The Triumph Tiger 800 & 800 XC Revealed

A few weeks ahead of its big debut at the Milan Motorcycle Show a hungarian web site has published a photo-gallery of Triumphs new adventure bikes, the Tiger 800 and Tiger 800 XC.  This is the first real opportunity to study the bike’s details beyond spy shots and the single official Triumph image released a few days ago.

The Tiger certainly seems to be ticking all the design boxes for an adventure bike, and while many thought the Ducati Multistrada 1200 would be the GS challenger, it didn’t really dent the GS’s reputation as ultimate adventure bike.  Triumph’s Tiger range and its upcoming 1200cc version could just be the silver bullet to BMW’s monster bikes.

A few pictures are below and you can find more on Motorinfo.hu here

 

 

The Ducati Diavel is ready for launch

Quick thinking camera jockeys in Italy have caught what appears to be the finished Ducati Diavel power cruiser out for a test run.  Due for an official unveiling in Milan next month the Ducati’s big gamble, though from the way everyone is drooling over it it’s bound to sell very well, appears to be ready to hit showrooms.

For more pictures head over to Motoblog.it

 

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”.

New Pictures of the Moto Guzzi V12 Concept Bike

After making an appearance at the Milan Motorcycle Show last November Moto Guzzi’s V12 concept bike has been lurking in the shadows, until now.  New studio pics have appeared showing the tech heavy bike in all its glory, and personally (Editor Nick) I still think it looks awesome.  Some people don’t like Moto Guzzi’s unique styling but I’ve always had a soft spot for it.

The Le Mans adds a distinctly futuristic edge to the regular Guzzi look and adds a plethora of technology some interesting such as the frame being made from rotational moulding nylon polymer, some for tricks i.e. rear cameras with monitors for mirrors.

Hell For Leather has picked up some details on the new bike so head over there for more info on what could be the start of another Italian company revitalizing itself.  Ducati can’t have all the fun.

Ducati 848 Updated

Ducati is all over the bike world at the minute and just keep going from strength to strength.  With the Multi-strada 1200 the darling of high-tech adventure bikes, and its power cruiser causing a stir, the Italian company has now revitalized its middle weight sports bike, the 848, making it a 140bhp rocket.

The new 848 EVO features a tuned Testastretta Evoluzione engine producing 140hp at 10,500rpm and 72.3lb-ft of torque at 9,750rpm making the 848 the most powerful sportsbike the company has ever produced.  Giving the bike this set of awesome specs challenges, and technically surpasses, the current class leader the BMW’s S1000 RR.

Ducati seem to be making a challenge in virtually every bike market at the minute, and are putting some fantastic bikes in competition against their fellow motorcycle companies.  Best of all though is that while the company bosses have made this somewhat bold decision to regenerate Ducati, none of the Ducati quality, or essential ‘cool’ seems to be being sacrificed.

Technical Specs for the 848 EVO are below and head over to Ducati’s web site for more details.

–

Chassis

FRAME

Tubular steel Trellis frame in ALS 450

WHEELBASE

1430mm (56.3in)

RAKE

24.5°

FRONT SUSPENSION

Showa 43mmfully adjustable usd forks

FRONT WHEEL TRAVEL

127mm (5in)

FRONT WHEEL

5-spoke in light alloy 3.50 x 17

FRONT TYRE

Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP, 120/70 ZR17

REAR SUSPENSION

Progressive linkage with fully adjustable Showa monoshock. Aluminium single-sided swingarm

REAR WHEEL TRAVEL

120mm (4.7in)

REAR WHEEL

5-spoke light alloy 5.50 x 17

REAR TYRE

Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP, 180/55 ZR17

FRONT BRAKE

2 x 320mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo Monobloc 4-piston callipers

REAR BRAKE

245mm disc, 2-piston calliper

FUEL TANK CAPACITY

15.5l – 4.1 gallon (US)

DRY WEIGHT

168kg (370lb)

INSTRUMENTS

Digital MotoGP derived unit with displays for: Speed, rev counter, lap times, time, air temp, coolant temp, battery voltage, A & B trips, fuel reserve trip, scheduled maintenance. Warning lights for: Neutral, turn signals, high-beam, rev-limit, oil pressure, fuel reserve. Plus: Integrated immobilizer system.

WARRANTY

2 years unlimited mileage

BODY COLOUR (FRAME/WHEEL)

Red (red / black) – Dark Stealth (racing black / black)

VERSIONS

Dual seat

SEAT HEIGHT

830mm (32.6in)

DDA

DDA

DDA system-ready for Ducati Performance accessory

DTC

DTC

Not available on this model

ABS

ABS

Not available on this model

Engine

TYPE

L-Twin cylinder, 4 valve per cylinder Desmodromic, liquid cooled

DISPLACEMENT

849.4cc

BORE X STROKE

94×61.2mm

COMPRESSION RATIO

13.2:1

POWER

140hp (103kw) @ 10,500rpm

TORQUE

72.3lb-ft (98Nm) @ 9,750rpm

FUEL INJECTION

Marelli electronic fuel injection, elliptical throttle bodies

EXHAUST

Lightweight 2-1-2 system with catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes. Twin stainless steel mufflers

Transmission

GEARBOX

6 speed

RATIO

1=37/15 2=30/17 3=28/20 4=26/22 5=24/23 6=23/24

PRIMARY DRIVE

Straight cut gears, Ratio 1.84:1

FINAL DRIVE

Chain; Front sprocket 15; Rear sprocket 39

CLUTCH

Wet multiplate with hydraulic control

Emissions

STANDARD

Euro 3

BMW K1600 GT and Ducati ‘Super Monster’ Updates

As a quick update to two of the stories we featured last week some more details have emerged about the new 6 cylinder tourers from BMW and a striking mock up image of the new bike Ducati were testing near its factory recently.

As featured in our story ‘BMW Announces the K1600GT & K1600GTL 6 Cylinder Tourers’ one of the many technical marvels which will be available on these bikes is Adaptive Headlights.  BMW has now released a short video showcasing the feature and how it works.

…and following on from the spy shots of what could be a V-Max challenging Monster from Ducati, featured by RTWW here ‘A new Monster has escaped from Ducati’ a CGI image as appeared on-line to give a better idea of how the bike might look based on the details we’ve already seen.

Is this the Ducati Super-Monster?

A new Monster has escaped from Ducati

Spy shots showing what may be Ducati’s next monster have been doing the rounds on-line.  Clearly a sizable roadster, using the company’s monster trellis frame, dash, single swing arm, coupled with side mounted exhausts.  Is this the newest monster Ducati will unleash on us?  Hope so as it looks like a pretty mean road warrior even in these hastily taken shots by a sharp eyed photographer.  Ducati have once again with a quick test ride generated a wave of interest in their bikes in much the same way they did with the Multi-Strada, which has gone on to take the world by storm.

More images are available on Italian bike site www.motoblog.it

Ducati – The Story, the definitive Ducati history on DVD

Ducati is launching the definitive history of its company’s history in a new DVD to be released this July.  Ducati – The Story features archive footage and photographs never seen before as well as interviews with almost anyone related to the success of the Italian company since 1926 when it was formed.

The official word on the film states ; ‘Ducati presents its history on a stunning movie on DVD. Premiered at World Ducati Week 2010, the DVD is now available at the Misano World Circuit, the Ducati Museum bookshop and Factory Store and will be available in Ducati Stores around the world. Soon, it can also be ordered online.’

The web site for ordering http://www.strikevideo.it/ is still under construction but worth keeping an eye on.

You can see the trailer for Ducati -The Story below.

The DVD will be available from Ducati outlets and dealerships from July 2010

BMW Motorrad celebrates 30 years of the GS

BMW is producing special limited edition anniversary models of its range of adventure bikes to celebrate 30 years of its Gelande-Strasse ‘GS’ (on/off road) brand.  GS is still the one to beat when it comes to popular adventure bikes whether you are touring the globe or green laning on the weekend.  Most recent attempts at taking the adventure crown from the hugely successful GS1200 have failed to surpass its core abilities despite valiant efforts by the Ducati Multistrada 1200 and the suspiciously quiet after launch Yamaha Super Tenere.  Below is BMW’s explanation for the special editions and details of each of the bikes updates;

——————

Launching the “30 Years GS” limited edition versions of the BMW R 1200 GS, the R 1200 GS Adventure, the F 800 GS and the F 650 GS, BMW Motorrad is paying tribute to the outstanding success and popularity of the GS concept.

Back in the autumn of 1980, BMW Motorrad unveiled the R 80 G/S, a unique motorcycle that pioneered the Adventure Motorcycling genre. Offering the unique combination of on-road, touring and off-road qualities, without the slightest compromise in everyday use, the R 80 G/S paved the way as a brand new concept, the first true Adventure Sport motorcycle.

The special edition “30 Years GS” models feature the celebrated BMW Motorsports colours of the legendary eighties’ R 80 G/S Rally Raiders that propelled the likes of Hubert Auriol to victories in gruelling Paris-Dakar races,almost three decades ago.

As well as the glorious retro colour scheme, each “30 Years GS” model has arrange of additional features and equipment.

Highlights of the BMW R 1200 GS “30 Years GS”:
• Paintwork in Alpine White.
• Three-coloured decals in the livery of BMW Motorrad Motorsport.
• “30 Years GS” model designation on the tank.
• Cross-spoke wheels with black hubs.
• Hand protectors.
• Tinted windshield.
• Red seat with “GS” stamp.

Highlights of the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure “30 Years GS”:
• Paintwork in Alpine White.
• Three-coloured decals in the livery of BMW Motorrad Motorsport.
• “30 Years GS” model designation on the tank.
• Extra-large hand protectors.
• Aluminium engine protection guard.
• Seat in red/black with “GS” stamp.

Highlights of the BMW F 800 GS “30 Years GS”:
• Paintwork in Alpine White.
• Three-coloured decals in the livery of BMW Motorrad Motorsport.
• “30 Years GS” model designation on the airbox cover.
• Hand protectors.
• Aluminium sump guard.
• Tinted windshield.
• White direction indicators.
• Seat in red with “GS” stamp.

Highlights of the BMW F 650 GS “30 Years GS”:
• Paintwork in Alpine White.
• Three-coloured decals in the livery of BMW Motorrad Motorsport.
• “30 Years GS” model designation at the rear.
• Magnesium-coloured cast wheels.
• Hand protectors.
• Engine protector.
• Tinted, higher windshield.
• White direction indicators.
• Seat in red with “GS” stamp at the front.

The “30 Year GS” range will be launched at BMW Motorrad Dealers on 19th June when prices will be announced.

New Ducati Monster 796 launches this week.

Ducati will officially launch their new Monster 796 this Wednesday from Ducati HQ in Bologna, and it’s a bit of a looker.  The latest Monster will be a direct competitor for the new Fazer FZ8 and the already established Triumph Street Triple R, and gives the Monster brand a three bike range alongside the 696 and 1100.  Ducati had this to say of their latest creation;

The Monster 796 is the perfect synthesis between sports performances, aesthetics and daily riding pleasure. Cared for in each single detail, it is the ideal bike for each riding style and represents the utmost evolution of the Monster family.

Technical specs for the 796 are below along with a couple more images, and further details can be found on Ducati’s web site

Engine

Type

L-Twin cylinder, 2 valve per cylinder Desmodromic, air cooled

Displacement

803cc

Bore x Stroke

88 x 66mm

Compression ratio

11:1

Power

64kW – 87hp @ 8250rpm

Torque

8.0kgm – 58lb-ft @ 6250rpm

Fuel injection

Siemens electronic fuel injection, 45mm throttle body

Exhaust

Lightweight 2-1-2 system with catalytic converter with twin lambda probes

Transmission

Gearbox

6 speed

Ratio

1st 32/13, 2nd 30/18, 3rd 28/21, 4th 26/23, 5th 22/22, 6th 24/26

Primary drive

Straight cut gears; Ratio 1.85:1

Final drive

Chain; Front sprocket 15; Rear sprocket 39

Clutch

APTC wet multiplate with hydraulic control

Emissions

Standard

Euro 3

Chassis

Frame

Tubular steel Trellis frame

Wheelbase

1450mm (57.1in)

Rake

24°

Front suspension

Showa 43mm upside-down forks

Front wheel travel

120mm (4.7in)

Front wheel

Y-shaped, 5-spoke in light alloy 3.50 x17

Front Tyre

120/70 ZR17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso

Rear suspension

Progressive linkage with preload and rebound Sachs adjustable monoshock

Rear wheel travel

148mm (5.8in)

Rear wheel

Y-shaped, 5-spoke in light alloy 5.50 x 17

Rear tyre

180/55 ZR17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso

Front brake

2 x 320mm discs, 4-piston radial caliper

Rear brake

245mm disc, 2-piston caliper

Fuel tank capacity

15l – 3.8gallon (US) / 13.5l – 3.6gallon (US) ABS version

Dry weight

167kg (369lb) / 169kg (373lb) ABS version

Instruments

Digital unit displaying: Speedometer, rev counter, clock, scheduled maintenance warning, oil temperature, trip fuel, air temperature, lap time, warning light for low oil pressure, fuel level, fuel reserve, neutral, turn signals, overrev, immobilizer. Ready for DDA system

Warranty

2 years unlimited mileage

Body Colour (frame/wheel)

Red (red / back) – Arctic white silk (red / back) – Diamond black silk (red / back) – Monster Art colours (red / back)

Versions

Dual seat

Seat height

800mm (31.5in)