Tag Archives: Motorbikes

790 Adventure leads KTM assault

KTM Australia says the new 790 Adventure and R models will arrive here in June 2019, several months before its major new mid-mid-sized competitor, the Yamaha Ténéré 700.

The 790 Adventure is not the only new product from KTM on display at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan.

They also feature the new 690 SMC R (arriving in March 2019), 690 Enduro R (April), 1290 Super Duke GT (February) and SX-E 5 mini electric trail bike (December).

The latter is a KTM version of the Husqvarna EE 5 electric minicycle, tapping into the Euro frenzy over electric motorcycles.

790 AdventureKTM 790 Adventure

The much anticipated 790 Adventure is powered by KTM’s new-generation LC8c 799cc in-line twin-engine with 70kW of power (95hp) and weighing in at only 189kg.

KTM claims 400km of range from the 20-litre tank. And it should all be smooth riding with two balancer shafts and long service intervals of 15,000km.KTM 790 Adventure

Suspension is, of course, WP, with 43mm forks, 200mm of travel, 233mm clearance and an 850mm seat height, compared with the Ténéré 700 at 880mm.

The engine sits in a CroMo steel frame with an open-lattice swingarm.

Finally, a manufacturer has provided an easy-to-adjust handlebar. It can be set in six different positions with a 30mm adjustment range making it comfortable no matter what size the rider and whether standing or sitting.

Instruments are in a 5-inch TFT display with a wide range of configurable information. The display varies according to light and the rev counter blinks to indicate when to shift.

KTM 790 Adventure

Electronic rider aids include traction control, cornering ABS, and an off-road mode with a smooth throttle response.

Other tasty features are LED lighting, steering damper and hefty 320mm twin discs with four-piston radially mounted callipers.

Factory accessories include an up/down quickshifter, heated grips and cruise control, as well as the usual protection parts and luggage.

KTM 790 Adventure R
790 Adventure R

The R model adds longer-travel 240mm suspension, Karoo 3 dirt tyres, 48mm WP XPLOR forks, upgraded shock and different bodywork.

1290 Super Duke GT

1290 Super Duke GT KTM 790 Adventure
1290 Super Duke GT

KTM engineers have tweaked the 1301cc 75° V-twin LC8 engine from the 1290 Super Duke R and revised resonator chambers, titanium inlet valves and a new mapping.

The result is only an kilowatt of power to 130kW, while torque is actually down 3Nm to 141Nm.

KTM has also added and up/down Quickshifter.

Electronic rider aids include lean angle sensitivity for braking power and traction control and different ride modes – including the optional ‘Track’ mode.

There is a new aerodynamic windshield developed in a wind tunnel with multiple height positions and improved one-handed adjustability.

The new 6.5-inch TFT full-colour screen is claimed to be visible in direct sunlight and has a variety of menus chock full of info.

KTM MY RIDE smartphone connectivity allows the rider to use phone functions (navigation, phone, music) via an app through the bike’s screen.

Cosmetically it now has a Duke family appearance and a new LED headlight with daytime running light and tank spoiler-mounted LED cornering lights.

The latest generation WP semi-active chassis has “deeper analysing sensors” to adjust to surface conditions with a switch to select damping for Comfort, Street and Sport.

There are two new storage compartments on the side of the tank for a mobile phone, wallet, etc. One side has a USB charging socket.

Heated grips come standard.

690 Enduro R

KTM 790 Adventure 690 ENDURO R
690 Enduro R

The 690 Enduro R returns in 2019 with several updates.

One of the best for long-range touring is the addition of two balancer shafts to smooth out the LC4 single.

It also now gets the super-duper fully-adjustable WP XPLOR suspension.

There are two changeable rider modes (off-road and street), cornering ABS and traction control.

Styling is now sharper and slimmer, with a redesigned seat.

690 SMC R

KTM 790 Adventure KTM 690 SMC R
690 SMC R

Also returning for 2019 is the R supermotard version with an advanced electronics package and 6kW more power to 55kW and 73.5Nm of torque.

It also features two balancer shafts and dual-spark cylinder head.

KTM promises improved rider ergonomics, multiple electronic rider aid systems and new WP suspension.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
https://motorbikewriter.com/790-adventure-leads-ktm-assault/

Honda updates 2019 CB model range

Rather than new models or a radical V4-powered Fireblade as widely tipped, Honda showed up at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan with a range of updated CB models including a more off-road-oriented CB500X (pictured).

2019 CB models

2019 Honda CB 500X
2019 Honda CB500X

Honda’s mid-sized CB range has been very popular in Australia for years, especially the more recent 500 models.

Leading the charge with desirable updates is the 2019 CB500X all-roader now with better dirt capabilities.

It features  increased suspension travel, more clearance, a 19-inch front wheel and a more aggressive tyre tread.

Meanwhile, the CBR650R replaces the CBR650F with more power, updated “Fireblade” styling, 5kg weight-loss, a more sporty riding position and a new LCD instrument panel.2019 Honda CB 650

The CBR500R also looks sportier redesign and the engine has been revised for better response in low-to-mid-range revs.

CB500F and CB650R now come with an assist/slipper clutch, a more powerful twin-cylinder engine and and cafe-racer styling.

2019 Fireblade2019 Honda Fireblade CB 1000 RR

The 2019 Fireblade gets an upgrade in its electronics package.

For example, traction and wheelie control are now separate so you can adjust them separately; ABS now has less intervention above 120km/h for 15% more deceleration; and the ride-by-wire throttle reacts faster for more engine braking and power delivery.

But that’s it for the updates, unless you consider new paint. The base model comes in black and silver or red and white, while the SP tricolour has darker blue accents.

We may have to wait another year for the rumoured V4 model.

There is no word yet from Honda Australia on when these updated models will arrive in Australia or pricing.

We expect they may hold off until floor stock is cleared.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
https://motorbikewriter.com/honda-updates-2019-cb-model-range/

Aprilia RS 660 concept is half a Tuono

Aprilia has cleverly taken half a Tuono engine and made what they call an RS 660 Supersport twin concept machine.

It is powered by two cylinders from a Tuono/RSV4 1100 engine as a 660c parallel twin.

“This configuration was chosen for its compact nature and efficiency, the extremely low level of heat transmitted to the rider and for the freedom that it leaves the designers to create a sleek and lightweight frame and suspension,” Aprilia’s press release says.

The Austrian company says the RS 660 project is aimed at younger riders and shows the supersport market may not be quite dead yet.

They say it will also be the “development base for a wider range that intends to make Aprilia a key player in an extremely strategic market segment in Europe, but also in Asia and the American market”.

Although not mentioned, we should expect to see it in Australia to compete against the very popular mid-sized naked sector led by the Yamaha MT-07.

RS 660 aeroAprilia RS 660 concept is half a Tuono

Aprilia says the Concept RS 660 was developed out of a “series of aerodynamic studies” in a wind tunnel.

With fuel economy top of mind and emissions regulations tightening, motorcycle manufacturers are looking for ways to compete and aero remains one of the biggest hurdles to motorcycles, even more so than big, bulky cars.

Click there to find out how aero affects motorcycles.

Aprilia’s Concept RS 660 features a unique “variable front section” which can adjust air flow direction to vary downforce.

RS 600 has a large saddle and a comfortable riding position to suit most rider sizes.Aprilia RS 660 concept is half a Tuono

It is supported by a lightweight aluminium frame and swingarm with the engine as a stressed element.

The right arm of the swingarm has a curved shape to accomodate the exhaust, while the shock absorber mount is mounted directly to the swingarm with no linkage to reduce weight.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
https://motorbikewriter.com/aprilia-rs-660-concept-tuono/

Husqvarna adds Svartpilen 701 flat tracker

Husqvarna Motorcycles has unveiled the production Svartpilen 701 flat tracker as well as the Vitpilen 701 Aero retro sports bike concept and the EE 5 electric minicycle at EICMA in Milan.

Husqvarna Motorcycles has unveiled the production Svartpilen 701 flat tracker as well as the Vitpilen 701 Aero retro sports bike and the EE 5
Vitpilen 701 Aero retro concept

Svartpilen 701

Husky calls the Svartpilen 701 a “street explorer”, but it is inspired by flat-trackers which are all the rage, especially since Indian Motorcycle unveiled its FTR 1200 recently.

Svartpilen means “black arrow” in Swedish and, like the Vitpilen (white arrow), it is powered by a lightweight 692.7cc, liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine with 56kW (75hp) of power  and 72Nm of torque.

Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 svarptilen
Husqvarna Vitpilen 701

There is no word yet on when it will arrive in Australia but the Vitpilen 701 sells for $17,500 (+ORC) which is a tall order for a single-cylinder bike in this market.

The lightweight trellis frame is made with high-grade chromium molybdenum steel, the suspension is fully-adjustable WP and brakes are Brembo brakes with Bosch’s latest switchable ABS.

It has ride-by-wire throttle, slipper clutch and Up/down quickshifter and a big range of dedicated Husqvarna accessories.

Husqvarna Motorcycles has unveiled the production Svartpilen 701 flat tracker as well as the Vitpilen 701 Aero retro sports bike and the EE 5
Svartpilen 701

Vitpilen 701 Aero ConceptHusqvarna Motorcycles has unveiled the production Svartpilen 701 flat tracker as well as the Vitpilen 701 Aero retro sports bike and the EE 5

Husky describes this as “a modern faired sport bike with an innovative design approach that pays its respect to the past”.

Again it is powered by the 692.7cc single.

EE 5Husqvarna Motorcycles has unveiled the production Svartpilen 701 flat tracker as well as the Vitpilen 701 Aero retro sports bike and the EE 5

Europe is literally buzzing with small electric motorcycles, so Husky has jumped on the bandwagon with the EE 5 mini trail bike.

They say it has the latest in high-quality componentry, a 5kW motor, six ride modes, 907Wh lithium-ion battery, quick charging, and WP suspension.

It will be available at Husqvarna Motorcycles dealers in mid-2019, but we doubt we will see it here.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
https://motorbikewriter.com/husqvarna-svartpilen-701/

80-year-old Malaguti brand returns

Over the past few years we have seen old motorcycle brands return to the market and more to come including little-known 80-year-old Italian brand Malaguti.

Brands that have returned include Bultaco, Brough, Hesketh, Levis, Matchless and Norton and there are several more to come including Jawa, Cagiva and BSA.

Now Austrian KSR Group has announced at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan that they have bought Italian brand Malaguti.

They will launch next year with six models, five being single-cylinder 125cc road and trail bikes and a 300cc scooter.

Malaguti Montepro125
Malaguti Montepro125

Malaguti was founded in 1930 by Antonino Malaguti in San Lazzaro di Savena, a suburb of the traditional university town of Bologna, as a bicycle dealership and repair shop.

The passionate cyclist began to make his own bicycles soon afterwards. From 1949 onwards, he built bicycles with auxiliary engines, soon after that also small motorcycles, finally also scooters.

In contrast to other manufacturers, he refused to participate in the “arms race” of motorcycle manufacturers with increasingly larger and more expensive models.

He concentrated on smaller bikes for younger riders.

Similarly, this new breed are small bikes.

KSR Group has partnered with an unidentified production partner, but claims the bikes are equipped with “reliable and proven Italian technology”.

The models presented in Milan are powered by water-cooled injection engines developed by Aprilia.

Their 125cc engines have 11kW of power for use in Europe by riders with novice A1 licences.

Malaguti

Malaguti

The Supermoto XSM 125, cross-country XTM 125, naked Monte Pro 125, RST 125 and Dune 125 will be made from February 2019.

Madison 300 will be the Italian company’s first scooter and will be available from April 2019.

Malaguti Madison300 scooter
Malaguti Madison300 scooter

They will hit the European market at €2999 for the XSM and XTM models.

There is no word on other prices or whether they will be exported outside Europe.

The Austrian owners say they will also produce Malaguti motorcycles with larger displacement and a three-wheeled scooter.

As a supplier of electric two-wheelers, KSR will also develop electric Malaguti motorcycles and scooters.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
https://motorbikewriter.com/80-year-old-malaguti-brand-returns/

Retro Kawasaki W800 makes surprise return

Many thought the retro-styled Kawasaki W800 would be killed off by the tougher European emissions regulations, but the bike has made a surprise return at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan.

Fans of the bike will be glad to see it has managed to clean up its act without having to resort to liquid-cooling like its nearest competitors, the Triumph Bonneville range.

Surprise returnKawasaki W800 in surprise return

There was wide speculation that Kawasaki would scrap the W800 or bring out a water-cooled W900 model.

But somehow the engineers have managed to lean down the air-cooled 773cc engine to meet the Euro4 emissions regulations.

Kawasaki says the engine is 90% new, yet it retains the bevel-drive camshaft.

No more technical details or how this has been achieved are yet available, but the bike will arrive next year.

Modern techKawasaki W800 in surprise return

And for the first time it gets a disc brake on the rear and modern LED lighting, yet it manages to retain its beautiful heritage looks.

It will be available in a range of colours and Street and Cafe (pictured top) models.

Kawasaki W800 in surprise return
Street model

The Street is the traditional naked model with straight bars and a sit-up-and-beg riding position.

Like the Z900RS and Cafe version, the W800 comes in a second Cafe version that brings back memories of the Ace Cafe in London.

It features a bubble fairing, a hump-backed seat and clip-on bars.Kawasaki W800 in surprise return

W800 revival

In recent years the W800 and the former W650 has enjoyed a bit of a resurgence among younger costumers wanting to modify it into a cafe racer, scrambler, street tracker or bobber.Kawasaki W1-1965

The original W1 was first Kawasaki’s first four-stroke sports model and the largest capacity Japanese motorcycle at the time.

Kawasaki revived the W series with the W650 in 1999, well before the 2001 retro Triumph Bonneville was reborn and Ducati introduced the SportClassic series (2003-2010).

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
https://motorbikewriter.com/kawasaki-w800-surprise-return/

BMW S 1000 RR: more power, less flab

The third generation of the BMW S 1000 RR gets a revamped engine and suspension for 2019, with more power, more technology, but less flab.

Power has been increased by 6kW (8 hp) to 152kW (207hp) and weight has been reduced from 208kg to 197kg.

And for the first time, BMW Motorrad offers M options and M Performance Parts for the new S 1000 RR. With the M Package, the S 1000 RR is even lighter at 193.5kg.

Most of the details had already been unveiled in spy photos and a leaked brochure.

Now the bike has been unveiled at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan.

There is no word yet from BMW Motorrad Australia on pricing or arrival. The current model starts at $24,500.

It comes in red or a tri-colour paint scheme.

Here is the full, official BMW press release with all the details:

Newly developed engine with BMW ShiftCam Technology for further enhanced power in the lower and medium engine speed range and increased top-end power. BMW S 1000 RR less flab
With its newly developed 4-cylinder in-line engine, now 4 kg lighter than before, the new RR achieves an entirely new level of performance. For this purpose, not only was the geometry of the intake and exhaust ports further optimised, the motorcycle now also comes with BMW ShiftCam Technology – an entirely new technology for BMW motorcycles which varies the valve timings and valve strokes on the intake side. A revised intake passage and a new exhaust system that is 1.3 kg lighter likewise contribute to increased overall performance. Ridability and sprint capability benefit from a substantially increased torque across a wide engine speed range.

Completely new suspension with further developed suspension geometry for even greater ride precision and further improved handling.
On the suspension side, too, the BMW Motorrad developers have left no stone unturned. With the aim of achieving a significant weight reduction, the engine in the new RR now has more of a load-bearing function than was previously the case. The requirement in designing the new main frame, in addition to improving ergonomics, was to have the force applied directly to the engine structure via the shortest possible paths. A significant increase in riding dynamics was achieved in the new RR based on the combination of the new riding geometry, optimised wheel load distribution and a substantial weight optimisation. The new Full Floater Pro kinematics in the rear wheel suspension also contributes significantly to the perceptible increase in suspension performance. All in all, riders of the new RR will benefit from further improved handling, increased traction and even more transparent feedback in all riding states up to the threshold range. In short: the new RR noticeably raises the bar on the suspension side while at the same time offering improved user-friendliness and controllability. The next generation of the electronic suspension DDC is available for the new RR as an optional equipment item. Specially developed for the RR,

Dynamic Damping Control (DDC) requires no compromises in terms of suspension set-up. This is made by possible among other things by new valve and control technology. What is more, a shim package is available for selective adaptation when required for ambitious race track riding.BMW S 1000 RR less flab

Four riding modes as standard and three more as part of the “Pro Modes” option for optimum adaptation.
For ideal adaptation to varied conditions of use, the new RR is fitted with the four modes “Rain”, “Road”, “Dynamic” and “Race” as standard. For those who wish to delve deeper into the world of race tracks and motor racing, the “Pro Modes” option offers an additional three riding modes (Race Pro 1-3) that are freely programmable. These enable individual adaptation of the most diverse control functions such as Dynamic Traction Control DTC, ABS and wheelie detection as well as the throttle curve (torque adjustment) and Engine Brake to suit the rider’s own skill level and riding style. Other features that come with the “Pro Modes” option are Launch Control for perfect race starts and the configurable Pit Lane Limiter for exact adherence to speeds in the pit lane. Ultra-fast shifting up and down without the clutch is enabled by HP Shift Assistant Pro, which comes as a standard feature.

New 6-axis sensor cluster for an unprecedented level of control quality. Dynamic Traction Control DTC and DTC Wheelie Function. ABS Pro for increased safety when braking in banking position.
The new RR is fitted with ABS Pro and Dynamic Traction Control DTC as standard. In addition to traction control, DTC also includes the DTC Wheelie Function as standard – available as an ex works option and now individually adjustable for the first time. All control systems have been readjusted for regulation quality and characteristics. While the part integral BMW Motorrad ABS systems already provide a very high degree of performance and safety when braking in a straight line, ABS Pro now takes this a step further to offer increased safety when braking in banking position as well.BMW S 1000 RR less flab

Multifunctional instrument panel with 6.5-inch TFT screen for excellent readability and maximum range of information.
The instrument panel of the new RR has also been completely newly developed and is now designed even more consistently for use in supersports racing. In addition to a maximum range of information, the BMW Motorrad developers paid particular attention to ensuring that the 6.5-inch TFT screen provides excellent readability – even in difficult light conditions. The aim was to offer the rider individually tailored screen displays for different uses. The Pure Ride screen shows all the information required for regular road use while the three Core screens are designed for use on the race track, with the rev counter displayed in analog form (Core 1 and 2) or else as a bar chart (Core 3), for example.BMW S 1000 RR less flab

Even more dynamic design with optimised ergonomics and attractive colour schemes.
The new layout of the main frame – as a Flex Frame – has made it possible to create a much leaner fuel tank and seating area trim sections for further improved support and knee grip. What is more, optimised contact surfaces and a newly defined ergonomic triangle between the handlebar ends, seat surface and footrests makes for optimum ergonomics. Meanwhile, completely newly developed body features ensure the new RR is instantly recognisable as a new model. This is supported by the dynamic design featuring a colour scheme with two individual characters: Racing Red and Motorsport paint finish.

The highlights of the new BMW S 1000 RR:BMW S 1000 RR less flab

  • 4 kg lighter, newly developed 4-cylinder in-line engine with BMW ShiftCam Technology for variation of valve timings and valve strokes on the intake side.
  • Increased output and torque: 152 kW (207 hp) (in the USA: 151 kW (205 hp)) at 13 500 rpm and 113 Nm at 11 000 rpm.
  • At least 100 Nm of torque from 5 500 to 14 500 rpm.
  • Effort-saving, linear torque curve: further improved ridability and controllability due to increased torque in the lower and medium engine speed range.
  • Newly developed suspension featuring Flex Frame, with the engine taking on more of a load-bearing function.
  • Significantly improved ergonomics due to Flex Frame.
  • Refined suspension geometry for further improved handling, increased traction and crystal-clear feedback in the threshold range.
  • Further developed electronic damping adaptation Dynamic Damping Control DDC with new valve generation as an optional equipment item.
  • New rear wheel suspension weighing 300 g less than before with Full Floater Pro kinematics.
  • Weight reduction of 11 – 14.5 kg to 197 kg when fully fuelled (DIN unladen) and 193.5 kg with M Package.
  • New exhaust system weighing some 1.3 kg less, with front silencer.
  • New 6-axis sensor cluster.
  • Further developed Dynamic Traction Control DTC as standard
  • DTC Wheelie Function as standard.
  • Adjustable (+/- shift) DTC Wheelie Function as an optional equipment item.
  • Engine brake function, adjustable.
  • ABS Pro for increased safety when braking, also in banking position, as standard.
  • New riding modes “Rain”, “Road”, “Dynamic” and “Race” as standard and “Pro Modes” option with three additional configurable modes “Race Pro 1-3” for optimum individual adaptation to conditions.
  • Launch Control for perfect starts comes with “Pro Modes” option.
  • Pit Lane Limiter for precise pit lane speeds also included with the “Pro Modes” option.
  • Shift Assistant Pro for fast up and down shifting without clutch, standard.
  • Shift pattern can easily be reversed.
  • Electronic cruise control as an ex works option.
  • New instrument panel with 6.5-inch screen offering excellent readability and featuring a Pure Ride screen as well as three Core screens.
  • LED light units all round.
  • Turn indicators with new “Comfort Indicator” function.
  • Completely newly designed body elements for even more dynamic styling and optimum aerodynamics.
  • Two colour schemes for the market launch: Racing Red and Motorsport paint finish.
  • Extended range of special accessories and ex-work options.

BMW S 1000 RR less flab

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
https://motorbikewriter.com/bmw-s-1000-rr-power-flab/