Davidson now makes some motorcycles in India. And Italian scooter competitor Vespa is making more and more models in Vietnam.
Lambretta began in the fashionable Lambrate division of Milan in 1948, a couple of years after Vespa.
The company is now owned by the Swiss Lambretta Consortium and the Austrian KSR Group.
Design flair
Their scooters feature reliable Taiwanese SYM engines and are designed by Austrian company Kiska who also design for KTM, Husqvarna and CFMoto.
When I picked up the V200 Special from Urban Scooters in Newstead, Brisbane, it immediately reminded me of a 1970s Lambretta I rode around London.
Same sleek design with that aggressive, masculine, bomb-style rear shell and an aura that reeks of Quadrophenia attitude.
About the only difference is the absence of a gear shifter on the left grip and a flex fender that turns with the wheel rather than a fixed fender. However, true believers can also choose a fixed fender version.
To remind the rider of its origins, the name “Lambretta” is simply stamped, painted or stickered everywhere.
It feels sturdy with a steel semi-monocoque body and plenty of steel parts and aluminium front grill, handlebar components and trim.
The V200 Special controls feel a bit notchy, but the paint, badges and details are all good quality.
The LED taillight with integrated indicators is an absolute work of art. I wonder how they got that through ADRs!
My only concern with the design and finish is the rear mud flap extension that looks like an add-on, while the panel around the number plate looks like a piece of trim is missing.
The V200 has audible indicators that beep to remind riders to switch them off. That’s a good safety feature as many riders forget to cancel their indicators and then wonder why motorists drive out in front of them at intersections!
It did get a little annoying after a while and some may prefer to disconnect this feature.
V200 power
The 169cc SYM single-cylinder engine has just 8.8kW of power and 12.2Nm of torque.
It needs to be fed some revs before taking off, but it responds smoothly and quickly. It hits 60km/h in about four seconds which is ample for around-town duties.
The air-cooled engine requires oil changes every 3000km with a major service every 12,000km.
Those frequent oil-change intervals might lead some owners to skip maintenance, especially time-poor commuters.
The engine is linked to a continuously variable transmission as used in many scooters and small cars.
CVT doesn’t have gears as such but keeps the engine revving in its sweet spot and smoothly adjusts the final ratio to accelerate.
Some twist-and-go scooters snatch when engaged, but this has smooth power delivering, allowing for confident feet-up u-turns.
Out on the 80km/h roads, it buzzes along nicely without vibrating the mirrors or sending a tingle through the bars. If pressed, it will get up to highway speeds, but labours on hills.
Despite being a single-cylinder engine, it doesn’t feel overly stressed on the highway, nor noisy, thanks also to the belt final drive.
Ride quality
While original Lambrettas had leading link suspension, these feature conventional telescopic forks with a single rear shock.
It rides ok without any clatter or wild head-shake, and it copes quite well with most potholes.
However, the 12-inch wheels don’t like the big hits and send kickback through the bars.
Brakes are excellent with smooth Bosch ABS activation in the front.
Like most scooters, there is more effective braking from the left lever or back brake because of the engine’s weight over the back wheel.
Scooter comfort
Riding position is comfortable for my 182cm frame, although the bars are a little close and my knees almost touch the front cowl.
Big rubber floor grips ensure your feet don’t slip when it rains.
Comfort is assured with a generously padded seat for both rider and pillion.
The 800mm seat is also quite wide which can make it difficult for some people to put their feet down when stopped.
However, the beauty of a step-through scooter is that you can slide forward off the front of the seat when stopped and easily plant your feet on the ground.
Features
The front cowl features a lockable glove compartment with a steering lock and a USB charging point for your phone. However, my plus-size iPhone wouldn’t fit.
Lockable under-seat storage has enough room for a full-face helmet, plus gloves.
Instruments sit on top of the headlight nacelle and are a combination of LCD screen and analogue speedo.
They feature a lot of info, but are set almost horizontal so they are difficult to see. The screen also reflects a lot of glare from the sun.
The numbers and letters are also spindly which makes them even more difficult to see.
Conclusion
I’ve ridden many scooters and this looks and feels more like an Italian scooter than some cheap Asian knock-off.
Suzuki has confirmed its barnstorming GSX1300R Hayabusa – or Busa to its legion of fans – will cease production this month as its engine no longer meets tough European emissions regulations.
The first production bike to reach 200mph (321km/h) was given the Japanese name for the peregrine falcon which is the world’s fastest bird at 200mph.
It was introduced in 1999 and a year later, Japanese and European motorcycle manufacturers agreed to impose a 300km/h limit on bikes to avoid a legislative ban on hyperbike speeds.
There has only been one significant update in 2008.
Although the emissions regulations that will end its illustrious career were introduced in January 2016, existing motorcycles had a grace period that ends on December 31.
Since most of the world now adopts the European emissions standards, Suzuki has decided to pull production.
It produces 110kW at 10,000rpm and 108Nm of torque at 9500rpm.
That’s still a l;long way short of the Hayabusa. It originally had 129kW of power from its 1299cc four-cylinder engine but in its final guise produced 145kW.
Meanwhile, Suzuki Motorcycles Australia is taking deposits of $1000 on the 2019 Suzuki Katana.
They will be available in “limited numbers” and in two colour choices. Final pricing has not yet been revealed.
Customers who have put in orders for the two new hand-built Norton Atlas 650cc models are set for a long wait for delivery.
The Atlas Nomad cafe racer and Ranger scrambler will not hit the assembly line until early Northern Hemisphere summer 2019.
And even then they will only be built for the UK market, says Norton International Dealer Manager Lee Frankish.
“During late 2019 we will start to plan for international markets with the plan to start building early 2020.”
Meanwhile, Australian distributor, Brisbane Motorcycles, tells us they already have one pre-order and will announce pricing “in the next couple of months”. In the UK they cost £9995 for the Nomad and £11,995 for the Ranger.
Since the Norton Commando 961 starts at £15,995 in the UK and $A29,990 in Australia, we can expect the pricing to be just under $20,000 for the Nomad and just over for the Ranger.
Atlas Ranger
Atlas Nomad
All Nortons are handmade in the Donington Hall factory in the UK, so it will be some time before they are exported in significant volumes.
Donington Hall factory
The Aussie distributors are expecting the bikes at the end of next year. However, that would be difficult since Norton says they won’t be built until 2020 for international markets.
The warranty period also includes comprehensive roadside assistance, available 24/7 every single day of the year.
BMW F 750 GS (plus on-road costs)
BMW F 750 GS
BMW F 750 GS
$13,590
BMW F 750 GS Tour
$17,305
BMW F 750 GS Low Suspension
$13,840*
BMW F 750 GS Tour Low Suspension
$17,005*
BMW F 850 GS (plus on-road costs)
2018 BMW F 850 GS
BMW F 850 GS
$17,990*
BMW F 850 GS Rallye
$18,390*
BMW F 850 GS Rallye X
$22,305*
BMW F 850 GS Tour
$21,805*
BMW F 850 GS Low Suspension
$18,240*
BMW F 850 GS Rallye Low Suspension
$18,640*
BMW F 850 GS Tour Low Suspension
$21,505*
At the heart of the new midsize adventurers are the two new parallel-twin engines, both with a displacement of 853cc, but different output.
The F 850 GS has 70kW (95hp) of power at 8250rpm and 92Nm of torque at 6250rpm while the F 750 GS has 57kW (77hp) at 7500rpm and 83Nm at 6000rpm.
2018 BMW F 850 GS
BMW says the F 750 GS is “designed for all riders” with a low seat height and “all-round qualities”. It features mag wheels with a 19-inch front.
However, the F 850 GS not only has more power and torque, but BMW says it has more touring and off-road features. They include wire wheels and a 21-inch front.
2018 BMW F 850 GS
New F 850 GS and F 750 GS engine
BMW says the engine has a 90-degree crankshaft and a 270/450-degree firing interval with two counterbalance shafts to smooth it out.
A self-amplifying, anti-hopping clutch provides a lighter lever feel and the drop in engine drag torque prevents wheel lock-ups on downshifts.
The six-speed gearbox with secondary drive is now positioned on the left.
Rider aids include ‘Rain’ and ‘Road’ riding modes, ABS and automatic stability control ensures a high level of safety.
The F 750 GS and F 850 GS can be fitted ex-works optional equipment such as Pro riding modes, dynamic traction control and banking-capable ABS Pro.
New midsize frame
The bridge frame of the new F models is made of deep-drawn, welded components and integrates the engine as a co-supporting element.
BMW claims this improves torsional rigidity and “robustness”.
The fuel tank is back in the traditional position for improved centre of gravity.
The F 850 GS adds a Rallye style variant with emphasis on off-road capabilities.
There is also a range of optional equipment including different seat heights, windshields, full LED headlight, Connectivity equipment with TFT display, Keyless Ride, Gear shift assistant Pro, Dynamic ESA and eCall.
The extra tech, engine capacity and power has added $1600 to the starting price of the GS (currently $21,850).
It adds $600 to the GSA prices, $860 more for the R, while the RS actually starts at $560 less. The RT also returns to the line-up in 2019.
BMW R 1250 pricing (plus on-road costs)
R 1250 GS
2019 BMW R 1250 GS
BMW R 1250 GS
$23,490
BMW R 1250 GS Rallye
$24,940
BMW R 1250 GS Rallye X
$29,890
BMW R 1250 GS Exclusive
$28,140
BMW R 1250 GS Spezial
$31,390
R 1250 GS Adventure
BMW R 1250 GS Adventure HP
BMW R 1250 GSA
$25,490
BMW R 1250 GSA Rallye
$26,390
BMW R 1250 GSA Rallye X
$31,590
BMW R 1250 GSA Exclusive
$30,790
BMW R 1250 GSA Spezial
$30,540
R 1250 R
BMW R 1250 R
BMW R 1250 R
$21,240
BMW R 1250 R HP
$27,040
BMW R 1250 R Exclusive
$26,065
BMW R 1250 R Spezial
$26,765
R 1250 RS
BMW R 1250 RS
BMW R 1250 RS
$22,540
BMW R 1250 RS Sport
$28,215
BMW R 1250 RS Exclusive
$27,215
BMW R 1250 R Spezial
$28,065
R 1250 RT
2019 BMW R 1250 RT
BMW R 1250 RT
$32,290
BMW R 1250 RT Sport
$33,190
BMW R 1250 RT Elegance
$33,465
BMW R 1250 R Spezial
$34,215
The BMW R 1250 range is covered by BMW Motorrad Australia’s three-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. The warranty period also includes comprehensive roadside assistance, available 24/7 every single day of the year.
More power
The new 1254cc boxer engines, up from 1170cc, now feature BMW ShiftCam Technology which is a type of variable valve timing similar to the systems used by Ducati and Honda.
These systems, which have been used in cars for years, not only boost power, but also reduce emission and improve fuel economy.
BMW claims it also makes the bikes more refined and smoother, especially in lower rev ranges.
Bore and stroke is 102.5 to 76mm (previously 101 to 73mm) with output of 100kW (136hp) at 7750rpm and 143Nm off torque at 6250rpm (previously 92kW (125hp) at 7750 rpm and 125Nm at 6500 rpm).
The new boxer engine offers 14% more torque and 9% more output.
BMW ShiftCam Technology enables variation of the valve timings and valve stroke on the intake side. The intake camshafts are also designed for asynchronous opening of the two intake valves, resulting in “enhanced swirl of the fresh, incoming mixture and therefore more effective combustion”.
The camshaft drive is run by a toothed chain (previously a roller chain), optimised oil supply, twin-jet injection valves and a new exhaust system.
They now have two knock sensors to allow fuels with a rating of less than RON 95.
Gearbox and clutch are integrated into the new engine housing to reduce weight and save, and increase torsional response.
Power transmission to the six-speed gearbox, which has been further optimised in terms of gear shifting, is via a multi-plate wet clutch with eight friction discs. The clutch system is fitted with an anti-hopping mechanism.
Triumph has unveiled their Speed Twin which is a poor-man’s Thruxton with the same engine tuning, but not quite the braking or handling spec of the sporty Thruxton R.
It also doesn’t have the dropped bars, but a more relaxed riding position like the T120.
Unlike the spy shots we saw last month, the Speed Twin comes with Kayaba conventional forks and shocks, not upside down forks and Ohlins piggyback suspension.
Triumph Motorcycles Australia say the bikes will arrive in January/February with pricing closer to the release date.
We suspect they will retail for about $18,000 which is more than the T120 at $17,200.
However, it should be under the Thruxton at $18,700 and well under the Ohlins-clad Thruxton R at $21,100.
The Speed Twin is basically a dual-seat Thruxton with straight bars, brushed metal and black dual exhausts, and seven-spoke mag wheels instead of wired-wheels.
It will come in three colour options: Silver Ice/Storm Grey, Korosi Red/Storm Grey, and Jet Black.
The unveiling of the Speed Twin lifts the number of 900 and 1200 Bonneville models to 12.
Single 220mm disc, Nissin 2-piston floating caliper, ABS
Instrument Display and Functions
LCD multi-functional instrument pack with analogue speedometer, analogue tachometer, gear position indicator, fuel gauge, range to empty indication, service indicator, clock, trip computer, scroll and mode buttons on handlebars, heated grip ready, fuel consumption display, traction control status and throttle mode display. TPMS ready.
No, it’s not the 1970s again — Furion Motorcycles of France plans to resurrect the Wankel rotary engine for their hybrid M1 motorcycle that also has an electric motor.
Rotary engines were big news in the 1970s, most notably in the Mazda RX-8.
There were also many motorcycles with rotary engines. Norton had several models. Others included the Hercules/DKW W-2000, Yamaha RZ201, Kawasaki X99 RCE, Van Veen OCR1000 and Suzuki RE5.
Hercules Wankel
Wankel rotary engines seemed a stroke of genius at the time with the cylinders rotating around the stationary camshaft. They were light and compact with high power and smooth revving.
But they had poor fuel economy and high emissions. Furion has now been resolved that by using a back-up electric motor.
Furion M1 Hybrid
Furion Motorcycles’ hybrid M1 sportsbike is so far only CAD images on a computer screen.
However, they say they will power it with a 654cc Wankel rotary engine, an electric motor and five lithium-ion batteries.
The rotary produces 93kW of power (125hp) at 9000rpm and 105Nm of torque at 6000rpm, while the bike weighs 209kg.
An electric motor adds 41kW (55hp) and 100Nm for a total of 134kW (180hp) and 205Nm.
Despite all that power, they claim range of 400km on just 16 litres of fuel.
Furion M1 sits in a tubular trellis frame on 43mm upside-down forks and rear monoshock with 310mm dual disc brakes and six-speed transmission.
Instruments
Hybrid future
Furion is not the only company looking at hybrid technology for the future.
The Florida custom motorcycle company plans to sell the handmade custom bike for $US49,500 (about $A67,700) on a limited-run basis.
That compares with the standard production R nineT which sells in the States for $US12,995 and $22,49 in Australia.
Nmoto say it will take up to six months to make each Nostalgia to meet customers’ exact specifications.
Inspired Nostalgia
It is inspired by the legendary “unicorn” BMW R7 – the 1934 one-off prototype considered by many to be the Mona Lisa of motorcycles.
BMW R7
Nmoto founder Alexander Niznik says the Nostalgia consists of more than 96 handcrafted parts.
“It offers all the style of the original vintage model with all the peace-of-mind of the new model,” says .
BMW R nineT and Nmoto Nostalgia
“It’s the perfect combination that makes a statement unlike anything else on the road.”
While it is based on the R Nine T with a 1170cc boxer engine with 81kW of power (110hp) and 86Nm of torque, Nmoto claim it is lighter and will top out at 225km/h.
Peak power and torque remain the same and they don’t say what they have done to make it 25km/h faster than the production model.
However, the power-to-weight ratio will be improved as it now weighs 205kg instead of 220kg.
Even though it looks like it came from pre-WWII Bavaria, the Nmoto Nostalgia has a modern six-speed gearbox, traction control, anti-lock braking system and keyless ignition.
Unlike the original, it also features front and rear suspension!
The modern ignition lock and speedometer have been cleverly incorporated into the headlamp housing for that true nostalgia effect.
It comes in 11 colour combinations, with customisation options that include adjustable steering, seat trim finish, luggage box and passenger seat.
