BMW plans on keeping their 2010 R 1200 GS and R 1200 GS Adventure on the class favorites position by bringing in a DOHC engine that is capable of 110hp and 88lb-ft of torque, just like on the R 1200 RT model. Now capable to rev 500rpm more than the previous generation power unit, the flat-twin is claimed to offer plenty more acceleration and pulling power in a refined manner. This should raise the stakes and have BMW say “mission accomplished,” but not before the new Ducati Multistrada 1200 and the future Yamaha Super Tenere make their moves. > More
Impossible to miss in Yamaha’s 2009 dual-sport lineup is the TW200, an easy to spot and recognize motorcycle due to the beefy tires. This bike carries on without change, showing that Yamaha can be as constant as it is innovative. Being around for decades, the Yamaha TW200 has surely got the recipe right from the very beginnings, and this is just a happy life. > More
A newly-launched Ducati website teases us with an official video of the Multistrada 1200 (initially thought to be "Strada Aperta" or "Stradaperta") which they will reveal on November 9th at EICMA. The Italian manufacturer finally decided that their new adventure touring motorcycle will benefit of the 1198.4cc twin from the Ducati 1198 instead of the Streetfighter’s less powerful 1099cc mill. This is great news, but we can’t understand why "Open Road" translated in Italian suddenly didn’t sounded good to Ducati any more. Watch the video after the jump. > More
Yamaha keeps on writing history with the XT250 as the bike carries on to 2010 with no significant changes. Even tough situated in the dual sport arena, the XT250 stands as many people’s idea of a trail bike and that says much about its off-road capabilities. A headlight and the mirrors make it street legal. Let’s see what more. > More
BMW has hooked up their professional stunt rider Chris Pfeiffer with a special pair of wheels for winter activities. Actually, improper said wheels as this BMW G 450 X was specially modified for winter riding and now features a front ski and a snowmobile-like track at the back for perfect grip. As you can see in the attached video, the "snowcat" is not so easy to ride and the three times stunt riding world champion even happens to meet the snow once, although we reckon he did that just for fun.
Yamaha has unveiled the Super Ténéré concept yesterday at the Tokyo Motor Show with the most diverse public reactions ever generated by the fact that the concept is nothing more than a mechanical skeletal wrapped up in cloth. It apparently recreates the look of Touareg desert nomads, but it also looks like a very detailed preview of what Yamaha plans on launching next year.
The Yamaha Super Ténéré 1200 production bike will be Japan’s first real opponent for the BMW R 1200 GS and it all comes down to the 1200cc parallel twin engine that will use a 270° crank in the attempt to replicate a V-twin’s firing order. Hmm, this is a lot of stuff indicated by a pair of wheels, some metal tubes and clothes.
Moto Morini has set their eyes on the adventure segment and the Granpasso 1200 model is the best example in this concern. The 2009 model year was brand new and they’ve already found new ways to improve the overall 2010 product, meaning that the competition can already start worrying. > More
MCN’s spy photographers have come up with the most recent shots of the Ducati Stradaperta, which was tested on a motocross track in Italy. While it is unclear how they managed to take such close shots at a presumably remote location, the persons in case also mentioned that the 1098-powered Italian bike “was getting at least six feet of air over some of the jumps,” but their exclusive pictures don’t show that.
Although the successor of the Multistrada was expected to come as a response to the KTM 990 SMT and Triumph Tiger, we can now start referring to it as being a quite possible rival for the R1200GS and KTM 990 Adventure. Still, as you can see, nothing is certain until the bike is unveiled in Milan next month.
Moto Guzzi has put the Stelvio 1200 back in the cards with the launch of the ABS version (standard model carries on) at the last Intermot show. The 2009 Stelvio 1200 4V is an undisputable contender for models such as the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 and even the BMW R 1200 GS in the super enduro category.
What helps distinguish the 2009 model year is, without a doubt, the upgraded braking system with double piston radial calipers and ABS, but the all-season accessories such as the adjustable saddle and windshield enhance comfort and, implicit, the rider’s capacity to cover up miles. Also, the sidebags have you ready for the long haul and make sure you never ask for more. Anticipating a rider’s needs, the historic manufacturer also ads a small glove box with handle command to the range of goodies.
The 2009 Stelvio 1200 4V is available either white or red painted. These colors do make it stand out as the stylish Italian bike that it is, even though the category of riders to which it addresses doesn’t look quite for that at a bike.
Furthermore, Moto Guzzi has introduced a new model named Stelvio 1200 4V NTX. This late arrival is powered by a significantly torquier engine of the same displacement and configuration. This special model comes only with ABS, the other notable difference being the gold color.
Yep, I checked it again, the title it correct. Graham Merrick is a motorcycle enthusiast who together with his robot passenger will set off from John O’Groats on Tuesday 11th August 2009 10:00am and arrive at Cape Cornwall Golf & Country Club on Saturday 15th August. The plan is to raise funds so that Graham can take part in Enduro Africa.
Run by Global Enduro, Enduro Africa is an event that provides transport in the form of a motorcycle, which enables medical personnel to reach outlying areas and provide urgent medical care and aid to otherwise unreachable regions.
If he manages to raise the £5,000, Graham will travel to South Africa on 2nd October and ride a donated motorcycle for eight days and approximately 1000 km though rough and rugged terrain along South Africa’s “Eastern Wild Coast”.
Any contribution can make a difference, so you’re invited to visit the dedicated website, find out more about the challenging events and about Graham’s riding experience and even make a donation. So far, the website managed to raise £1,717.50.
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