The hybrid streetfighter/cruiser Griso is on tap from Moto Guzzi, at least in Europe. If you want one in the States you'll have to wait until 2007.
As we head towards the Paris Show at the end of September, the rumours gather momentum as to what new bikes may be released in France and what may be saved for the Milan show in November. Needless to say there are more leaks and sightings than a good gossip columnist knows what to do with. Hopefully what follows has substance and will be proved true in the next few months.
The Moto Guzzi Griso - a half streetfighter, half cruiser - has been a familiar sight at shows, and now it's finally heading into production. First revealed as a concept bike back in 2002, the then-parent company Aprilia's financial problems prevented it reaching production. But thanks to the financial might of new owner Piaggio, the Griso will finally make it to the showrooms. (
Based on Guzzi's all-new Breva 1100 powerplant and running gear but with lowered gearing, insiders tell us it will arrive to the U.S. next spring as a 2007 bike - Ed.)
It was acknowledged earlier in the year that Aprilia and BMW have agreed to share engines, which may mean the BMW 800cc engine mentioned above and in a previous column may also end up in an Italian bike. The twin-cylinder unit is actually built by Austrian firm Rotax with whom Aprilia has had a long association. This would give Aprilia a sports bike below the one-liter class and run in conjunction with a bike using their own 450cc V-twin, giving them a bigger share of the overall market. (
Don't hold your breath for this one, as it's not expected to be developed and ready for release for at least a year or two. In addition, Aprilia's 450cc V-Twin Enduros are expected to come to the U.S. in spring of '06 - Ed.)
Aprilia's next-generation Tuono is scheduled to grace the shores of America this December.
Also from Aprilia, a next-generation Tuono has been unveiled. Once again taking the best bits from the current RSV-R superbike in terms of running gear and chassis, the new model is based on last year's RSV Factory, with a full-horse motor, new tailsection, and radial-mount brakes. (
Aprilia USA tells us it should arrive in America this December -Ed.)
The BMW F800S that we leaked news on earlier has now been spied being used for a commercial film to promote its sales, meaning we should see it revealed at Paris in a fortnights time. Just to remind you, the 800cc twin-cylinder motor has a 180-degree crank, four valves per cylinder, and is liquid cooled. Unlike its larger siblings, a conventional fork supports the front end and a belt drive is used at rear instead of the traditional BMW shaft drive.
Moving onto another bike we have mentioned before from BMW, the 1200S. The final version of the new R1200S has been seen testing in Austria recently. It is rumoured that it is 30 kg (66 lbs) lighter than the R1100S and has 30 bhp more on tap, using the technology and new engine found in the
R1200GS and
R1200RT. The 1170cc engine is used as a stressed member bolted to the sub-frames, and overall the bike has a very sporty riding position and look to it. An Ohlins shock is used at the rear to control the EVO-Paralever suspension system, giving more credence to its potential sporting nature. Due to the fact that the bike looks to be in the final form, expect to see this also launched at the Paris show.
Ducati's new Monster S2R 1000 will be arriving in the U.S. late this year.
Also expected at Milan is Ducati's two new Monsters, an S2R 1000 and an S4R, the latter being most powerful Monster yet with the Testastretta engine from the 999. (
The S2R 1000, meanwhile, has been confirmed, and it will arrive at U.S. dealers by the end of this year at an MSRP of a relatively reasonably $9995 - Ed.)
In addition, confirming our story in last month's column about new Ducati owners, Chief Executive Officer of Ducati, Frederico Minoli, has now admitted that TPG is looking to sell its controlling interest in the Italian firm. Talks are well under way, with an Italian Investment House now looking as the odds-on favourite to take control.
Another Historic Italian firm, MV Agusta, may soon be owned once again by a European company if current talks prove successful. MV was bailed out of financial difficulties by Malaysian car firm Proton in 2004. The reason for yet another move is that the car firm is now in financial difficulties, despite heavy government investment, thanks to a shrinking domestic car market.
As well as MV, Proton also own British sports car firm Lotus, which makes them very attractive to the potential buyer - Volkswagen AG. The German car giant is being offered a 30% stake in the company and total management control.
KTM's RC8 is reported to be 12 months behind schedule, pushing its expected launch date from this year to 2007.
One bike that will not be launched at any show for the foreseeable future is the RC8 superbike from Austrian firm KTM. KTM revealed the dramatically styled RC8 superbike back in 2003, which was expected to be launched this year. Currently at least 12 months behind schedule, it looks likely for a 2007 launch date. However, good news if you are a dirt bike fan, they do hope to have their 950cc Super Enduro model ready for next year.
Moving back to the UK, Triumph has teamed up with top British clothes designer Paul Smith to produce a small limited range of hand-painted Bonneville's. There are two designs, one called 'Multi-Union' with a petrol tank styled like a Union Jack flag but in different colours, and the other called 'Live Fast', complete with a yellow seat. Only 50 of each will be made and they will be sold with a personally signed certificate by Smith and Triumph supremo John Bloor. They will cost over 2,000 pounds more than the standard T100. However, if this is too much for you, there will also be a Triumph clothing collection designed by Smith which will sell for more reasonable prices!
In a previous column we brought you news of a smaller version (1500cc) of the gargantuan Rocket Three aimed at the Harley market. News is now just breaking of an 865cc Bonneville engined version, and perhaps an even smaller version as well in the future!
The biggest news out of Triumph is the release of the three-cylinder Daytona 675.
We also brought you rumours of the 675cc Daytona Triple which has just been confirmed as part of next year's new model range, along with a brand new retro-styled Scrambler. The new 865cc machine is similar to the TR6C that was so popular in the U.S. back in the '60s, and this is once again seen as the main target market for the bike along with Japan.
Staying with British firms, the Vincent name is once again to be seen on bikes built in France. The Egli Vincent special is built by one Patrick Godet and costs a cool 30,000 pounds. Originally a one-off built for the Dunhill store in London, it attracted so much attention another two have been built for stores in Japan and the USA.
The 57 bhp bikes have parts sourced from all around the world but are true to the original bikes in most things except the colour. However, there is still a link with the past. Whist the Stevenage factory adopted the Henry Ford colour scheme of black; these also only come in one colour, but this time it is brown!
And lastly, if you work on the principle of not braking for animals, unless of course they are big enough to hurt you, consider the plight of a Chinese rider. Enjoying the bends of the Simian Mountains, he was presented with a squirrel on the road in front of him. Deciding not to swerve he continued, in so doing killing the animal. The problem? It was a rare flying squirrel never seen before in that area of China and not seen since!
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