The Duke. The name itself already speaks of royalty, and when it’s taken in the context of a bike that’s as versatile as the 200 Duke, the name certainly applies.
The 200 Duke is the personification of lightness rediscovered combined with maximum riding fun, powerful propulsion, and optimum user value, all of which was accomplished through KTM’s unmistakable thoroughbred motorcycle technology.
Comfort is essential for a bike of the 200 Duke’s built, and KTM paid careful attention to it by designing a two-piece seat that provides surprising long-distance comfort, perfect support, and first-class ergonomics for rider and pillion. At 810 mm, the seat height is low enough for a secure standing position, but also high enough for sports-oriented use and a genuine big-bike feeling.
The 200 Duke also has a featherweight chassis that comes with high-quality components and first-class brakes. The bike carries a high-quality upside-down fork from WP Suspension with the same 43 mm outer tube diameter as the RC8 R, which is a true statement of the bike’s overall comfort and versatility.
The compact, three-chamber silencer is positioned close to the machine’s overall center of gravity. This aids centralization of masses and improves the playful handling of the 200 Duke. Not only noise, but emission levels are also exemplary thanks to the regulated catalytic converter.
At the heart of the 200 Duke is another improvement for the 2012 model: a state-of-the-art, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder four-stroke engine that generates 60% more displacement and correspondingly fully developed power to the tune of 25 horses. Add the new camshafts, bigger valves, a larger piston with a completely new crank drive, new airbox and a new exhaust layout, and it all results in a bike that offers punchy torque with irresistible smoothness.
Find out more about the KTM 200 Duke after the jump.
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Don’t be duped into thinking that the Aprilia SX 50 is a lightweight on two wheels. On the contrary, this bike, while clearly dedicated to young riders seeking the best technology around matched with head-turning good looks, is one that’s been designed with high-performance capabilities that few bikes in its segment can compete with. You certainly don’t expect anything less from Aprilia, a company that has taken the task of building the most efficient bikes in the market, whether it’s 50cc machines or their flagship models.
The SX 50, in particular, draws from years of innovation and expertise on 50cc bikes. The design offers sharp, clear-cut lines that are derived directly from the RXV/SXV off-road style icons, a testament to the enduring design of Aprilia bikes in all its forms. The SX 50 supermotard is also the epitome of a high-performance 50 cc machine, as evidenced by an advanced liquid cooled, single cylinder two stroke engine that uses the latest in single-cylinder technology, ensuring exceptional performance from a surprisingly low weight bike.
Find out more about the Aprilia SX 50 after the jump.
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When it comes to the Hypermotard 1100 EVO, Ducati has adhered to a tried-and-tested formula grounded on minimalism and functionality.
The Hypermotard’s unique and innovative design stands out head and shoulders above the competition, highlighted by a distinctive beak that blends into the stylish headlamp fairing, making it an instantly recognizable bike. Couple that with a carefully shaped tank that tapers into a skinny waistline and you have a bike that looks and feels like a proven winner.
When the bike was first shown in concept guise at the 2005 Milan Bike Show, it represented the creation of a new segment that bridged the gap between refined sportbikes and minimalist supermotards. Despite initial reservations on the look of the bike, Ducati signed off on the production of the Hypermotard, driven by the belief in the upright and in-control riding position of a dirtbike, but not the harsh characteristics of its single cylinder engine.
In the end, the Hypermotard has proven to be a popular choice among Ducati aficionados. From the sturdy look of the Marzocchi front forks to the Ducati signature single-sided swingarm and underseat exhausts, the Hypermotard’s design remains unique and pure Ducati.
The result is a bike that’s not only easy to handle, but also offers unbelievable agility, incredibly sure-footed handing, and a flexible engine that can tackle any road.
Find out more about the Ducati Hypermotard 1100 EVO after the jump.
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From a concept bike that wasn’t initially well received, the Ducati Hypermotard has evolved into a really special machine, spawning the 1100 EVOSP Corse Edition that injects some real racing fervor into the Hypermotard concept. With a higher ground clearance than the standard model, a top-spec suspension, higher bars, and the aggressive Corse colour scheme, the Hypermotard 1100 EVO SP is ready to rip up the racetrack in an instant.
The Hypermotard concept created an innovative segment that bridged the gap between hyper-sports bikes and supermotards. In essence, it took the high speed handling and smooth engine from a hyper-sport bike and combined it with the aggressive styling, lightweight minimalism, and slow corner precision of a supermotard.
Whereas the Hypermotard created a new market unto itself, the 1100 EVO SP has taken that concept and given birth to a true favorite among extreme riders. With those people looking for a bike that provided extra beef and more functionality, especially in extreme conditions, the Hypermotard 1100 EVO SP offers plenty of riding characteristics that extreme riders enjoy.
The combination of a 1100 L-Twin engine with an improved chassis are only two of the most important traits of this bike. It’s no wonder that Ducati has made this bike one of the most important in its roster. Not only has it morphed into a true prized ride, it has also turned the attention of those that had initial skepticism about it. In the end, the Hypermotard 1100 EVO SP has become a true extreme wonder bike, and in so doing, has given Ducati enthusiasts even more reason to love the brand.
Find out more about the Ducati Hypermotard 1100 EVO SP after the jump./i>
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It wasn’t that long ago that the KTM Duke was the embodiment of a pure, unadulterated single-cylinder motorcycle. After being under the radar recently, the Duke is looking to return to prominence with a line-up that makes your jaws drop to the floor.
Judging by the latest 690 Duke, someone can make a case that they’re looking at a ride that offers smoothness, room for a pillion passenger, and long-distance ride-ability.
There’s a real reason why the 690 Duke is considered one of the most cutting-edge series production single-cylinder of our times. Combining an impressive 690cc twin ignition and a precision chassis with a wealth of outstanding components has resulted in a bike that boasts of incomparable versatility.
The engine features plug-selective mapping for the best and most effective combustion, plus extended service intervals of 10,000 km and even lower fuel consumption. All that and you get a bike that produces an impressive 69 horsepower. The finely balanced crank drive of the 690 single-cylinder converts terrific combustion pressure into unrivaled single-power - thanks to its balancer shaft, which eliminates vibration even better than ever without having any detrimental effect on the life of the super-single. The 690 Duke also possesses active engine casing ventilation and the anti-hopping clutch that effectively prevents rear wheel chatter when down-shifting hard.
Speaking of its lightweight qualities, the 690 Duke comes with a 9 kg/20 lbs lightweight tubular space frame made from chrome-molybdenum steel and a 4 kg/9 lbs lightweight, high-quality, pin-jointed, die-cast swing arm that’s been built with extreme levels of torsional stiffness.
Find out more about the KTM 690 Duke after the jump.
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Don’t be fooled by the bare-as-bones design of the KTM 990 SM R; it’s got more meat than its look suggests.
Dynamic, powerful, and extremely comfortable, the 990 SM R combines a perfectly balanced chassis with a state-of-the-art V2 engine to create a bike that exudes versatility and all-around awesomeness. So is it safe to say that the 990 SM R is the most radical twin-cylinder Supermoto on the market?
Take into account the bike’s water-cooled V-engine that produces 114 horsepower and an intelligent design principle with multi-function balancer shaft, two qualities that make it one of the lightest and most compact V2s in its class. The engine, by itself, impresses with explosiveness and instantaneous throttle response. Add that to lightweight pistons and connecting rods that bestow the 990 SM R’s V2 engine with reduced reciprocated weight and it translates into instantaneous responsiveness, underlining its extremely sporty engine characteristics and further proving that the 990 SM R is one bike that rides as good as it looks.
Adding to the overall appeal of the 990 SM R is a tubular space frame that’s made from thin-walled chrome-molybdenum steel tubing with a bolted-on, light alloy subframe that only weighs 9.5 kg/21 lbs, yet it impresses with exemplary torsional stiffness. Thanks to multiple setting options, the upside-down telescopic fork and the directly connected shock absorber from WP Suspension allow optimum individual adjustment of the chassis to suit riding style, track, and load.
Find out more about the KTM 990 SM R after the jump.
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The 2012 Suzuki DR650SE wants us to think that it’s a bike that comes with a new style and the civilized capabilities of a street bike with the hard-charging performance and exceptional handling of a dirt bike. To that, we believe every last word the Suzuki is saying.
The DR650SE is a versatile motocross bike with a high-performance engine hardcore riders enjoy. Combine that with a chassis and a suspension set-up that takes cues from its super moto and motocross heritage, and you have a machine that can tackle just about every imaginable surface.
At the heart of the DR650SE is a compact and powerful 644cc, SOHC, four-stroke, air-cooled, engine that features Suzuki’s Advanced Cooling System (SACS). Piston-jet cooling and an engine oil cooler that further enhances the bike’s consistent and all-world performance capabilities in a wide variety of conditions. Likewise, the engine has been tuned with an emphasis on powerful performance at low-to-mid RPM range while a gear-driven single counter balancer system minimizes engine vibration for comfortable ride. Finally, a smooth-shifting wide-ratio 5-speed transmission is complemented by an O-ring sealed final drive chain.
To go with its impressive engine credentials, the Suzuki DR650SE also handles like a true pro, highlighted by innovative cartridge front forks that provide smooth and progressive action. The bike also has a link-type rear suspension with a piggyback-style shock absorber and adjustable compression damping to give stable damping performance with front and rear suspensions, both of which provide 10.2" of wheel travel for superb performance over rough terrain.
On the road and off the road, the DR650SE shines like the sun on a hot summer day. Its unique blend of top-end performance with superior handling and all-around versatility make it a bike that’s well worth your affection.
Find out more about the Suzuki DR650SE after the jump.
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The Triumph Tiger 800 is letting its claws out for the whole world to see. That only means danger to all those looking at taking this ferocious feline head-on.
Designed from the ground up to meet the demands of some of the most discerning motorcyclists, the Tiger 800 comes highly specified and delivers a unique experience for the adventure-minded rider.
The "unique experience" we’re talking about comes courtesy of the bike’s new three-cylinder 799cc powerplant, one that delivers a class-leading 94 brake horsepower and an extremely accessible 58 lb/ft. of torque. With its flat torque curve and smooth power delivery, the Tiger 800 has been designed to be easy to ride in all conditions, including off-road.
Speaking of its design, the Tiger 800 features a tough steel frame that’s more than capable of carrying large amounts of luggage and coping with the rough and tumble world of off-road riding. Ten-spoke alloy wheels - 19" at the front and 17" at the rear - allow for the use a wide range of tires, whether it’s the dirt-based dual purpose items or the pure road rubber for those who wish to take advantage of the Tiger 800’s qualities.
Color options are also a unique new wrinkle to the Tiger 800, allowing customers to choose from Crystal White, Phantom Black, and Venom Yellow, all of which come with the adoption of a graphite colored frame for the 2012 model year.
The Tiger 800 also comes with a comprehensive instrumentation that includes a fuel gauge and trip computer, while a high-specification 645w generator is included to allow riders to safely power electrical accessories. Other accessories that are featured in the Tiger 800 include numerous hard- and soft-luggage solutions, tire pressure monitor sensors, adjustable touring screen, centerstand, off-road style hand guards, bash plates, and high-level front fender.
Find out more about the Triumph Tiger 800 after the jump.
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For a bike that packs a walloping powertrain, the Triumph Tiger 1050 looks remarkably svelte and sexy. Then again, we wouldn’t have expected anything less from the boys over at Triumph.
The British motorcycle brand’s popular Tiger 1050 has been given a sporty new look for 2012 with an improved specification, new colors, and graphics, giving it a powerful and versatile look as a rocket on two wheels. For the 2012 model, the Tiger 1050 comes with plenty of new features, including high-specification black anodized tapered aluminum handlebars that are over half an inch lower than the previous steel items for a more sporting riding position. The bike also has a tall - 32.8" - riding position that gives the rider a commanding view over the traffic, with the well-appointed saddle facilitating comfortable day-long riding.
Speaking of the bike’s remarkably meaty engine, the Tiger 1050 is powered by a 1,050cc triple engine that delivers a staggering 113 brake horsepower and 72 lb/ft of torque at just 6,250 rpm. These numbers are made all the more impressive considering that the Tiger doesn’t pass the look of a mighty cruiser.
Dressed in Triumph’s famous Metallic Phantom Black paint finish, the Tiger 1050 comes with new graphics on the fairing with a number of items “dechromed” for a more contemporary look. Wheels, sprocket carrier, and brake calipers are among the many components that have also been dressed in a black finish and further complemented by graphite footrest hangers and control plates. Exhaust canisters and heel guards now take on a brushed, rather than polished, steel finish.
Find out more about the Triumph Tiger 1050 after the jump.
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The Triumph Tiger 800XC is a true British "go everywhere" motorcycle that has been machine designed and built for adventures.
True to its calling as a tough, durable, and versatile bike, the Tiger 800XC is capable of coping with the demands of off-road riding, thanks to a combination of utilitarian design, powerful engine, and superb handling characteristics. Just as with many of Triumph’s other class-leading machines, the rider can adjust both the handlebar position and seat height of the Tiger 800XC, offering a commanding view above the traffic and a comfortable perch from which to devour the miles. The bike also has a class-leading 5.0 gallon fuel tank that ensures long-distance rides go uninterrupted. Cavernous hard and soft luggage options are available, as is a comprehensive instrumentation that includes a fuel gauge and trip computer.
As far as the engine goes, powering the Tiger 800XC is a new long-stroke triple engine that produces an impressive 94 brake horsepower and an extremely accessible 58 lb/ft of torque. With its flat torque curve and gentle power delivery, the Tiger 800XC is a pleasure to ride in even in the most demanding of conditions.
Then there’s the aforementioned handling credentials. Long-travel 45mm upside-down front forks and a rear suspension unit all combine with a 21" spoked front wheel to deliver maximum ground clearance and the ability to cope with rough trails. Likewise, a sophisticated anti-lock braking system is available as an option and can be deactivated for off-road riding, while the high specification extends to a standard coded-key immobilizer and rear rack with generous pillion grab handles.
Find out more about the Triumph Tiger 800XC after the jump.
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