KTM FOUR NEW MODELS
KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT: With the 1290 Super Duke GT, KTM forcefully
extends its Street range at the upper end. The star of model year 2016 is a
perfectly equipped, lightweight and agile marathon sprinter with plenty of
power as well as a vast package of the latest riding assistance systems.
Besides the motorcycle stability control MSC including traction control and the
C-ABS – both lean angle sensing – it includes the KTM Ride Mode Technology as
well as a quickshifter. KTM shores up the long distance capabilities of the
1290 SUPER DUKE GT with a comprehensive touring package:
a 23 litre tank, a lengthened rear subframe with integral mounts for the
optional luggage system, heated grips, cruise control, comfortable seats, the
wind and weather protection of an adjustable windshield, LED cornering lights
and LED daytime running lights. With a more than comprehensive equipment package
like that, as well as its 173 hp LC8 engine and semi-active suspension, the
1290 Super Duke GT masters the whole range from comfortable long distance
motorway travelling to breathtaking alpine or track day use.
KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R SPECIAL EDITION: Only available for limited
period, it is upgraded with a whole host of top quality KTM PowerParts: an
Akrapovic titanium silencer reduces the weight while adding extra sound. Wave
brake discs offer even better feedback and expanded braking stability in extreme
duty. Stiffer triple clamps optimize steering precision
under ferocious braking. Levers adjustable in multiple ways and a different
seat serve to optimize ergonomics specifically for track use. A unique paint
design and classy accessories made of orange anodized aluminium make for
exclusive finishing touches.
KTM 690 DUKE: More than two decades after the very first Duke, KTM
launched a new generation of the perennial hit, proving in an impressive manner
that the single cylinder engine is all but obsolete even in a Street bike, not
least by complying with Euro 4 emission control standards. The brand new engine
puts out a full 73 hp of maximum power. Despite this,
it offers plenty of smoothness and refinement thanks to multiple balancers, as
well as an even wider powerband than its predecessors. The modified steering
geometry brings even more stability and precision to the pre-eminently agile
chassis of the 690 Duke. And there is lots of other news as well, like the
on-board computer, a large, responsive TFT colour display as the central
combination meter, the KTM Ride Mode Technology and ABS as standard. The “Track
Pack” is optionally available which includes additional Riding modes (Rain,
Sport), Traction control (TC), Motor Slip Regulation (MSR) and a Supermoto
mode, making the 690 DUKE more alive, more appealing and more modern than ever.
KTM 690 DUKE R: The new 690 Duke is also available as an ‘R’
version for model year 2016, distinguished by a full 75 hp of durable maximum
power. Among others, the extra horsepower is a result of the 690 Duke R’s high
quality Akrapovic silencer. In addition, there are Brembo Monoblock braking
calipers, managed by lean angle sensitive ABS, and a fully adjustable WP
suspension that also allows even greater lean angles than the 690 Duke. The 690 Duke R comes as standard with MSC including lean
angle sensitive Traction Control (MTC), Motor Slip Regulation (MSR) and a
Supermoto mode at its core. Of course the ‘R’ also benefits from everything
that is new about the 690 DUKE, like the KTM Ride Mode Technology, the new TFT
display and the upgraded steering geometry. Great-looking parts like the
cutting edge LED indicators and racy pillion seat cover round off the ‘R’
package. Insiders recognize the 690 Duke R at the first glance by its wheels
and frame in the typical KTM Orange.
MV AGUSTA:
This Italian motorcycle
manufacturer will soon be coming to India through its partner, the Kinetic
Group of Pune. At the Eicma 2015, the company had a few debuts to
announce. The F3 AMG, MY 2016 Dragster
and the Rivale made their debuts in Milan. With production output up by 25pc,
the company from Schiranna saw its turnover increase by 40pc mainly due to the
success of the Turismo Veloce and Dragster RR, two high-end models.
The company unveiled its new MV
Agusta logo, which has been restyled and bears the tagline Passion. The symbol made
its debut on the Brutale 800, a completely original project which aims, fifteen
years after its first appearance, to create the “most beautiful Brutale ever”.
A strategic model which accounts for over 25pc of the company's production
output, the new Brutale 800 is more muscular and streamlined and, with new
technologies and construction solutions, reinterprets the style which made it
an icon of motorcycle design. The Full LED headlight accentuates the elliptical
shape of the light and of the stunning three-pipe exhaust that is bigger and
more efficient. Many components are made from light alloy such as the headlight
support and the ingenious saddle frame, enhancing the overall design of the
Brutale 800.
The engine is also new. It is
Euro 4 compliant with a power output of 116 hp at 11,500 rpm while the torque
has risen by 25pc and now offers 8.46 Kgm at 7,600 rpm. One of its unique
features is a counter-rotating crankshaft and the new Brutale 800 is the only
bike in its category with electronic EAS 2.0 up & down gear shift. The
slipper clutch is now hydraulically operated while engine management is taken
care of by the MVICS system which includes multi-map Full Ride by Wire with
integrated traction control with 8 settings.
Dedicated to collectors and
enthusiasts, the Dragster RR LH44 is the second new model for 2016 from
Schiranna. A truly exclusive machine inspired by F1 World Champion Lewis
Hamilton's passion for MV Agusta. The Mercedes AMG Petronas driver collaborated
with the MV Agusta designers contributing to the definition of over fifty
design details to make the LH44 stand out from the standard Dragster RR. Most of these changes are manufactured in Ergal and carbon
fibre with a 3K opaque finish. In terms of graphics, the LH44 was inspired by
the graphics on the three-time world champion's helmet and features a white
colour scheme and the panther logo, which is also sewn into the quilt-finish
Alcantara saddle. Needless to say, Lewis's number 44 features on the
exhaust manifolds and autographed screen. Production will be limited to 244
bikes.
Following
the Frankfurt and Tokyo motor shows, the F3 AMG Concept-Bike also made an
appearance at Eicma. This bike was created in
partnership with AMG and inspired by the Mercedes-AMG GT. The bike features the
exclusive “Solar Beam” livery and inherits the colour scheme developed on the
Mercedes-AMG GT coupé including "Solar beam" paint, the black wheels
and the AMG logo on both sides. Other standout features are its carbon fibre
mudguard, racing fuel filler cap and yellow stitching on the rider and
passenger saddles.
There
are also new features for the rest of the range based on the three-cylinder
platform, now instantly recognisable for the black engine finish which
identifies the new versions of the F3, Turismo Veloce, Stradale, Dragster and
Rivale. The Dragster and Rivale also stand out for their graphics and new
colour schemes, and the Rivale now has a larger fuel tank, its capacity having
been increased from 12.9 to 16 litres.
BENELLI:
The scrambler edition seemly
seems to grow. Benelli introduced the Benelli Leoncino. Designed at the new
style centre of Benelli in its historical stronghold of Pesaro in Italy, the
Leoncino shall include the emblem of a lion that denotes this city on its front
fender. The Leoncino comes with low exhaust position, chunky wheels, USD front
forks with 50mm diameter topped with a LED light. The seat is finished in
Alcantara leather and the rear gets an LED tail light. The tyres are 110/80
section up front and 150/17 section at rear, which is fitted on 19-inch and
17-inch wheels respectively. Benelli also introduced a new adventure touring
model at Eicma called the TRK 502. It has wire-spoke wheels and longer
suspension travel. The TRK 502 is powered by the same 500cc parallel-Twin used
on the new Leoncino. Benelli claims a maximum output of 46.9 hp at 8500 rpm
while a peak torque of 33.2 lb-ft. is achieved at 4500 rpm.
The engine is mounted in a
steel trellis frame and fueled by a large 5.3-gallon fuel tank. The adjustable
50mm upside-down fork and preload-adjustable rear shock both offer 150 mm of
wheel travel. Braking is provided by four-piston calipers with twin 320 mm
discs up front and a twin-piston caliper with 260 mm rear disc. ABS is standard
equipment.
The TRK 502 will also come
standard with 17-inch wire spoke wheels but Benelli will also offer a more
off-road version with a 19-inch front wheel. Benelli says the TRK 502 won’t be
available in showrooms until the second half of 2016.
HUSQVARNA MOTORCYCLES
Celebrating 112 years of
heritage in both the offroad and street motorcycle divisions Husqvarna
Motorcycles have further strengthened their involvement in the street bike
motorcycle market with an extended and exciting Vitpilen model range. Its 701
Enduro and 701 Supermoto models already launched. The Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 is
set to hit the showrooms soon. The bike that draws on the iconic Husqvarna
Silverpilen street bike of the early ‘50s combining it with modern technology
and premium quality hardware will be available for sale in the spring of 2017.
An exciting new addition to
the Vitpilen family, which will be produced to hit the dealer floors
simultaneously with the 401, is the brand new Vitpilen 125. Minimalistic in
layout the Vitpilen 125 is also powered by a single-cylinder engine, staying
true to all the unique design characteristics of its bigger brother.
The company also presented the
Vitpilen 701 concept model. The Vitpilen 701 is a real street bike that takes
the next step in Husqvarna’s progressive vision of street motorcycling. The
Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 is an all-new and all modern large displacement single-cylinder
motorcycle. It is a bike created to provide a raw, exhilarating and authentic
riding experience.
PIAGGIO GROUP:
For Piaggio Group, Eicma 2015
came at a time when the company is 70
years of the Vespa (patented on 23 April 1946 and taken into production
immediately afterwards) and 95 years of Moto Guzzi, founded in 1921 at the
legendary factory in Mandello del Lario, where the headquarters and production
lines of the "Eagle" are still located today.
Eicma 2015 marked the debut of
a number of brand new motorcycles. First up was the Moto Guzzi V9: a new V-twin
850cc engine, with cardan shaft, new frame and design, with two models
targeting two new segments: the V9 Bobber, light and easy, with large tyres,
which looks Stateside, and the Roamer, a magnificent medium-size custom bike.
America’s Route 66 and great coast-to-coast trips are the inspiration for the
MGX-21, a stunning 1400cc bagger, whose transposition from show bike to
standard model (to be presented in August 2016 at Sturgis) has been achieved
without compromise. Meanwhile, the new V7 II Stornello is firmly rooted in Moto
Guzzi history, reprising the name, style and technology (colours, knobby tyres
and high exhaust) of the very first Italian motorbikes to be transformed into
scramblers in the 1960s and 70s, beginning with the original Stornello.
Eicma saw the debut of the
Aprilia RSV4 RF model year 2016, a further refinement of an already perfect
motorcycle, which this year, adding to its 7 world Superbike titles, secured a
double championship triumph with the Riders title (Lorenzo Savadori) and the
Manufacturers title in the Superstock 1000 class.
It was
1946 when the first Vespa model came out from the Piaggio Pontedera plant. The
Piaggio Group celebrated its upcoming 70th Aniversary with “Vespa 70” special
edition. There was also the debut of two brand new entries for Piaggio
high-wheel scooters. After the extraordinary success of the first Liberty
generation, with nearly one million sales, Piaggio introduced the new
generation of its high-wheel scooter. Unmistakably a Liberty, but with superior
quality and in line with current values, available with a new range of 4-stroke
electronic injection engines (Piaggio iGet 50, 125 and 150cc) for
eco-sustainability and low fuel consumption, and with ABS as a standard feature
on the 125 and 150 versions. The second announcement marked a new product and a
new product segment. The Medley is equipped with the most powerful
liquid-cooled version of the new Piaggio iGet 125 and 150cc engines, with a start
& stop function. Slightly larger than the Liberty, more compact than the
robust Beverly, the Medley is a new segment in the Piaggio Group offer,
intended for a young male and female user with a normal driving licence. The
exceptionally spacious underseat compartment has room for two helmets, a unique
feature in this category of scooter.
Rounding
off the main new entries from the Piaggio Group (which is also showing many
model years and new versions for a number of brands, as well as additions to
the Moto Guzzi Garage range of special components for custom bikes) was the
Piaggio eBike. The Piaggio Wi-Bike, presented in the standard version at Eicma,
and designed and developed entirely in Italy by Piaggio, is available in four
different outfittings. Always connected to the world via the web, this is the
eco-friendly vehicle of the future, connected to the net and to smartphones to
deliver a huge range of services, from fitness to geolocation.
SUZUKI UNVEILS NEW OVERSEAS MOTORCYCLE MODELS: Suzuki unveiled new
overseas model SV650 at the show including a concept model GSX-R1000
Road sport bike with 650cc V-twin engine – the all-new SV650: Based on the current 645cm3 V-twin
engine, the all-new road sport bike SV650 meets the new exhaust gas restriction
of Euro4 (for European spec) while enhancing output and fuel efficiency. By
reviewing the body in detail, it has realized weight reduction of 8kg compared
to the Gladius (ABS spec), which is installed with the current engine.
Lightweight and slim body enhances the strength of V-twin engine while
contributing to high maneuverability. Each piston skirt is tinned and resin
coated, resulting in reduction of mechanical loss and greater combustion
efficiency.
Also, Low RPM Assist is
adopted to help rider for smoother launching operation in low rpm range. By
slightly raising engine rpm, it makes it easy to ride at low speed in stop and
go traffic. Moreover, Suzuki Easy Start System, which enables the rider to just
one-push the starter instead of press-holding it to start the engine, is
adopted, enhancing user-friendliness in daily usage.
Suzuki plans to produce SV650
from January 2016 at the Toyokawa Plant in Japan, and start its sales in
markets such as Europe and North America.
Concept Model GSX-R1000: Concept Model GSX-R1000 is a concept model
which has further evolved the GSX-R1000 by adopting technologies derived from
MotoGP. The feature of the GSX-R series is the fundamental design consisting of
running, cornering, and stopping, which has harmonized the body and the engine.
It is currently being developed with aim to thoroughly review the design and
balance running, cornering, and stopping in high dimension.
To realise increase of power
in high rpm range without detracting power in the low-to-mid speed range, the
newly developed 1000cc inline-four engine adopts the new Broad Power System,
which takes in technologies developed in MotoGP racing such as intake VVT and
Suzuki’s first electronic throttle for motorcycles. Weight reduction and
optimal rigidity of the chassis is attempted through newly developed frame and
swingarm. To largely reduce air resistance, cowling is also renewed.
Traction control with
selectable modes depending on riding condition is installed, along with quick
shift system and launch control which are efficient electronics on racetracks.
INDIAN MOTORCYCLES:
Indian Motorcycles, part of
the US based Polaris Group, revealed the latest addition in its portfolio - the
Scout Sixty. The new Scout Sixty is inspired from the standard Scout and is the
most economical product in the company's lineup. This vehicle is expected to
land up on Indian shores soon, according to reliable sources.
The new Indian Scout Sixty is
powered by a 999cc, liquid-cooled, four-valve V-Twin engine that produces 70PS
of power and 89 Nm of peak torque. The engine is mated with a 5-speed gearbox.
The suspension system of the bike comes from the standard Scout that has 120mm
non-adjustable forks at the front and 76mm adjustable shocks at the rear. The
Scout Sixty gets cast aluminium frame and has 298mm discs at both the ends with
a single two-piston caliper at the front and one piston-caliper at the rear.
The kerb weight of the bike is 295kg.