Tag Archives: Motorbikes

Norton reveals Atlas Nomad and Ranger

Norton has unveiled a surprise with not one, but two Atlas 650cc models – the cafe racer Nomad and the Ranger scrambler.

The bikes go on sale as early as this weekend in the UK for £9995 (Nomad) and £11,995 (Ranger).

There is no word of export schedules or overseas pricing yet.

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.

All Nortons are handmade in the UK and these will only be available in small numbers in the UK. So it might be some time before they are exported in significant volumes.

They draw inspiration from Norton’s original 750cc Atlas of the 1960s.

Both new Atlas models are powered by a 650cc twin engine. It is basically half of the 1200cc V4 they are working on for their flagship V4 model expected to be released next year.

Norton V4 RR British atlas
Norton V4 RR

The liquid-cooled, parallel twin engine in the Atlas models has a 270-degree firing order like the new Triumph Bonnevilles.

It has 62kW of power at 11,000 revs and 64Nm of torque.

In cafe racer form, the Nomad features an 18-inch front wheel, 180mm rear tyre, wire wheels, straight bars, suede and vinyl bench seat, single headlight and twin pod instruments.

The scrambleresque Ranger has a 19-inch front wheel, high front guard, 50mm higher suspension, a 43mm higher seat (867mm), sport screen, headlight protection and dual-sport tyres.

Both come in a choice of grey, light blue, maroon, black or white.

Norton Atlas RangerNorton Atlas Ranger

Engine: Norton Designed 650cc parallel twin. 270 degree firing order. Chain driven double overhead cams with idler gear.

Bore & stroke: 82mm x 61.5mm

Compression ratio: 11.5:1

Fuel injection: Electronic fuel injection system. 4 fuel injectors. Full drive-by-wire system.

Euro 4: Full compliance including secondary air injection and EVAP

Power: 62kW (84bhp) @ 11,000rpm

Torque: 64Nm

Lighting: Full LED lighting system including super bright high and low beam, daytime running lights, rear lamp and indicators.

Chassis: Twin tube seamless steel perimeter chassis with aluminium swingarm mount.

Swingarm: Braced twin spar cast aluminium.

Wheelbase: 1470mm

Dry weight: 178kg

Headstock angle: 24.2 degrees

Fuel tank: Composite fuel tank with 15L capacity.

Yokes: Forged top and bottom.

Wheels: 19-inch front spoke wheel with Titanium coloured aluminium rim and 120/70 R19 Avon Trekrider tyre; 17-inch rear spoke wheel with Titanium coloured aluminium rim and 170/60 R17 Avon Trekrider tyre.

Bodywork: High mudguard, brushed aluminium rear panels.

Others: Factory fit sump guard, screen kit, headlamp guard. Braced handle bars.

Seat: 867mm

Brakes: 2 x 320mm full floating Brembo discs. Radially mounted twin Brembo monoblock callipers with ABS. Brembo master cylinder; Single 245mm Brembo disc. Brembo twin piston rear calliper with ABS. Brembo master cylinder.

Suspension: 50mm Roadholder USD forks, preload, compression and rebound adjustable. 200mm wheel travel;  Roadholder monoshock with rising rate linkage and piggyback reservoir. Adjustable preload. 200mm wheel travel.

Norton Atlas NomadNorton Atlas Nomad

Engine: Norton Designed 650cc parallel twin. 270 degree firing order. Chain driven double overhead cams with idler gear.

Bore & stroke: 82mm x 61.5mm Compression ratio: 11.5:1

Fuel injection: Electronic fuel injection system. 4 fuel injectors. Full drive-by-wire system.

Euro 4: Full compliance including secondary air injection and EVAP.

Power: 62kW (84bhp) @ 11,000 rpm Torque: 64Nm

Lighting: Full LED lighting system including super bright high and low beam, daytime running lights, rear lamp and indicators.

Chassis: Twin tube seamless steel perimeter chassis with aluminium swingarm mount.

Swingarm: Braced twin spar cast aluminium.

Wheelbase: 1446mm

Dry weight: 178kg

Headstock angle: 24.2 degrees.

Fuel tank: Composite fuel tank with 15L capacity.

Yokes: Forged top and bottom

Wheels: 18-inch front spoke wheel with polished aluminium rim and 110/80 R18 Avon Trekrider tyre; 17-inch rear spoke wheel with polished aluminium rim and 180/55 R17 Avon Trekrider tyre.

Bodywork: Aluminium polished low front mudguard. Polished aluminium rear panels.

Seat height: 824mm

Brakes: 2 x 320mm full floating Brembo discs. Radially mounted twin Brembo monoblock callipers with ABS. Brembo master cylinder; single 245mm Brembo disc. Brembo twin piston rear calliper with ABS. Brembo master cylinder.

Suspension: 50mm diameter Roadholder USD forks. Preload, compression and rebound adjustable. 150mm wheel travel; Roadholder monoshock with rising rate linkage and piggyback reservoir. Adjustable preload. 150mm wheel travel.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Triumph releases Ace and Diamond T120 models

Ace and Diamond limited-edition versions of the Triumph T120 Bonneville have been released to tantalise us and take away the breath of diehard Bonne fans.

The Ace is a tribute to the legendary Ace Cafe in London and the Diamond is a chromed model with a subtle British flag on the tank.

Only 1400 Ace models will be released and 900 Diamond models.

Triumph Australia Marketing Manager Dale McBride says “our allocation and pricing hasn’t been determined from Triumph”.

“It looks like a Q2, 2019 release,” he says.

Expect to pay a premium over the current T120 price of $17,200 (plus on-road costs).

The bikes were unveiled at the recent EICMA motorcycle showing Milan where many expected the new 1200cc Speed Twin with mag wheels would be unveiled.

Triumph releases Ace and Diamond T120 models
Triumph Speed Twin spy shot

It would be the first T120 without spokes and we expect it may be unveiled in the next few weeks after recent spy shots surfaced.

Instead, Triumph surprised with these two stunners at the show.

T120 AceTriumph releases Ace and Diamond T120 models

This dark cafe racer model is a tribute to the legendary London cafe were ton-up boys made their name in the 1950s.

While the bikes ridden then included many British brands, cafe MD Mark Wilsmore says Triumph is the perfect fit.

“Triumph and the Ace Cafe go hand in hand for me, with decades of riders turning up at the cafe on the latest British Twin to chance their arm on the A406, and be top dog off the lights,” he says.Triumph releases Ace and Diamond T120 models

“This beautiful new Bonneville T120 Ace pays homage to those riders and our glorious shared history in style.”

The tribute bike has blacked-out intake covers, engine badges, and bench seat with matt Storm Grey paint and contrasting striping on the tank with Ace Cafe graphics.Triumph releases Ace and Diamond T120 models

T120 DiamondTriumph releases Ace and Diamond T120 models

The Diamond celebrates the diamond or 60th anniversary of the original Bonnvelle T120 of 1959.

It was the final motorcycle designed by Triumph’s chief designer Edward Turner and took its name from Bonneville Salt Flats where Triumph scored many world speed records.

The 2019 Triumph Bonneville T120 Diamond Edition features a silver and white tank emblazoned with a subtle Union Jack.Triumph releases Ace and Diamond T120 models

It also comes with polished-chrome engine covers and chain guard plus chromed traditional tank badges.Triumph releases Ace and Diamond T120 models

Which is your favourite? Leave your comments below.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Dial in your own electric motorcycle sound

Kymco may have the answer to one of the biggest problems with electric motorcycles by allowing riders to dial in their own motorcycle sound!

The Taiwanese scoter company is branching out with their SuperNEX electric sports bike concept unveiled last week in Milan.

They have produced this video which is actually quite useless as it doesn’t give an example of the sound nor show the bike in action.

[embedded content]

However, we have little doubt that the concept will work.

Kymco has been around a long time and has been working on electric vehicles for the past few years.

In March, they unveiled their Ionex electric scooter with two swappable batteries.

Kymco proposes battery swap scheme for Ionex electric scooter dial
Kymco Ionex electric scooter

The SuperNEX concept electric superbike features some serious kit including Brembo brakes, Ohlins suspension, Oz wheels, an alloy frame and Metzeler Racetec tryes.

Dial in sound

Kymco SuperNEX electric motorcycle allows you to dial in your own soundBut the most interesting aspect to us is the sound.

Electric vehicles are quiet which is not only a turnoff for riders, but also a danger to pedestrians in the urban landscape.

On the highway, electric motorcycles can actually make quite a bit of noise. In fact, like most motorcycles, at that speed the loudest noise is tyre on tarmac.

But for those who love to hear the motor working, Kymco has developed what they call a dial-in Active Acoustic Motor.

They don’t say how it works but claim the rider can dial in sound and “tune” it to their taste.

Harley-Davidson’s LiveWire electric motorcycle which will be available overseas next year and in Australia at the end of 2020 makes a turbine “whooshing” sound by meshing the gears.

Harley plans adventure, streetfighters and electric bicycles loud confirms dial
LiveWire

Maybe the SuperNEX does something similar with the gears.

Speaking of which, Kymco’s SuperNEX will also appeal to riders of conventional bikes because it has gears.

Like the ill-fated Brammo (and then Victory) Empulse, it has chain drive and normal gears.

Victory Empulse TT electric motorcycle dial
MBW rides the Victory Empulse TT electric motorcycle

Most electric bikes are direct drive and have twist-and-go-throttle with no gears like a scooter.

Other than that, Kymco has not released any tech specs on power, speed, range and battery charging times.

There is also no word on if/when it will go into production.Kymco SuperNEX electric motorcycle allows you to dial in your own sound

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Haptic jacket warns rider of collision

Imagine a motorcycle jacket that vibrates when it senses you are about to have a collision or delivers that disco bass rumble in your gut when you play music in your helmet?

The Origin “haptic” jacket will come as part of a package with a Zenith head-up display helmet (HUD) when you buy the coming 240km/h Arc Vector electric motorcycle costing about £90,000 ($A160,000, $US117,000).

Click here for more information on the British Arc Vector.Arc Vector electric motorcycle with collision warning

The bike features “haptic” handlebars and seat that vibrate if they sense a crash or you try to merge into a lane where there is a car. Similar technology has been around in some cars for years.

Vector is also integrated with the Zenith head-up display helmet.

No further details are available, but there are several HUD helmets hitting the market with different functions.Zenith HUD helmet Arc Vector electric motorcycle with collision warning

Haptic collision warning

Their Origin jacket takes collision warning even further with haptic pads that vibrate.

It features different modes including “Dynamic” to “amplify the sense of excitement during a dynamic ride”.

Another is called “Euphoric” that produces that deep bass rumble.

While these are entertainment modes, Arc founder and CEO Mark Truman says the normal haptic mode that responds to crash threats can be used to “augment mirrors as a threat detection system”.

Riders will experience a buzz in their back or one shoulder to indicate the presence and direction of another threatening vehicle.

Origin jacket Arc Vector electric motorcycle with collision warning
Vibrating haptic pads

“The haptic jacket and high-tech helmet are designed to help meld man and machine into one,” Arc claims. 

Mark says it allows the rider to keep their eyes on the road ahead. However, we would argue that a shoulder check is always advisable.

“People ask me if this could be distracting, but it is actually designed to be the total opposite,” Mark says.

“The tech frees you and your senses because the distractions have been removed.

“It allows you to concentrate on the road and your oneness with the bike, to just enjoy the moment knowing the bike is looking out for you and the information you need is right in front of you.”

So why provide entertainment haptic modes?

Arc VectorArc Vector electric motorcycle with collision warning

Meanwhile, the 95kW Arc Vector has a top speed of 241km/h (150mph) and accelerates to highway seed in 2.7 seconds.

Range is claimed to be 190km (about 120 miles) on the highway or 274km (170 miles) in the city.

Only 355 bikes will be produced.

It features a lightweight carbonfibre swingarm and a new type of battery that makes the bike a chimed 25% lighter than its competition.

It also comes with custom Ohlins dampers and Brembo brakes mounted in the 6 o’clock position.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Ural Motorcycles unveils first electric sidecar

The iconic boxer heads sticking out the side are missing on the first electric sidecar prototype from Ural Motorcycles.

Ural Electric Prototype is just the first development phase and there is no word on when — or if — the finished product will come to market.

The Russian company estimates it would take about two years to ramp up serial production upon final design approval.

Electric sidecarURAL electric sidecar prototype

An electric sidecar makes a lot more sense than an electric bike because there is so much more space to fit batteries.

While this prototype doesn’t have the traditional Ural (previously BMW) boxer engine, or clutch lever, gear shifter or instruments, it does still have a fuel cap where you stick the cord in to charge the vehicle.

The electric prototype is based on the one-wheel drive cT chassis with batteries, controller and other components from Californian electric motorcycles company Zero Motorcycles.

However, it seems they have used the previous model batteries with 165km of range, not the new Zero batteries with about 330km in the city and 155km on the highway.

Ural does not specify how that 165km of range was achieved. However, they say tech specs will change before this outfit comes to market as they will use the latest battery technology available.URAL electric sidecar prototype

Ural says the electric sidecar prototype will be shown at North American motorcycle shows and demo-ride events to collect feedback “before moving to the next phase of this project”.

Ural Australia spokesman Matthew Hodge says they are discussing the opportunity to bring it to Australia. Stay tuned for updates!

That’s a similar approach Harley-Davidson took with their 2014 electric LiveWire which will come to market next year.

Fellow California company ICG designed and fabricated the prototype for Ural while Zero provided engineering support during development and testing.

‘Perfect’ platformURAL electric sidecar prototype

Ural President and CEO Ilya Khait says a sidecar is “the perfect platform to build an electric motorcycle because it can offer what regular two-wheeled motorcycles can’t: passenger comfort, stability and safety, not to mention more space for batteries”.

“We’re very happy with the results,” he says.

“At a glance it’s still a Ural, but the electric bike offers a totally new experience.”

It is believed the baterries are in the floor of the sidecar which would provide a very low centre of gravity for better handling.

Actually, at first glance, it looks very little like a Ural from any angle thanks to the lack of boxer heads and the big “B” shaped aluminium motor frame.

Ilya points out another difference from the traditional Ural: “It accelerates very quickly – for a Ural.”

Company operations VP Jason Rae says their main goal with the prototype was achieving  “proof of concept”.

“We went through several iterations, searching for the best configuration of the electric powertrain package,” he says.

“One of the main challenges was to find the optimal location for the batteries while maintaining passenger comfort, storage capacity and stability distinctive to Ural sidecars.URAL electric sidecar prototype

“The bike was tested intensively in real-world conditions – in the rain and snow, on cold and hot days, on the highway and city streets. We accumulated a lot of data that will be used in the next phase of the project.

“Admittedly, I was apprehensive in the beginning that an electric Ural was something worth putting our resources into, but now I’m totally convinced and looking forward to development of our production intent prototype.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Deposits being taken on 2019 Suzuki Katana

Deposits of $1000 on the 2019 Suzuki Katana are now being taken for the bike which will be available in “limited numbers” and in two colour choices.

The reincarnated Katana was unveiled last month at the Intermot show in Cologne in traditional silver and black.2019 Katana deposits

This week a second “Glass Sparkle Black” version was unveiled at the EICMA show in Milan.2019 Suzuki atana deposits

Online deposits

Suzuki Australia spokesman Matt Reilly says they will only take orders for the bike online, “offering customers a premium buying experience along the way in the lead up to arrival in the third quarter of next year”.

“Australian pricing is not yet 100% confirmed and difficult to accurately forecast given the timeframe to the Katana’s Q3 2019 arrival,” he says.

“However, we have been advising customers that we are working very hard to secure the bike for under $20K ride away with 12 months’ registration.”

Deposits will cost $1000 and if you change your mind after three business days, Suzuki Australia will only refund $450.

The remaining $550 takes into account the “reasonable administrative costs Suzuki will incur as a result of your cancellation”.2019 Suzuki atana deposits

The first 50 customers to order a Katana will also receive a Katana-themed Arai QV-Pro helmet, valued at $995, with their bike delivery.

Online customers can nominate their preferred authorised Suzuki motorcycle dealer for delivery as well as arrange finance and insurance quotes and trade-in valuations.

Printed brochures are also available at Suzuki dealers.

If you can’t complete the online order, you can do it at the dealership.2019 Suzuki atana deposits

Matt says online ordering was launched at the Australian MotoGP.

“We have had a fantastic response to the online ordering system, receiving a greater number of orders than we originally expected within the first week of it being live,” he says.

“To say customers are excited about this new bike is a massive understatement.”

Suzuki Katana2019 Suzuki atana deposits

The 2019 Katana has several styling cues from the old Katana including sharp lines, sports screen, half-fairing, stepped two-tone seat, stubby black exhaust and rectangular headlight.

Modern styling changes and features include full LED lighting, a remote rear fender and a massive catalytic convertor underneath.

2019 Suzuki atana deposits

The biggest change is straight bars instead of clip-ons, so it might be ergonomically less painful to ride.

Power comes from a long-stroke version of the fuel-injected 999cc inline-four engine from the GSX-R1000 with 110kW at 10,000rpm and 108Nm of torque at 9500rpm.

That’s significantly tuned down from the GSX-R1000 which has 150kW at 13200rpm and 117.6Nm at 10,800rpm. It’s porkier too at 215kg compared with 202kg.

2019 Katana deposits

Features include a back-torque-limiting clutch, Suzuki’s three-mode Traction Control System, Fujico disc brakes with Brembo front brake calipers and ABS, and new tyres with a tubeless inner structure designed exclusively for the Katana.

Suzuki makes a point of saying the seat is comfortable, probably because the old Katana was notoriously uncomfortable. However, the seat is fairly high at 825mm.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
https://motorbikewriter.com/deposits-suzuki-katana/

Indian FTR 1200 adds accessories packs

Even before the Indian FTR 1200 arrives there is already a host of accessories available for the bike including two types of Akrapovic slip-on titanium and stainless steel mufflers.

These accessories should help defray some of the criticism of the exhaust and plump seat. It may also thwart some of the aftermarket suppliers from producing their own accessories.

The four accessory packs are labelled Tracker, Rally, Sport, and Tour, two of which have high-mount Akrapovic exhausts similar to the FTR1200 Custom concept which was universally praised.

Indian Motorcycle Australia spokesman Peter Harvey says the parts are all individually available “to allow riders to build the bike in the style they prefer”. 

There is no discount pricing for buying the parts as a whole pack.

Indian FTR 1200 accessories

Here are the packs with American pricing. Australian pricing will be announced closer to launch in early 2019. 

Tracker

This collection features the high-mount titanium and steel Akrapovic slip-on muffler ($US1699.99) and mounting kit ($US79.99), plus side number plates ($US199.99), clear turn signal lenses ($US119.99), rally foot pegs ($US279.99), a high number plate mount ($US249.99), tracker seat ($US199.99) and seat cowl ($US299.99) and waffle handgrips ($US29.99).Indian FTR 1200 adds accessories

Rally

This off-roading collection also has the high-mount muffler and adds aluminium spoked wheels ($US1299.99), sport screen ($US149.99), front mudguard ($US299.99), rear mudguard ($US$199.99), aviator seat ($US$299.99), rally footpegs ($US279.99), high number plate mount ($US249.99), aluminium radiator guards ($US249.99), tank covers ($US449.99), Protaper handlebar ($US119.99).Indian FTR 1200 adds accessories

Sport

This is the smallest collection and emphasises on-road performance with a low-mount titanium and stainless steel Akrapovic slip-on muffler ($US1499.99) carbon fibre tank covers ($US599.99), carbon seat cowl ($US399.99) and carbon front mudguard ($US299.99).Indian FTR 1200 adds accessories

Tour

Touring range will be limited by the 13-litre fuel tank, but these accessories should make the ride more comfortable. The pack features the low-mount mufflers, plus a water-resistant messenger bag ($US279.99) for the left side of the bike only as the exhaust prohibits two side bags. It also includes a bag mounting kit ($US129.99), windshield ($US179.99) windshield mount ($US249.99), tank bag ($US279.99) and rear luggage rack ($US249.99).Indian FTR 1200 adds accessories

You can check out the accessories catalogue here, but note it has American pricing.

Indian FTR 1200 tech specs

  • Ride-away prices: $A19,995 (base black) $A22,995 (FTR 1200 S, red and grey or titanium and black) $A23,995 (Race-Replica)
  • Engine: 1203cc liquid-cooled, 60 degrees, DOHC, 4-valves per cylinder,  V-twin
  • Bore x stroke: 102mm x 73.6mm
  • Compression: 12.5:1
  • Power: 89kW @ 8250rpm
  • Torque: 115Nm @ 6000rpm
  • Transmission: 6-speed, chain drive
  • Suspension: 43mm USD forks; mono shock; 150mm travel
  • Dry weight: 221kg
  • Clearance: 183mm
  • Length: 2286mm
  • Seat: 840mm
  • Wheelbase: 1524mm
  • Lean angle: 43 degrees
  • Brakes: 320mm discs with 4-piston caliber; 265mm disc with 2-piston caliber, ABS
  • Tyres: 120/70R19; 150/80R18

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
https://motorbikewriter.com/indian-ftr-1200-adds-accessories-packs/

Royal Enfield develops 834cc V-twin engine

Royal Enfield has only just unveiled their 650cc parallel-twin-engined Interceptor and Continental GT, but are already developing a bigger 834cc V-twin.

The Indian company unveiled the engine in a Bobber prototype soft-tail called the Concept KX to pay homage to their 1938 1140cc V-twin.

1938 Royal Enfield KX 1140 834cc
1938 Royal Enfield KX 1140

Interestingly it’s 834cc, but there is 838 stamped on the engine in their official video.Royal Enfield KX Concept bobber 834cc

While Royal Enfield says the KX will not go into production any time soon, it could be the start of a whole new line of cruiser models with the traditional cruiser-oriented V-twin format.

While the Bobber is designed along the lines of their 1938 model and has old-style girder fork, it has modern tech such as twin ByBre (cheaper Brembo version) brake discs, LED headlight, all-digital circular instrument pod (like the Ducati Scrambler) and an airbox that is part of the frame. Sounds as innovative as something Erik Buel would think up!

No more details on the bike are available, but it does look a lot like the very poplar Indian Scout right down to the dual right-right-side pipes and brown solo seat.

The new 834cc V-twin engine was probably developed in Leicestershire, England, were the Indian-owned company has built a research, design and development “technology centre”.

Enfield of India began assembling Bullet motorcycles under licence from the British company in 1956 and complete bikes by 1962.

The British company went bust in 1971 and Enfield of India was bought by heavy vehicle and bus maker Eicher in 1995.

Royal Enfield is now the oldest motorcycle brand in the world still in production while the Bullet model is the longest motorcycle production run of all time.

We will be very interested to see what other engines and bikes will come from the new UK tech centre!

The 650cc models certainly could do with a scrambler, street tracker and bobber.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
https://motorbikewriter.com/royal-enfield-develops-834cc-v-twin-engine/

BMW extends ShiftCam technology

BMW Motorrad has extended its ShiftCam (variable valve timing) technology and 1254cc boxer engines to the rest of the R range.

It was introduced in September to the GS and RT 1250 models.

BMW R 1250 GS and RT Shiftcam
BMW R 1250 GS and RT

SiftCam technology now comes in all the other liquid-cooled boxers: the R 1250 R, RS and GS Adventure.

There is no word yet on when the 1254cc boxer bikes will arrive in Australia or their pricing.

Here is the official BMW Motorrad press release on the new models:

BMW boxer R models all get Shiftcam technology
BMW R 1250 R

Further advanced boxer engine with BMW ShiftCam Technology for an additional increase in power across the entire engine speed range, reduced emission and fuel consumption levels, optimised running smoothness and refinement.
With the extensively further advanced boxer engine, the new R 1250 R, R 1250 GS and R 1250 GS Adventure not only achieve a whole new level of power and torque. It was also possible to significantly optimise refinement and running smoothness – especially within the lower engine speed range. What is more, the new engine offers improved emission and fuel consumption levels as well as a particularly satisfying sound. For this purpose, BMW ShiftCam Technology has been used for the first time in the serial production of BMW Motorrad engines: this enables variation of the valve timings and valve stroke on the intake side. In addition, the intake camshafts are designed for asynchronous opening of the two intake valves, resulting in enhanced swirl of the fresh, incoming mixture and therefore more effective combustion. Other technical changes to the engine relate to the camshaft drive – now taken care of by a toothed chain (previously a roller chain) – an optimised oil supply, twin-jet injection valves and a new exhaust system.

Two riding modes, ASC and Hill Start Control as standard.
There are two riding modes available as standard in order to be able to adapt the motorcycle to individual rider preferences. The standard Automatic Stability Control ASC ensures a high level of riding safety due to the best possible traction. The set-off assistant Hill Start Control is likewise a standard feature in all three models, enabling convenient set-off on slopes.

Riding Modes Pro, featuring additional riding modes, Dynamic Traction Control DTC, ABS Pro, Hill Start Control Pro and Dynamic Brake Assistant DBC, available as an optional equipment ex works.
“Riding Modes Pro” is now available as an optional equipment item, featuring the additional riding mode “Dynamic” and “Dynamic Pro” (configurable), Dynamic Traction Control DTC, and in the R 1250 GS Adventure also the riding modes “Enduro” and “Enduro Pro” (configurable). DTC enables even more efficient and safe acceleration, especially when banking. ABS Pro offers even greater safety when braking, even in banking position. The new Dynamic Brake Control DBC provides additional safety when braking, also in difficult situations, by avoiding unintentional accelerator activation. By means of intervention in the engine control, drive torque is reduced during braking so as to make full use of the braking power at the rear wheel. This keeps the motorcycle stable and shortens the braking distance.

LED headlamp for the R 1250 RS and R 1250 GS Adventure as standard and LED daytime riding light for all three models as an ex works optional equipment item.
The new R 1250 RS and R 1250 GS Adventure now feature a LED headlamp as standard. In addition to this, the LED daytime riding light is available as an optional equipment item for the R 1250 RS and the R 1250 GS Adventure as well as for the R 1250 R, which has halogen headlamps.

BMW boxer R models all get Shiftcam technology
BMW R 1250 GS Adventure HP

Electronic suspension Dynamic ESA “Next Generation” with fully automatic load compensation as an option.
With the optional equipment item BMW Motorrad Dynamic ESA “Next Generation”, damping automatically adapts to the situation according to riding state and manoeuvres, and there is also automatic compensation in all load states. This allows finely tuned adaptation of the motorcycle to riding states, achieving optimum damping comfort and a very stable ride response.

Connectivity: Multifunctional instrument cluster with 6.5 inch full-colour TFT display offering many features as standard.
The three new boxer models now have the equipment feature Connectivity as standard including a 6.5-inch full-colour TFT screen. In conjunction with the standard BMW Motorrad Multi-Controller, this means the rider can access vehicle and connectivity functions particularly swiftly and conveniently.

Intelligent Emergency Call as an ex works option.
Ensuring the fastest possible assistance in the event of an accident or in situations of emergency and danger can save people’s lives. The optional equipment item Intelligent Emergency Call summons assistance to the scene as quickly as possible.
As before, this feature can be ordered for all three models.

BMW boxer R models all get Shiftcam technology
BMW R 1250 RS

BMW Motorrad Spezial – high-quality customisation features as optional equipment items ex works.
BMW Motorrad Spezial is range of iconic customisation features that enhance both performance and value, available as optional equipment items ex works. The focus is on harmonious integration in the vehicle as a whole, use of the very highest-quality materials, elaborate manual workmanship and characteristic attention to detail.

The billet packs Option 719 Classic and HP are available for the new boxer models, for example.

The new R 1250 R and R 1250 RS can also be equipped with the Option 719 Classic or Sport Wheels as well as the exclusive paintwork and the Option 719 seat.

An HP sports silencer is likewise available ex works for all three new boxer models.

New attractive colours and style variants.
The new boxer models feature one basic finish each as well as two striking style variants. The Option 718 Special Paint Finish is also available for the new R 1250 R and R 1240 RS.

The highlights of the new BMW R 1250 R, BMW R 1250 RS and BMW R 1250 GS Adventure:

  • Further developed boxer engine with BMW ShiftCam Technology for variation of the valve timings and valve stroke on the intake side.
  • Even more power across the entire engine speed range, optimised fuel consumption and emission levels, increased running smoothness and refinement.
  • Increased output and torque: 100 kW (136 hp) at 7 750 rpm and 143 Nm at 6 250 rpm (previously:92 kW (125 hp) / 125 Nm at 6 750 rpm and 125 Nm at 6 500 rpm.
  • Capacity increased to 1 254 cc (previously: 1 170 cc).
  • Asynchronous valve opening on the intake side for optimised swirl and therefore more effective combustion.
  • Camshaft drive now via toothed chain (previously roller chain)
  • Optimised oil supply and piston base cooling.
  • Knock sensor system for optimised travel suitability.
  • Latest generation of BMS-O engine control and use of twin-jet injection valves for even more effective carburetion.
  • New exhaust system for optimum performance characteristics.
  • Two riding modes, ASC and Hill Start Control as standard.
  • Riding Modes Pro, featuring additional riding modes, Dynamic Traction Control DTC, ABS Pro, Hill Start Control Pro and Dynamic Brake Assistant DBC, available as an optional equipment item ex works.
  • Electronic suspension Dynamic ESA “Next Generation” with fully automatic load compensation.
  • Standard adjustability of the seat height on the R 1250 GS Adventure (exception Style HP) as well as a wide range of seat height variants ex works.
  • New optional Sports Handlebars for R 1250 R for a more dynamic riding position.
  • In addition to standard adjustability of seat height (exception: HP style for the R 1250 GS Adventure), wide range of seat height variants ex works.
  • LED headlamp for the R 1250 RS (completely new design) and
    R 1250 GS Adventure as standard; LED daytime riding light for all  models as an ex works optional equipment item.
  • Connectivity: Multifunctional instrument cluster with 6.5 inch full-colour TFT display offering many features as standard.
  • Intelligent Emergency Call as an ex works option.
  • BMW Motorrad Spezial – customisation features as optional equipment items ex works.
  • Extended range of optional equipment items and original BMW Motorrad Accessories.
  • The new R 1250 R:
  • Dynamic naked bike character in one basic colour, two style variants and Option 719 Spezial finishes.
  • The new R 1250 RS: Sport and touring character in one basic colour, two style variants and Option 719 Spezial finishes.
  • New front spoiler and cockpit cover (R 1250 R and R 1250 RS).
  • Newly designed upper trim (R 1250 RS).
  • The new F 1250 GS Adventure: Off-road and adventure prowess in two modern basic finishes and two striking style variants.
  • R 1250 GS Adventure with new body features such as black-grained lid for storage compartment with embossed GS logo, trim for the intake snorkel, radiator trim with electroplated look, tank bracket and engine protection bars adapted to the design of the body frame.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
https://motorbikewriter.com/bmw-extends-shiftcam-technology/

Harley-Davidson confirms electric arrival

Harley-Davidson Australia finally confirms that the electric LiveWire being released next year around the world will arrive in Australia and New Zealand in late 2020.

The bike made its European debut at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan overnight where tech details were released.

However, there was nothing new that we had not heard when we inspected the production version at Harley’s 115th anniversary celebrations in Milwaukee in August.

Electric Harley-Davidson LiveWire leads parade smart desert charging
LiveWire unveiled in Milwaukee

Click here for all the tech details.

Unfortunately, there is still no mention of the all-important price, battery charging time or range.

HD Vice President of Product Planning and Portfolio Marc McAllister said the bike would be the first in “a portfolio of electric two-wheelers from Harley-Davidson” by 2020.

Click here for more details on the other small electric bikes, bicycles and scooters.

Harley plans adventure, streetfighters and electric bicycles first last small
Official Harley artist’s impression a small electric bike

In September, Harley boss Matt Levatich told me they were developing a new research and development facility in California’s Silicon Valley for its coming line of electric motorcycles and bicycles.

The new facility, serving as a satellite of the Willie G. Davidson Product Development Facility in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, is expected to open in the fourth quarter of 2018.

“This new R&D facility in the heart of Silicon Valley will help us deliver on those plans and demonstrate our commitment to lead the electrification of the sport,” Matt said.

Matt Levatich Harley-Davidson CEO politics silicon confirms
Matt at the 115th party

The new R&D centre will initially focus on electric vehicle research and development, including battery, power electronics and e-machine design, development and advanced manufacturing.

In March, Harley-Davidson acquired a stake in American electric dirt bike company Alta Motors.

The collaboration project finished  a few months later and last month Alta closed its doors.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
https://motorbikewriter.com/harley-davidson-confirms-electric-arrival/