Honda’s ‘Crossover’ Becomes the VFR800X

As is the way with bikes these days Honda has released a further concept sketch of its new Crossover touring bike, now being referred to as the VFR800X.

It does looks pretty snazzy from the artwork and as with the CBR250R and CBR150R, it has been given the VFR1200 appearance which will be the distinguishing feature of Honda’s new range of machines.

At present there’s not much more to tell as no specs have been released but from the sketch we can tell this is a mid-range road focussed tourer, high on style, and hopefully high on tank range.  It’ll be a V4 and some web pundits are predicting traction control, automatic gearing etc, but that would most likely put this way out of the cost bracket of competitors.  The VFR1200 pricing is eye-watering enough, and Honda could very quickly kill the VFR800X with a mad price tag.  The bike and full details of its specs will be released at the Milan show which is fast approaching, so it won’t be long to wait before we find out if they have a winner on their hands.

The New Honda ‘Crossover’

RTWW will admit confusion when the first details of this new bike from Honda were announced.  Orginally talked about as an adventure bike, though the drawing that came with that showed a bike not suitable for adventuring in the BMW GS sense.

Now Honda insiders are calling the bike the ‘Crossover’ and saying that it is a 800/900cc V4 bike, unique in its styling and ready to ‘crossover’ several motorcycle roles.  A bike for everyday use but not ignoring other qualities.

Suddenly it seems they may have something very tempting up their sleeves.  A new image of the front end of the bike is interesting to say the least showing a neat fairing,  stacked lights, and apparently a raised dash bringing instruments higher into the riders field of vision.

So it seems this bike is an all-round tourer and, should they fix the small fuel tank issue that has plagued and overwhelmed a lot of the good press around the VFR 1200F, Honda could be pulling the covers off something fantastic in Milan.

 

Honda’s official statement reads;

Honda today released a second design sketch of the mid-range crossover motorcycle that expands its V4 engine configuration offering.   The image shows the front face of the motorcycle, with a fairing design that improves high speed stability as well as engine cooling; and an innovative ‘floating’ instrument panel to put the gauges in the rider’s field of vision for improves safety.   This crossover is a midrange capacity motorcycle – Honda will also reveal at EICMA a new concept motorcycle using the 1200cc V4 engine first seen in the VFR1200F, to further prove leadership in this evocative and powerful engine configuration.

This mid-range machine is an exciting new approach – a crossover machine that represents the best aspects of two separate biking genres.   It will have the flexibility and exciting attitude of a Naked performance machine, with the more comfortable upright riding position and design cues inspired by adventure bikes.  With the low centre of gravity of a performance bike it is great fun to ride, and because of its wide handlebars and upright riding position it is both easy to manoeuvre and comfortable . Honda research had revealed that customers want a machine that has both a unique style and is also fun to ride in all conditions throughout the year.

Honda has delivered this customer request. The final production motorcycle will be shown for the first time at the EICMA show in Milan from 2nd November 2010, when pictures, the date for production and date of availability in dealer will be revealed.

Honda Teases its New ‘Adventure’ Bike

Honda Honda Honda, what are you up to?

Just released from Honda HQ is a teaser image of what Honda insiders have apparently described as their new adventure tourer bike.

Now adventure means something different to different people but these days for bikes, it’s a rugged, expensive fairing free bike i.e. the new Triumph Tiger, BMW F800GS, Yamaha Super Tenere, and of course the king of adventure the BMW 1200 GS.  The sketch Honda has released appears to be the much rumored Pan European replacement which did the rounds last year then promptly disappeared.  One of the concept images MCN drew up is below.

This new bike is to be unveiled at the Milan bike show in November, and it’s supposed to be a V4, like the controversial VFR1200, but oddly not a 1200cc bike ….huh?

Another rumor is that Honda will show a concept bike designed to be a GS challenger, but it’ll be a concept far from production with 2012 being the target year.  It would seem Honda have been caught out by the awesome efforts and innovations of Triumph, BMW, Ducati, and other Japanese counterparts this year.

Or perhaps they’ve caught the same virus as Harley Davidson  : P

2011 Triumph Tiger Adventure Bike, Clothing & Accessories Video

Triumph have a new video up featuring some of the accessories which it will have available at the launch of its new Tiger adventure bikes.

They’ve covered all the important and expected stuff i.e. sump guard, touring screens, luggage, protection items.

All in all a good package this way comes, whether it can knock BMW from its perch remains to be seen. Performance, not bolts ons will decide that.

Check out the video below, and you’ll find previous teasers at http://www.triumphadventure.com

The BMW K1600 GT & GTL, Very Grand Tourers

BMW has finally taken the wraps off its new 6-cylinder grand tourers, the K1600 GT and the K1600 GTL, and grand is the right word to describe them.

The huge bikes bristling with technology, the hallmark of every BMW bike, have raised the bar once again for the tourer market.  The innovative engine delivering huge pulses of power to carry along bike, luggage, and passengers is another factor to set this bike apart from other luxury machines.  The specs and a few more images are below.

Technical Specs

ENGINE: Weighing 102.6 kilograms, the engine is by far the lightest serially produced 6-cylinder in-line engine for motorcycles in the class > 1000 cc. What is more, the engine is significantly narrower in construction width than all other 6-cylinder in-line motorcycles in serial production to date. This extremely compact construction and reduced width was achieved in particular by means of a cylinder bore of 72 millimetres in conjunction with a spacing of just 5 millimetres between the cylinder the cylinder sleeves.

Both the low engine weight and the consistent lightweight construction of the vehicle as a whole contribute to the low weight of the vehicle. At 319 kg (K 1600 GT without panniers) and 348 kg (K 1600 GTL with panniers and topcase) the new touring bikes are in the lower range of the segment.

TRACTION CONTROL: Three modes to choose from and DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) for maximum safety when accelerating.

The rider of the K 1600 models has three different engine characteristics directly available at the press of a button at the right-hand end of the handlebars so as to be able to adapt to different uses such as touring on the road, riding on wet surfaces and sporty, dynamic motorcycling – the modes “Rain”, “Road” and “Dynamic”. Available as an option ex works, the traction control function DTC is combined individually with the different modes, fully harmonised with them so as to provide maximum riding safety.

RIDE BY WIRE: The control of the central throttle valve with a diameter of 52 millimetres is effected via an e-gas, also known as a ride-by-wire system. The rider’s wishes are registered by means of a sensor in the accelerator twist grip. The engine control then adjusts the position of the throttle valve accordingly.

CHASSIS: The essential chassis elements of the BMW K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL are the light alloy bridge-type frame, and the Duolever and Paralever for wheel control at front and rear. Because of the special requirements of a touring bike with a 6-cylinder engine, particular attention was paid to balancing the masses.

All in all, the interplay of chassis and engine position, together with the seating position of the rider, not only makes for a low overall centre of gravity with a very favourable concentration of masses, it also provides an ideally balanced wheel load distribution for excellent riding properties. The combination of ride stability, riding dynamics and lightness of handling in all riding and load conditions sets a new benchmark in the touring bike segment.

ELECTRONIC SUSPENSION ESA II: The new 6-cylinder touring bikes also benefit from the innovative Electronic Suspension Adjustment II (ESA II), which is offered as a special equipment feature ex works.

With this system, globally unique on the motorcycle market, the rider can conveniently press a button to electronically adapt not only the rebound damping properties of the front and rear spring strut but also the spring rest (“spring preload”) of the rear spring strut as well as the latter’s spring rate and therefore the “hardness” of the suspension. This makes for outstanding stability and impressive responsiveness in all load states.

The additional adaptation of the spring rate allows the damping settings “Sport, Normal, Comfort” to be spread widely in ESA II, giving them clearly perceptible characteristics during riding. So in “Sport” mode, the K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL are even more dynamic and precise and in “Comfort” mode they are more comfortable – while still retaining excellent stability.

HEADLIGHT: With the new BMW Motorrad touring bikes, the first ever “Adaptive Headlight” option is available ex works in the motorcycle sector as a supplement to the standard xenon headlamp. In addition to standard pitch compensation, the light of the main headlamp is also balanced in relation to banking angle. This produces significantly improved illumination of the road when cornering and therefore an enormous increase in active riding safety.

HIGHLIGHTS: BMW K 1600 GT/ K 1600 GTL:

* Supreme in-line 6-cylinder engine with a high level of pulling power, especially in the lower and medium engine speed range.

* Engine output 118 kW (160 bhp) at 7 750 rpm and maximum torque 175 Nm at 5 250 rpm.

* Over 70 per cent of the maximum torque is already available from 1 500 rpm.

* The lightest and most compact 6-cylinder in-line engine in serial motorcycle production > 1000 cc weighing just 102.6 kg and measuring 555 mm in width.

* Consistent lightweight construction throughout the entire vehicle (magnesium front panel carrier, aluminium rear frame, crankshaft etc.).

* E-Gas..

* Three modes to choose from (“Rain”, “Road”, “Dynamic”)

* High active safety due to standard BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part integral).

* Dynamic traction control DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) for maximum safety when accelerating (optional extra).

* Chassis with Duolever and Paralever and ideal mass concentration for dynamic riding properties combined with optimum comfort.

* Electronic Suspension Adjustment ESA II for optimum adaptation to all uses and load states (optional extra).

* World premiere in a motorcycle: Adaptive Headlight (optional extra) for increased safety at night in conjunction with standard xenon headlamp and fibre optic rings.

* Integrated operating concept with Multi-Controller, TFT colour display and menu guidance for the first time.

* Audio system with preparation for navigation device and controllable interface for iPod, MP3, USB, Bluetooth and satellite radio (USA and Canada only) (standard in the K 1600 GTL).

* Innovative design with outstanding wind and weather protection.

* K 1600 GT with active riding ergonomics for proactive touring.

* K 1600 GTL with a very comfortable, relaxed ergonomics set-up for long trips with pillion passenger as well as luxurious touring equipment.

* Central locking for storage compartments, panniers and topcase (optional extra).

* Extensive fittings and individually tailored accessories at the familiar high level of BMW Motorrad.

BMW 6 Cylinder Tourer Web Site

BMW has added more content about its upcoming 6-cylinder touring machines, The K1600 GT and K1600 GTL, to it’s Motorad website.  As usual BMW impresses with a dazzling array of technology features on these bikes and they should make a big splash when they debut, hopefully at the Milan show in November.

Check out the web site here – The BMW 6-Cylinder Legend

New Video for the Triumph Adventure Bike, ‘The Chassis’

This is starting to look really really good.

The latest video shows more of the bike, and the voice over demonstrates that Triumph have looked at every aspoect of what an adventure bike needs and apparently provided it in its upcoming models.  It may be timne for BMW to start sweating a little over its adventure crown.

Triumph says in its latest update;

“Triumph’s new adventure bikes are going to have to take what ever is thrown at them when they are released into the wild later this year.

Designed, engineered and tested for the long distance ride, to places where tarmac and gas stations fear to tread. We’re working hard to ensure that these new Triumph bikes have got everything it takes to give adventurers exactly what they need.

But adventurers come in many shapes and sizes, so we’ve created two bikes with completely different characteristics to best meet your own unique journey. Want to find out more and see the bikes in action?”

For the latest video showing the bikes in action go to http://www.triumphadventure.com/

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

BMW Announces The K1600GT & K1600GTL 6 Cylinder Tourers

Hot of the presses BMW has just released details of their new 6 cylinder range of bikes and yet again BMW have produced a couple of game changers for the tourer market.  Following the spy shot that appeared last week BMW has given us a few more details ahead of the official launch.

BMW K 1600 GT: supremacy and dynamic performance in their purest form.

The essence of Gran Turismo: a high travelling speed, reached quickly. Dynamic performance combined with supremacy. Long-distance comfort goes without saying. That’s the K 1600 GT. Its unique 6-cylinder engine delivers a fascinating torque level of 175 Nm and an output of 118 kW. And with intelligent technology such as ESA II, RDC, ASC and ABS, it only asks the rider.

When luxury is freed of ballast, a new dimension is created. The BMW K 1600 GT and the K 1600 GTL.

The K 1600 GL – a touring motorcycle like no other before it. With the most compact and economical 6-cylinder engine ever to be fitted in a serial production motorcycle. Comfort and dynamic performance. Safety and riding pleasure. Ergonomics which makes travelling pure luxury. Versatility which is wonderfully easy to operate. For those who want to experience a new kind of supremacy.

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An over view of the highlights of the new bikes is below and for more details check out BMW’s dedicated section on their Motorad web site here

The Highlights –

• Supreme in-line six-cylinder engine with a high level of pulling power, especially in the lower and medium engine speed range.
• Engine output 118 kW (160 bhp) at approx 7 500 rpm and maximum torque approx. 175 Nm at approx. 5 000 rpm.
• Over 70% of maximum torque available from 1 500 rpm.
• Lightest and most compact six-cylinder in-line engine in serial motorcycle production, weighing just 102.6 kg and measuring 560 mm in width.
• Consistent lightweight construction throughout the entire vehicle (magnesium front panel carrier, aluminium rear frame, crankshaft etc.).
• E-Gas (ride-by-wire).
• Three modes to choose from (“Rain”, “Road”, “Dynamic”)
• High active safety due to standard BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part integral).
• Traction control DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) for maximum safety when accelerating (optional extra).
• Chassis with Duolever and Paralever and ideal concentration of masses for dynamic riding properties combined with optimum comfort.
• Electronic Suspension Adjustment ESA II for optimum adaptation to all uses and load states (optional extra).
• World premiere in motorcycles: Adaptive Headlight (optional extra) in conjunction with standard xenon headlight and lighting rings for increased safety at night.
• Integrated operating concept for the first time with Multi-Controller, TFT colour screen and menu guidance.
• Audio system with preparation for navigation device and controllable interface for iPod, MP3, USB, Bluetooth and satellite radio (only USA and Canada) (standard in the K 1600 GTL).
• Innovative design with outstanding wind and weather protection.
• K 1600 GT with active riding ergonomics for proactive touring.
• K 1600 GTL with very comfortable, relaxed ergonomics set-up for long trips with pillion passenger, as well as luxury touring features.
• Extensive fittings and individually tailored accessories at the familiar high level of BMW Motorrad.

2010 Yamaha Super Tenere XT1200Z Official Commercial Video

Yamaha has released its official commerical video for the 2010 Super Tenere XT1200Z and it looks pretty sharp.  Check it out below..