Austria
Rumors and leaks come out in many different ways, including, of course, via PR departments who are interested in getting a bit of advance publicity for a new model, or to keep interest going in a brand. Let's face it, if any of them really did not want us to know what was going on, we wouldn't!
So did KTM deliberately leak details and sketchs of forthcoming new models in a financial document it published on its own website? Is it a savvy PR ploy? Inquiring minds want to know.
Sometimes, of course, it is genuinely as a result of the odd mix-up or two worlds colliding. Take
KTM's recent financial document actually published on its own website. Boring to most of us I am sure, but not perhaps if it actually gives details and the odd sketch on forthcoming new models.
Okay, we have already mentioned extensively here in this column the new single-cylinder sports bike, which has actually been spied testing clad in a Cagiva Mito fairing. But, thanks to this financial document, you can actually see the proposed final look of the bike. Instead of the double-sided swingarm it clearly shows a mono-arm, ten-spoked cast wheels and a petrol tank located under the rider's seat, as opposed to being in the conventional place. This it is believed will also act as a support for the seat, doing away with the need for a rear sub-frame.
KTM has already let us know that the LC4 motor has been reworked and now gives 78 hp as opposed to the standard 65 hp and will propel the 132 kg machine to speeds in excess of 140 mph. This would, in the right hands, put it in a position to seriously challenge four-cylinder 600cc middleweight sportbikes, despite a sizable horsepower deficit!
While some of the other bikes mentioned in the report have been well documented here as well, the financial document gives notice of the intent to create a whole range of 125cc and 250cc machines. These will use high-performance four-stroke liquid-cooled motors built by its new partner, Bajaj in India to save on production costs. No exact details of all the bikes are given, but expect a modular concept of one frame for two engines with bodywork and suspension, etc. added as needed to create a particular genre, like a supermoto for instance.
Will the stripped down naked version of the F800R resemble world-class freestyle rider Christian Pfeiffer's current stunt bike?
Also highlighted is the six-cylinder bike we have mentioned before, along with plans to expand the car side of the business. As we know, the X-Bow has virtually sold out and the firm would like to build on this by producing other bespoke small volume sports cars. In fact, they mention that they would like to emulate the success of British firm Lotus in this particular market!
France
Peugeot has just released its latest scooter, the 125cc 'Sum Up.' The bike is equipped with a kick start as well as an electric foot and a centerstand to go with a sidestand, but still only weighs in at 115kg, making it the lightest in its class. The new model has a wider, better seat to allow for more comfort when carrying a pillion and has twin halogen lights for better conspicuity and faster nighttime riding. A variety of color schemes are available to the purchaser willing to pay around $2,700 for the pleasure of owning a class-leading machine.
Germany
Say it ain't so, BMW. Outsourcing the G650Xcountry's engine to China? Kerr says that the idea is to offer lower-spec machines as an entry level to the brand which has, up to now, been acknowledged as a premium one.
It appears that
BMW may now be going to produce a stripped down naked version of the F800R, basically a minimalist version of the S. However, originally finances dictated it should not go ahead. Now, however, it would appear that there are plans to use the chassis from the F650GS and F800GS (which will supply the engine), which is cheaper and will enable it to come in at an affordable price without affecting sales of the aforementioned 800S.
Despite initially denying it, BMW has now admitted that they have the engines for the G650Xcountry made in China. This has enabled them to reduce the price of this model in the German dealers by 100 Euros. However, people are now asking if other models will be similarly outsourced, risking quality control issues, which might explain the rumor about cheap Boxer-engined bikes that is circulating. Apparently, the idea is to offer lower-spec machines as an entry level to the brand which has, up to now, been acknowledged as a premium one. (If this is true perhaps they should just by out Ural and stick a roundel on the tank!).
Italy
News emanating from the shores of Lake Como says that
Moto Guzzi is apparently developing a brand new 1400cc eight-valve engine to put in a whole new range of bikes, including a tourer. However, sources state that existing engines will continue to be used alongside it to increase rider choice rather than being consigned to the history books.
Italian tuning house Mille Percento have bumped up the displacement on this offshoot of the Moto Guzzi Grisso to 1420cc and have switched it from air- to liquid-cooled.
Bizarrely, following hot on this snippet of information is the launch by an Italian tuning house
Mille Percento of a liquid-cooled version of the 1100cc Griso. The BB1 is virtually standard apart from custom-designed and made cylinder barrels and heads which incorporate water passages to cope with the extra heat generated by an increase in capacity to 1420cc. A large radiator is mounted across the front of the crankcases and blended into the overall styling by means of additional cowling. Needless to say, a water pump has been added and larger fuel injectors to deal with fuelling the extra capacity. The bike meets all the tough Euro 3 emission controls, so is fully legal for sale in Europe where it will be sold as a limited-production model as opposed to a one-off special.
Buyers will get Ohlins suspension front and rear along with Brembo radial brakes to ensure the bike will handle and stop well, even with the extra power, although no prices have been fixed at the time of writing. The bike will only come in black or white options.
Last year we mentioned that
Moto Morini was about to embark on increasing its range in order to once again become a major player in the marketplace. Having established itself with the Cosaro and 91/2 Sport, both of which use the 1187cc V-Twin motor, they have now launched the Granspasso, the Scrambler and 1200 Sport, albeit variations on the basic theme using the Bialbero Corsacorta engine.
Moto Morini is looking to become a major player in the motorcycle marketplace, and bikes like its Corsaro should help them in its quest.
Now, Gianluca Lanaro, the sales director, has revealed that they intend to produce one new model each year from now on. To this end he also revealed that they are working on other engine configurations, including a Twin and single-cylinder motor and are also looking at decreasing capacities so they have a broader appeal across the marketplace. However, they are also firmly looking at the hyper-market and Ducati's success there, so expect some tuned versions of the larger existing motor in the near future. Lanaro also announced they would be seriously entering the US market in 2009.
Talking of
Ducati, the Bologna-based manufacturer recently announced its Industrial Plan 2008 - 2010, which outlines the company's strategic moves over the next three years. The plans show ten new models spread over the next three years, but those who want an entry-level or small-capacity bike will be sadly disappointed. Ducati has stated categorically that they are a premium brand that produces sports motorcycles that have racetrack provenance. When you actually look at their sale figures for 2007, only 27% were bikes under 750cc and it is the big machines like the 1098 that have given Ducati a change in its fortunes, pulling it back towards profitability.
It is too soon to start speculating on what is going to go and what is to stay in the range, but those who missed out on the limited Desmosedici RR could be in for a treat. It would appear that they could create an 800 version and/or one that features low specification components to bring the price down to a more affordable (sic) $80,000.
Whatever, one thing is for sure, Ducati's going to go for the premium end of the market and CEO Gabriele Del Torchio has promised after 2011 there will be regular launches of new products. Which is good news for this column, as it will give us plenty to speculate on over the next few years!
Spain Spanish bike tuner, Radical Ducati, is looking to move on from being a supplier of kits to customize/upgrade existing bikes to being a small volume manufacturer. Their new range of RAD 02 models was launched at the recent Padova show in Italy.
Spain's Radical Ducati recently introduced its new models at Italy's Padova show. The Rad 02 Corsa (above) has a lightweight aluminum chassis, a titanium subchassis, and plenty of carbon fiber bits.
The Ducati-powered bikes have been designed by Michael Uhalarik from Type U Design, who has been involved with the design of some Yamaha MotoGP bikes as well as the Yamaha MT-03. No surprise then that the faired versions are designed for the track, leaving a Cafe Racer for the road. An aluminum frame weighing 4.1kg replaces the standard item and carbon fiber bodywork further reduces the weight. From then on you can chose your engine specification, suspension, wheel brakes etc. which obviously affects final pricing , but you do end up with a bike built to your specification! Contact
www.radicalducati.com for more information.
United Kingdom
Recently we brought you news of a rumor circulating that the Indian firm Bajaj was interested in buying
Triumph, despite it not being up for sale. While Bajaj might have backed off now that they have a slice of KTM's action, it would appear that Harley-Davidson is looking at the possibility of buying the the British firm!
Just a good juicy rumor at present, but we will keep you posted. Meanwhile, Triumph is now looking like they could be selling in India themselves due to a change in the Indian regulations that will allow larger machines to be sold, which will of course affect all manufacturers! Watch this space for more information on both these news items as and when they become available.
The Triumph Sprint ST 1050 got a few tweaks in 2008, the first since its introduction in '05. Changes include a new metal fuel tank and an updated headlight.
A more concrete rumor concerns the Trophy touring bike, which is apparently definitely undergoing development at the Hinckley factory as we speak. It will have a brand new three-cylinder motor, which will eventually replace the 1050 and have shaft drive to compete against other large-capacity tourers such as the Honda Pan European and the Yamaha FJR. This will be one of a 22 bike portfolio that the company is rumored to be looking at having in place by 2010.
In the meantime, Triumph has updated the Sprint ST 1050 for 2008, the first makeover since its launch in 2005.The bike, while not radically altered in appearance, now has items like a metal fuel tank to allow for the use of magnetic tank bags, a new headlight and other small but necessary changes that have come about thanks to customer feedback.
Recent spy shots of the new Parallel Twin cruiser that we have mentioned here for the last two years clearly show that it is almost ready to launch. Fake fins can be seen on the barrels, but it is clear that the motor is liquid-cooled and insiders suggest that the capacity has risen from 1500 to 1700cc. Belt drive now appears to be used just like Harley, its intended main market competitor.
Former UK manufacturer
Royal Enfield has just announced an increase of 15% on its yearly sale figures. The model most in demand was the Bullet Electra, which complies with the most stringent of the current EU emission laws. This is now the eighth year of growth for the Indian factory, who appear to be doing better than some other major players in the market.
Okay, Angelina Jolie may have been chosen as the most desirable pillion, but she may be hard pressed to take a back seat considering she owns her own BMW F650GS and a MV Agusta Brutale.
In a recent poll amongst motorcyclists in the UK asking which person they most wanted on their pillion, film star and BMW F650GS owner Angelina Jolie came out on top with 18% of the votes What was interesting is that she beat former Playboy centerfolds, in so doing proving that some motorcycle credibility was as important as appearance and desirability!
In its day, the Brough Superior was regarded as the Rolls Royce of motorcycles, and as a result had a price tag to suit. Things have not really changed over the years with models still fetching quite high prices (£30 -50,000) over the past few years.
However, a recently restored SS100 with traceable history and described as 'good as new' is coming up for auction in April at the Stafford Classic Bike Show. Auctioneers
Bonham's have put a guide price of £120,000 - £140,000 on the bike which will need to be run in if it is used on the road as opposed to gracing another museum where it has been for the last 25 years.
Frogs and hogs, what a combination! A man from Thailand claims that his frog loves to ride a toy Harley-Davidson and that he regularly predicts lotto numbers. Our American toads are nowhere near as talented.
Gore-Tex, who are best known for their waterproof and breathable fabrics used extensively in motorcycle garments, have now launched a waterproof leather that will be used extensively by firms like Dainese and Alpinestars in their leather suits in the near future. The idea is that a rider can wear the leathers for their protective capabilities without the need for an additional over-suit, which creates additional bulk and may restrict movement and comfort.
The 'PRO Shell' leather is actually made up of a technical leather outer shell with a new Gore-Tex membrane laminated together. It is claimed that the leather will take on less than 10% of its weight when wet and also features a reflective capability to control the rider's temperature. In addition to the leather, the company is offering a stretch textile laminate to allow a high degree of comfort to be built into the suits as now, without compromising the waterproof capabilities.
And finally!
In Thailand, a guy by the name of Tongsai Bamroontagi, aged 52, has found a frog that is happy to ride a toy Harley Davidson. Apparently the frog is so pleased to get the chance to ride the bike it regularly predicts the lottery numbers! Now where is the pet and toy shop phone numbers for Thailand?
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