Making its debut at this year's Baja 500, the Baja 690 Enduro utilizes the new 690 motor found in the 690SM.
KTM's Baja 690 Enduro machine is the first to use the new 690 motor, which is already in use on the 690SM. Featuring a brand new frame and swinging-arm taken from the factory Dakar bikes, it has off-road specific forks from Dutch firm
WP who also supply the rear suspension. Different wheels and brakes are used on the bike, including a reworked exhaust. KTM claim that it is still a prototype, despite it being entered in several competitions, and this is just part of its natural development process.
France
Beringer Brakes has developed a new system that will allow later and harder braking. A simple system of valves and hoses connects the front brake to an
Ohlins rear shock absorber to prevent the rear wheel lifting on heavy brake applications. Basically, a valve at the bottom of the shock opens when it is at full extension. This then draws brake fluid backwards from the brakes reducing pressure slightly. When the shock and the rear end settles, braking at full power is restored.
On the track the valve will only open for very short periods of time, just enough to stop the rear end lifting. However, in extremis, the effect will be quite pronounced with it giving quite a lot time to reduce brake pressure to keep both tires in contact for maximum braking effect. Sensitivity of the system can be adjusted by means of a remote air canister mounted on the swing-arm. It is expected to be freely available to the public in 2008 at around $650.
Germany
The new BMW 450 Enduro has been spotted racing Beemer colors in WEC rounds (above), as well as the recent Erzberg event in Austria.
We have said it before here that
BMW is breaking the mold in more ways than one. The 450 Enduro currently known as the Sportenduro, but to be sold as the HP1 when in production form, is now being publicly raced in BMW colors, instead of being developed behind close doors.
Two machines were entered in the world's toughest one day Enduro, the Erzberg event in Austria in front of 20,000 spectators, but both failed to finish due to technical problems. BMW though were not disappointed, pointing out that it was learning exercise and all part of the bikes development.
Just to remind you, the bike features a swing-arm pivot that is concentric with the gearbox drive sprocket. This allows the chain to remain in constant tension throughout the range of the suspension. The result is a longer swing-arm, which in turn gives better traction and allows the engine to sit further back in the frame. The engine has a clutch mounted directly on the end of the crankshaft which is smaller than normal. This is mounted in a steel frame with conventional Marzocchi forks and Ohlins rear suspension systems.
Back though to existing production bikes and BMW have announced that they sold 23,029 bikes in the first quarter of this year, representing a 20.9% increase over last year. In addition revenue from two-wheeled sales was also up by 17.2% to 23milion!
The Neander cruiser harnesses the power of a diesel motor and should be hitting production soon.
We are of course in the business of whetting your appetite and trying to give you something to look out for in a Gossip column, so here is one with little facts to go with at present. It would appear that a couple of patents have been filed in Germany that involve bikes fitted with a narrow-angle V5 motor and a W8 engine that could be as compact as a V4. Now an eight-cylinder machine could get the juices flowing especially if it sounds like the old Guzzi! More as to when either become solid metal or solid rumors!
German firm
Neander are close to putting their diesel bike into production in the very near future it is claimed. However, they will not be alone if they do as it appears there may be another four firms joining them, in this relatively new market. More details as and when they emerge!
Italy
It looks like the new Aprilia Shiver 750 might morph into two spinoff models - a 1200 and 750 supermotos.
Pictures have surfaced showing that
Aprilia are well on their way to producing a 130 hp V-Twin Supermoto. Yes, you did read it right the first time round! Using the Shiver as a basis, the bike will come in a 1200 and 750 version, with at least one of them breaking cover at this year's Milan Show at the end of the year. It is alleged that the Shiver's frame was designed from the beginning to be used for this project.
This bike has actually been developed from the idea of a road-going 550cc SXV, which as we have reported in the past, has an engine that is far too fragile for road use. The idea apparently was originally just to have a 750, but with the launch of the Ducati Hypermotard, it prompted an increase in capacity to allow it to compete with the Ducati and the KTM 950 Supermoto. Although the spy shots show that part of the model is still in the clay stage, much of this is in the styling department. Longer forks and rear shock are clearly visible, as is the Shiver frame. Expect prices to be around the $13,000 for the 750 and $16,000 for the bigger machine.
The second generation of Aprilia's V4 WSB machine has been spotted during dyno testing. We have already covered its existence before, but it now seems to be moving on a pace with lots of engine work being carried out for longevity, as well as out-right power.
Meanwhile an Aprilia RSV is set to star in a chases sequence in the soon to be released 'Transformers' film. Aprilia are using this as part of current advertising campaigns, but so too is parent company Piaggio, suggesting that a Vespa scooter may also be included in the robot based film.
Outgoing Ducati CEO, Federico Minoli, may leave his final mark on the Italian marque with the rumored release of a Scrambler addition to its retro lineup.
have announced that Gabriele Del Torchio is to be the new CEO of the Bologna based firm. Giampiero Paoli is to take on the role of Company Chairman.
Ducati could be planning another retro, this time based on the Scrambler according to one of my sources. This bike was known to be a favorite of now departed CEO Federico Minoli and given the time involved in developing bikes, he may well have started the project long before he knew he was on the way out, giving credence to the rumor!
A really hot rumor at the moment is that the revitalized firm
Moto Morini is going to have a serious crack at the touring market with a bike powered by their 1200cc V-Twin. In addition there is apparently a big 700cc single-cylinder engine on the drawing board which could be used to power a whole series of new bikes in the future. Watch this space for more details as and when they emerge!
It would appear that legendary designer Massimo Tamburini has finished the drawings for the new
MV that will replace the F4. However, it appears that is as far as it has got to date, so let's hope we see some progress soon as it would be nice to see it run up against the Ducati 1098 before to long!
United Kingdom
Still on the drawing board, the expected superbike from Ecosse Spirit features ergonomics that tuck the rider inside the aerodynamic envelope.
A brand new Superbike could be coming from the UK thanks to Spirit, a company involved with the Formula One market, giving the idea some credibility. In addition they have joined forces with bike manufacturer Ecosse in the US to form a company called Ecosse-Spirit.
Called the ES1 the bike shape is defined by aerodynamics and has a frontal area 28% smaller than a Suzuki Hayabusa with a drag coefficient that makes it twice as efficient as a conventional Superbike. Weight is another success story as the bike fitted with a one-liter motor weighs just 120 kg (265 lbs) and it is calculated will top 220 mph with a 170-hp tune.
Part of the design process has involved getting the rider to sit lower and then get the feet out of the way to prevent them reducing the ground clearance when cornering. To do this they have come up with a very unconventional chain arrangement that allows the riders legs to move closer together. Basically a chain from the gearbox drives (on the centerline of the bike) a short shaft mounted on the top of the swingarm that then drives the rear wheel. As a result of this the rider's feet can be positioned closer together keeping the rider within in the aerodynamic envelope as well as keeping the feet clear of the road when cornering.
The aim is to initially build ten exclusive bikes for sale to wealthy riders who are willing to pay a high premium for a custom made bike. Then if all goes well, small scale production will take place with lower spec machines. But, as testing of a prototype is not likely to take place until 2008, don't hold your breath for any to appear until at least 2009!
Good news for all bike firms selling in the UK market, sales overall are up 10% compared to a similar period in 2006. The sector showing the biggest growth are the adventure style bikes, which are up 32.9%, while genuine off-roaders are down nearly 20%, the only market sector showing a decrease in sales. This is probably due to increasing restrictive legislation limiting access to the countryside.
The Triumph Street Triple will make its official debut in Neukirchen, Germany on June 30th.
has managed to get a staring role in the movie industry yet again. British actor Colin Salmon will star in a sci-fi blockbuster riding a Triumph 1050 Tiger and called the 'The Many worlds of Jonas Moore'. The script was actually written 15 years ago long before films like the Matrix and already included chase sequences using motorcycles. The black actor has previously starred in two James Bond films and is seen riding the Tiger in his role as a computer character.
The rumors about the re-instigation of the Triumph 'Hurricane' project keep bubbling to the surface. The 200 mph-plus sportbike may eventually make it out to dealers, despite originally being shelved for fear of upsetting the anti-bike lobby!
One rumor we have been spreading here in Euro Gossip for some time is of the Triumph Street Triple and I am pleased to announce that they have finally admitted that it does exist. Not only that but it will make its world debut at the Tridays festival in Neukirchen in Germany on June 30th. Although they have not released any specifications, the official picture shows that the bike is more than just a naked Daytona. New forks, brakes and restyling all hint at engine modifications to go with!
Sometime last year in this column we highlighted concerns about the crash helmet standards in the UK. It would appear that the UK Government shared some of the concerns, because they have just announced that all helmets will now be scored in a similar way to passenger cars are under the NCAP scheme.
This means that in 2008 every helmet on the UK market will have a number allocated to it allowing buyers to ascertain how good the protection levels (and other factors) really are. When this was introduced for cars, many manufacturers were forced to improve their crash protection standards, rather than get low ratings which would (and do) hinder sales.
Currently the standards are not understood by the buyers and while very expensive helmets are perceived to be the best, independent tests have shown that in some cases they are not as good as some very cheap helmets. The intention is that the new protection rating will be easy to understand and force manufacturers to improve the product where it falls short!
China
The Shanghai Peoples Court in China is getting more and more claims under intellectual property rights laws. These refer to alleged trademark and patent infringements and come from manufacturers outside China. One of these is of course Honda who has already stopped one company using the branding 'Hongda' on its bikes!
Royal Enfield is facing the latest round of emission standards by creating a new single-cylinder engine.
The
Royal Enfield may be forced to come into the 21st century by emission standards. The stringent Euro III standards mean that they are impossible to meet with the current carbureted single-cylinder engine. Hence a whole new engine is being developed with a fuel injection system at the main Indian factory.
This new powerplant is likely to be a unit construction, with the engine and gearbox in the same castings, unlike the separate arrangement as at present. This of course being a throwback to the original British made and designed bikes! It is expected that the new bike, which is already in the running prototype stage, may make its first public appearance at the UK bike show in November '07 and be on sale early next year.
Korea
Hyosung is branching out from the 50cc scooter market with its 124cc and 250cc MS3 models.
The name
Hyosung seems to keep cropping up more often when examining the global perspective in respect of bikes. As we have seen in this column they seem to be leaping forward in all respects, including a move into the twist and go scooter market with the launch of the MS3. The 124cc learner legal four-stroke and the larger 250 version is described by them as a 'luxury' scooter. Disc brakes front and rear, electric start, LCD dashboard, LED warning lights etc. all make the claim seem reasonable. Certainly it looks right and bang on the money in keeping with the Japanese and Italian opposition in both sectors of the scooter market!
And finally
Police in Thailand were surprised to find that a moped rider who crashed into a barrier was wearing a different sort of protection from than the accepted norm for bike riding. The 35-year-old un-named rider was wearing a condom (rather than crash helmet) and it is thought the crash was as a result of his excited state!
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