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

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;

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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.

Ducati Multistrada Better Than BMW’s GS?..Yes Says MCN!

This week’s MCN has a road challenge between the new 2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200 and the latest version of BMW’s GS, and they are declaring the Multistrada the new King of do-everything bikes.  Now I think they may have been a bit quick off the mark with that statement as there are a number of things they didn’t test. MCN says the BMW is still the best for long tours but gives points to the Ducati for its fun and versatility on the road.  The Multistrada’s four mode riding ability and all-round sportier profile give the bike a clear advantage for speed and handling in urban environments, and the power blast available from the 150bhp engine sounds like great fun on the highways.

However they don’t test the off-road ability of the bikes and while the tank range queries I had seem to have been answered, a long-term test of the Ducati’s durability would be needed before any ‘Long Live the King’ statements are made.  We’ve seen the BMW get dropped on all sorts of rough surfaces (It was a hobby of Ewan McGregor’s on Long Way Round/Down), make it through rivers, and despite its huge top-heavy weight, cope reasonably well off-road.  I can’t imagine the lovely looks of the Ducati being quite so durable.

Don’t get me wrong I really like the Multistrada, and I think that Ducati have made a superb bike and advanced the technology of biking in general greatly with the gadgetry the machine has.  I’d just need a bit more evidence that it’s ‘The One’ before I would spend £14,000 on it. (Like I have £14,000 to spend A-HA, HA, HA, HA!)

Check out the latest MCN in newsagents now and below you’ll find a brief video review.  Have a great weekend and Ride Safe!

The New Suzuki GSX1250FA Launches.

The Press have been out in force at the launch in Spain of Suzuki’s new sports-tourer the GSX1250FA, unfortunately that didn’t include RTWW this time around but we can give you the heads up on the bike’s specs in readiness for first ride reviews which should start appearing soon.

Based on the Bandit 1250 this bike uses the same well-respected engine and, while made to a sensible budget, it’s not without a few useful basics including ABS as standard, adjustable seat height, gear position indicator, and centre stand.  The full fairing should give decent weather protection which will be most welcome if, as Suzuki intends, this bike becomes your tourer of choice.  Accessories for the bike show it to have a complete tour outfit and with a starting price of around the £6700 mark, this could be a great success for the company.

While it’s great to see the Multistrada, and Super Tenere in all their high-tech glory it’s worth remembering it comes at a cost that is beyond a lot of us in the current economic climate, or any other time for that matter, as I watch moths flutter out of my wallet.  The technical spec of the GSX1250FA is below along with some more images.

Technical Specification for the Suzuki GSX1250FA

Engine Type		4-stroke, 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC
Bore x Stroke		79.0 mm x 64.0 mm
Engine Displacement		1255 cm3 (1255 cc)
Compression Ratio		10.5 : 1
Carburetion		Fuel injection
Oil Capacity (overhaul)		3.7L (3.9 US qt.)
Ignition		Electronic ignition (Transistorized)
Starter System		Electric
Lubrication System		Wet sump
Transmission		6-speed constant mesh
Primary Drive Ratio		1.537 (83 / 54)
Final Drive Ratio		2.388 (43 / 18)
Rake/Trail		25.2 degrees / 104 mm (4.1 in.)
Suspension	Front	Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped
	Rear	Link type, coil spring, oil damped
Brakes	Front	Disc, twin
	Rear	Disc
Tires	Front	120/70ZR17M/C (58W), tubeless
	Rear	180/55ZR17M/C (73W), tubeless
Fuel Tank		19.0 L (5.0 US gal.)
Overall Length		2,130 mm (83.9 in.)
Overall Width		790 mm (31.1 in.)
Overall Height		1,235 mm (48.6 in.)
Wheelbase		1,485 mm (58.5 in.)
Seat Height		805 / 825 mm (31.7 / 32.5 in.)
Curb Mass		257kg (567 lbs.)

NOTE: Specs. are not final

Tron Legacy – Everyone wants a Light Cycle

I’m letting my geeky side through today, it’s Friday after all, and we’re featuring probably the coolest virtual bikes ever rendered, the TRON Light Cycle.  Actually this is a bit of nostalgia for RTWW as one of the first posts was on this very subject.

TRON for those who don’t know is a 1982 science fiction action film by Walt Disney Pictures.  It starred Jeff Bridges as Kevin Flynn (and his program counterpart inside the electronic world, Clu), Bruce Boxleitner as Tron and his User Alan Bradley, Cindy Morgan as Yori and Dr. Lora Baines, and Dan Shor as Ram. David Warner plays all three main antagonists: the program Sark, his User Ed Dillinger, and the voice of the Master Control Program. It was written and directed by Steven Lisberger.  Back in 1982 TRON was the film to see with the most startling special effects showing the early computer graphics that would become the biggest thing in movies.

Christmas 2010 sees the release of the TRON sequel TRON LEGACY with update effects but what looks to be the same awesomely designed virtual world, including the all important Light Cycle.

You can see footage of the bike in action in the concept reel below as well as in the new TRON LEGACY trailer that follows;

Have you noticed how futuristic bikes recently seem to feature hubless wheels, not sure why this is but you can also find this feature on Captain Kirk’s ride from the 2009 Star Trek film.

Having a scan around I found that this could well be the shape of things to come, with Amen Motorcycles ‘Hubless Monster’;

Given that Ducati is the current king of hi-tech motorcycling, and the sharp eyed amongst you will have noticed a very nice Ducati Sport 1000 in the ‘real world’ at the start of the TRON LEGACY trailer, …

… could the next Ducati Multistrada be hubless? …. Go on Ducati we dare ya!

Have a great weekend everyone, Ride Safe!

CMG Review of the Ducati Multistrada 1200

Canadian Motorcycle Guide has a great indepth review up for the Ducati Multistrada 1200.  Reviewer Costa Mouzouris certainly gives it both thumbs up and makes it sound like not only a great motorcycle, but a very unique high-tech experience.  It’ll be interesting to see if the Yamaha Super Tenere can measure up.

Check out Costa’s review here…

“Ducati has poured a lot of resources into this machine, testing it extensively for two years prior to its release (the company built 110 pre-production models for testing; the usual number is about 80), and it has incorporated just about every rider aid available into one bike.

The hard work has paid off.” -Costa Mouzouris

The Ducati Multistrada 1200 in Action

I’m going to round off this week’s blogging with some drool worthy videos of the 2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200 in action.  MCN had a great review of the bike in this weeks paper and it sounds suitably stuffed with technology, making it one of the most advanced bikes on the road today.  My main concern of a sub 200 mile fuel tank for a supposed tourer seems to be unfounded according to MCN’s report, but I’ll wait and see some long term tests before casting off all doubts.  Tank range aside the Multistrada 1200 is most certainly a new dawn for motorcycling, and it will be interesting to see how Ducati’s tech gets mimicked, or improved upon, by other manufacturers.

Looks great doesn’t it!  I wonder if in Enduro Mode it would survive a trip down Africa?

Have a great weekend everyone, Ride Safe! : )

More Details on Yamaha’s 1200cc Super Tenere ‘First Edition’

So it’s finally out there motorcycling’s new potential adventure bike king.  On looks alone the new Super Tenere appears every bit the capable do everything bike, and certainly more off-road capable and robust  than the 2010 Ducati Multistrada.  I’m sure BMW are pouring over specs this morning to consider the impact Yamaha might have on GS sales this year.

However, while there’s nothing official yet, rumoured pricing for the Super Tenere was pretty high and it would need to really outperform BMW’s GS variants to justify a possible £2000 more.

Yamaha has listed the big features of the bike as being;

• Shaft drive inline 2-cyl engine – 270-degree crank
• Mass kept low and central for agile handling
• Intelligent Unified Brake System and ABS
• YCC-T with 3-stage traction control plus Yamaha D-mode
• First edition adventure pack
• Tough spoked, tubeless aluminium rims
• Adjustable front and rear suspension
• Adjustable seat height

All of which sound very exciting and technically it appears to tick all the necessary boxes given the bike’s multi-purpose role.  The first road tests will be interesting especially on the hot topic of tank range, with recent ‘tourers’ being barely capable of a blast to the corner shop!

This 2010 Super Tenere is dubbed, understandably, the ‘First Edition’ with no other variants available this year.  For the buyer this means, as well a snazzy ‘First Edtion’ sticker you get aluminium panniers with brackets, aluminium bash plate, and a headlight protector (not for road use).  All this is fine but I worry if it’s a way to justify that rumoured painful showroom price?

RTWW will report on any road tests as they appear and below you’ll find some more images of the bike and a link to Yamaha’s product page where you’ll find quite an exciting video detailing the Super Tenere’s features.

Doesn’t the shaft drive look great! …. and yes I know how weird that sounds.  Yamaha’s Product page can be found here, and don’t forget to check out the features video.

More news and reviews as we get them.

Super Tenere News – launching Feb 24th 2010

I don’t know why I’m still excited about this.  Every hyped up big launch bike in the last six months has had a fundamental flaw which has made them a great disappointment.  Honda’s VFR1200F promised so much, but was completely unsuited to any of the tasks Honda said it would be perfect for.  Ducati’s super advanced Multistrada ticks so many hi-tech boxes, looks great but, as yet unconfirmed, the estimated tank range is miserly regularly taking the bike to a garage forecourt isn’t my idea of touring excitment.  Having said that the report in last weeks MCN, where reporters chased PR model Multistradas around Italy after coming across them in traffic was an exciting look at the bike, please let it last more than 200 miles before needing a drink.

So what are the chances Yamaha will get everything right with its new adventure bike?  Will it also suffer from short sighted flaws, or will the company’s tight finances have led to corners being cut?  A video reveal on Feb 24th will give us some insight, and the full unveiling will happen at the Turkish MotoPlus Motorcycle show on Feb 25th.

Come on Yamaha, surprise us….

Here’s the latest update from Yamaha

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Just beyond the horizon is a new dawn.

A new future for adventure motorcycling.

The new Yamaha Super Ténéré

Born in the Ténéré Desert, our new intelligent adventure travel bike boasts a raft of suitably rugged features to take you anywhere – on and off road. For the twists and turns on those challenging mountain roads or out in the countryside, the new Super Ténéré comes in a super sharp riding package with cutting edge brakes, great handling, perfect torque, power and amazing traction. And with an extensive range of specially tailored adventure accessories, this bike can be even more personalised than before.

Soon, you’ll be able to see all of this for yourself.

Right here online at 8.00pm CET on 24th February, we’ll be launching an exclusive new Super Ténéré video and detailed photos and information. For the hardcore adventurers among you, we will also reveal how get your hands on a new Super Ténéré in time for summer.

Then, on February 25th, the covers will really come off. At the Turkish MotoPlus Motorcycle show, against the fitting backdrop of Istanbul – “The Gateway to the East” and 2010’s Capital of Culture – we’ll be officially launching the bike that’ll take you to the most exotic, far-flung corners of the planet.

But don’t worry, if you don’t manage to join us at the Turkish MotoPlus Motorcycle show, you will get your chance to see the new Super Ténéré live as it will be on display at various motorcycle shows throughout Europe in the Spring.

And, don’t forget, if you haven’t yet registered here, it’s worth doing now. That way, you’ll get an email as soon as more information is posted.

Just beyond the horizon is the very best part of this adventure: the ride.

Get ready for it.

The new Yamaha Super Ténéré. Go beyond.

Pay how much for a Super Tenere!?!?..

Yamaha Super Tenere 2010

Yamaha may have priced the Super Tenere out of reach of decent sales numbers.  French bike site MotoStation says ‘reliable sources’ (love to know where people find them) have leaked the price of Yamaha’s most anticipated bike of 2010. 

Allegedly the R1200 GS killing Super Tenere will cost a whopping €14,999
(£13,416) inclusive of ABS when it launches in June of this year.  With BMW's 2010 revised GS 1200 getting good reviews for adding performance but maintaining a sub £10,000 price point Yamaha may have made a fatal error.  It's also priced higher than the new Ducati Multistrada 1200 another potential competitor.  The Super Tenere is going to have to be really super to justify this.  

BMW GS 1200 2010 – no danger of it losing its crown as best adventure bike

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