BMW F800ST ‘Touring’ & K1300R ‘Dynamic’ Special Editions

BMWs ever evolving line up adds two more updated bikes with the launch of the F800ST Touring and K1300R Dynamic special editions.

The K1300R Dynamic features factory-fit options that would cost £1835 but add just £1000 to the price. The additional add-ons are:

• Electronic Suspension Adjustment 2
• Gear Shift Assist
• Sports Wheels
• On-board Computer
• Heated Grips
• Sport Windshield
• LED Indicators
• New 2011 colours

The K1300 R Dynamic is available in Acid Green metallic with Black silk gloss and Black silk gloss with Granite Grey metallic matt and carries a price tag of £11,250 on the road.

Next up is the updated F800ST Touring;

The F800ST special edition includes:

• ABS
• Key-matched, expandable Sport Panniers (15L-25L capacity each side)
• On-board Computer
• Heated Grips
• Main Centre Stand

The on the road price for the F800 ST Touring is £8510 which makes for a saving of £458 over the standard model despite the extras.  You don’t see many of these on the roads that often although they are highly regarded by owners and reviewers alike.  Perhaps this special edition will see a surge in sales.

Teaser Video for the new KTM 125cc ‘Streetfighter’

KTM have released a new teaser video showing its upcoming 125, currently called the ‘Streetfighter’ under testing and construction.  It looks like a great bike and could do big things for the company globally depending on its price when it comes to market.

The market for 125cc bikes is huge but can go unnoticed in Europe and the USA amongst the sportsbikes and big cruisers.  A great looking bike with decent performance could be also be a useful incentive for more young people to take up biking, espically with the numbers walking away from it in the UK at shockingly high numbers.

Follow news on the new bike on its Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/ktm125

Video from The Belfast Custom Bike Show

One of our readers sent in a movie from the 2010 Belfast Custom Bike Show, and it’s pretty cool.  Check it out below and many thanks to Marty for sending it our way.

Suzuki Adds Some Extra Adventure with the V-Strom 650A XP

Sneaky Suzuki doesn’t miss much does it?

With BMW’s F800GS comfortably the front runner in the middle weight adventure bike catagory, and Triumphs new adventure bike to be revealed in all its glory soon, Suzuki have jumped in quick with an update to its V-Strom range.  With aggressive pricing at £7300 and some very useful accessories thrown in, its warmly regarded road and green lane adventure bike is looking very tempting.  While I don’t think it can match the off-road ability of the BMW (though if you have evidence to the contrary let me know) its price is excellent and the included bash plate, aluminium panniers, hand guards, and center stand, are an extra expense on the already more costly German machine.

The V-Strom is a do most things bike and suitable for the everyday adventurer who may stray on to dirt tracks while touring, and is a capable mile eater and commuter.  The valuable extras bolted to the XP make it an even better choice for the all-rounder.

Here’s what Suzuki say about the V-Strom 650A XP;

The V-Strom 650A XP is equipped with everything you need for the ultimate adventure whether it be on the motorway or off road trails.

Based on the hugely capable V-Strom 650 ABS model, the new tougher XP version boasts a host of additional features, providing a comprehensive list of practical accessories at unrivalled value.

Featuring hard-wearing black aluminium panniers and inner bags with a total carrying capacity of 82 litres, the XP is the tough and effective alternative, thanks to the provision of engine and hand guards, centre-stand and an aluminium sump guard as part of its unique specification.

The tech spec on the V-Strom is below, for more details go to http://www.suzuki-gb.co.uk/bike/dl650al1xp/

Dimensions & Weights

Overall length:	2290mm (90.2in)
Overall width:	840mm (33.1in)
Overall height:	1390mm (54.7in)
Wheelbase:	1555mm (61.2in)
Seat height:	820mm (32.3in)
Kerb Mass:	220kg (485lbs)
Fuel capacity:	22.0litres (4.8 UK gallons)

Engine Specs

Engine capacity:	645cc
Engine:	Four stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 90° degree V-twin
Bore:	81mm x 62.6mm
Compression ratio:	11.5 : 1
Lubrication:	Wet sump
Ignition:	Electronic ignition (Transistorised)
Fuel system:	Fuel injection
Starter:	Electric
Transmission:	6-speed constant mesh
Drive:	Chain

Chassis Specs

Front suspension:	Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped
Rear suspension:	Link type, coil spring, oil damped
Front brakes:	Disk brake, twin
Rear brakes:	Disk brake
Front tyres:	110/80 R19 M/C 59H, tubeless
Rear tyres:	150/70 R17 M/C 69H, tubeless

MV Agusta’s 675cc F3 Back on Track

Last year there were many spy shots and rumors of a 675cc sports bike under development from MV Agusta, and promises of reveals at different shows across Europe.  Unfortunately due to the company’s previous faltering fortunes under Harley Davidson’s control, the bike was shelved until the sale or dissolution of MV.  Thankfully now that MV has been saved by former owner Claudio Castiglioni, his first act has been to dust off the F3 bike and make it the model to lead the resurrection of the Italian brand.  So it’ll be cameras at the ready again around Schiranna in the hopes of some new spy shots.

Spy Shots featured previously on http://www.motoplanete.com

Bespoke Motorcycle Dog Seat

Yep that’s it!  I’ve officially seen it all…

Pizza delivery man Sean Cole has devised a pillion box for his dog so man’s best friend can enjoy ride outs, and if you fancy risking it track days!  At a bike show recently RTWW had come across a trike on show which had four bespoke dog beds on board with seatbelts and goggles provided, but this solution for pet owning bikers definately beats it.

This story featured on the South West News Service website and you can read more on the story here

MV Agusta is Italian Again

After a brief flirtation with its american buyer Harley Davidson, MV Agusta returns to its Italian roots following the sale of the company back to former owner Claudio Castiglioni.  While this is great news for Italy’s resurgent motorcycle industry, it’s unlikely that the funds will make a dent in Harley’s failing finances, with rumors again swirling around HD leaving its Milwaukee home for pastures cheaper.

It would seem the world of bikes has been focussed like a laser on Italy for most of 2010 with revolutionary bikes from Ducati, and more to come, Moto Morini breathing life on the embers of its business, Moto Guzzi showcasing some great concepts for its future plans, and now MV Agusta has its country men at the helm once more.

The press release from MV Agusta is below;

Varese, August 6th 2010 – Claudio and Giovanni Castiglioni, through their family holding company have repurchased from Harley Davidson 100% of the shares of MV Agusta Motor S.p.A. which owns historic brands MV Agusta and Cagiva.  Harley-Davidson announced in October 2009 its intention to sell MV Agusta to concentrate on its core business and brand.  In connection with the repurchase transaction Lazard and Co. have acted as the financial advisor along with counsel Alessandro Varrenti (CBA) and Giuseppe Galeano whom provided legal and tax assistance in conjunction with family counsellors Giuseppe Carteni (Leadlaw), Andrea Lanata and Sergio Caramella.

Along with Giovanni Castiglioni, the company will be headed by Mr. Massimo Bordi, a well known Italian manager.  A 62-year-old engineer, Bordi took Ducati to success during the years when that company was owned by the Castiglionis and continued to manage it successfully under the ownership of Texas Pacific Group.  Since 2003 Massimo Bordi has been the CEO of Same Deutz Fahr, contributing largely to the success of the company.  Massimo Bordi commented that “MV Agusta has full capacity to once again become a major player in the high luxury brand motor bikes, this brand is one of the most recognized worldwide. We will implement a number of reorganization and managerial actions in the near future.  Both the current and new models under development have a very strong character, great innovative features and a very unique design, I have no doubts about their future success. “Claudio Castiglioni, the historic intimate soul of MV Agusta will continue as chairman, and will concentrate on the development of the new products.

Upon signing the agreement with Harley-Davidson, Claudio Castiglioni stated “MV Agusta is the crown jewel of Italian motorcycles, I am thrilled to have completed this transaction.  I have already won once together with Massimo Bordi, we made the most beautiful bikes in the world and we will continue with this tradition”.

A Motorcycle Legend in the Making, The Ostoure Concept

This is why I (Editor Nick) love motorcycles!  The technology of nearly every feature is always evolving, and the endless array of designs are constantly stunning.

The latest revolution in design, the Ostoure concept, is a “super naked” motorcycle concept dreamed up by designer Mohammad Reza Shojaie.

The Ostoure, which means Legend in Persian, runs with the regular concept designers favorite feature, two-wheel drive, and a Bluetooth connected helmet supporting a heads up display (HUD) replacing the usual dash. If you were one of the few who saw Terminator: Salvation you’ll notice this bears more than a passing resemblance to the motorcycle terminators racing around in the post apocalyptic future.  All that’s missing are a couple of side-mounted Gatling guns, maybe a few missile launchers, and you’re good to go!

The controls are supposedly similar to an airplane’s yoke which should get your mind working on how to steer this monster, fantastic!

For a couple of more pictures head over to The Design Blog

Hama Zero’s ‘Solar Bike Fujin’ Electric Motorcycle

Yes we here at RTWW like our futuristic electric bikes and while Brammo and Roehr’s efforts are more appealing than Hama Zero’s, but you can’t fault creator Mr. Yamawaki it for his ingenuity.

Ok this isn’t going to please 186mph sports-bike owners, or those who love the noise and fumes of a ‘regular’ motorcycle, but despite its somewhat unattractive look the technology of the Solar Bike Fujin e-bike has to be applauded.  This could possibly the only truly zero emission, and zero cost power generation, electric bike given that it can charge solely from the sun, and if it’s not plugged in it isn’t part of the waste producing electricity grid.  The crazily low resistance wheels could maybe be a technology applied to its bigger cousins, and even the solar panel, if it could be stored compactly enough could be another trickle-charge power source for more powerful electric bikes.  Most likely the panel’s current power generation ability is pretty small but solar cell technology is improving in yield all the time.

Check out the video below for an overview of the Hama Zero Solar Bike Fujin

Triumph Confirms a Triple for its Adventure Bike

Triumph has confirmed it’s using an 80% brand new triple for it’s upcoming Adventure bike.  In a press release, one of many the company is trickling out over the new few months prior to the bike’s official launch, Triumph said;

Adventure bikes have to carry out a whole range of roles with minimum fuss.  That’s why Triumph has been busy ensuring its latest pair of young cubs will set a new standard when they’re introduced later this year.  We think a triple is the best configuration for an adventure bike.  It’s compact and has a natural character that ideally suits a wide range of duties.  Our long stroke engine will deliver smooth, controllable torque for both tricky off-road riding and the urban jungle…but with the higher rpm characteristics that just devour on-road miles.  A triple is also more refined than a twin, which means that the bike is less tiring and less intrusive on the open road. So you can just relax and enjoy the trip.

Triumph have also released a brief video about its engine decsions with some fleeting glances of the bike in action.

Roll on September1st for the next update from Triumph, this time covering aspects of the bike’s chassis.