Autoblog

Honda stuns world by showing off surprise new Integra

Zach Bowman — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Japan, Honda, Motorcycle

Only it's not what you think. Acura won't be rolling out a new performance hatch anytime soon. Instead, Honda Motorcycles has pulled the sheets off of a new two-wheeled Integra model at this year's EICMA show. The vehicle is effectively an overgrown scooter with a 670 cc engine and an optional dual-clutch gearbox. Honda says the vehicle is meant to meld the motorcycle and scooter worlds with plenty of performance, great fuel economy and superior accessibility thanks to its feet-forward riding position. Buyers will be able to chose between two engine specifications, with most Integra models boasting somewhere in the neighborhood of 52 horsepower.

European buyers, meanwhile, will be able to opt for a slightly less potent variant with around 47 horsepower to meet 2013 European Union A2 licensing requirements. Honda says that both engines are specifically engineered for peak performance below 87 mph and 6,000 rpm, where the company says that 90 percent of riding typically occurs. All of which is well and good, but the name of this thing is a subtle jab to the ribs for those holding out hope for an affordable performance hatch from the Japanese brand. Check out the gallery and hit the jump for the press release.

Continue reading Honda stuns world by showing off surprise new Integra

Honda stuns world by showing off surprise new Integra originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Nov 2011 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Ducati 1199 Panigale range bows at EICMA

Zach Bowman — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 17:28:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Motorcycle

Ducati holds a special place in the superbike world of melt-your-retinas speed, and the introduction of the company's new 1199 Panigale ensures that the Italian manufacturer won't be giving up that spot any time soon. In addition to shedding 22 pounds from the curb weight of the 1198, the new Panigale cranks out 20 more horsepower than the old machine, as well. The Superquadro twin-cylinder engine generates 195 horsepower, which should be enough to propel the 361-pound machine to well past the brink of sanity. Ducati has been kind enough to roll in traction control as standard equipment, though anti-lock brakes are a stand-alone option.

The 2012 Ducati 1199 Panigale also benefits from a monocoque frame and the first electronically adjustable suspension on any superbike anywhere. That's not the only technology on board, though - a GPS-based data acquisition system will track your performance as you kick the Panigale around your favorite track. That little trick is a first for production motorcycles in general.

The package will set you back $17,995 for the base model, while S trim nudges the MSRP to $22,995. The top-of-the-line S Tricolore will fetch a more heart-stopping $27,995. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading 2012 Ducati 1199 Panigale range bows at EICMA

2012 Ducati 1199 Panigale range bows at EICMA originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Nov 2011 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MV Agusta teases Brutale 675 ahead of EICMA 2011

Zach Bowman — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Videos, Motorcycle

Motorcycle manufacturers are on the teaser warpath as we get closer to the annual EICMA show in Milan. MV Agusta is the latest company to roll out a quick clip celebrating its latest effort; the 2012 Brutale 675. The machine is the naked sister to the wicked F3, and with a three-cylinder configuration and a €9,000 price tag, the Brutale 675 is expected to square off against bikes like the Triumph Speed Triple and the Ducati Street Fighter 848. What sort of hardware will it bring to the fight beyond its three pot mill? MV Agusta isn't saying for certain.

The teaser shows off a few quick, shadowy glimpses of the bike, but we are treated to a solid view of the wild exhaust on the Brutale 675 as well as clear shots of the machine's front end. Stay tuned for full details once MV Agusta pulls the sheets off at EICMA 2011, but in the meantime, hit the jump to check out the video for yourself.

Continue reading MV Agusta teases Brutale 675 ahead of EICMA 2011

MV Agusta teases Brutale 675 ahead of EICMA 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Oct 2011 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Yamaha calls on big-name talent for Vmax Hyper Modified project

Zach Bowman — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Europe, Motorcycle, Design/Style

We won't be strolling the aisles of this year's EICMA show in Milan, and that's nothing short of a crying shame. There's going to be a wide selection of fantastic machines on display, including a very interesting project built on the bones of the Yamaha Vmax. Yamaha Europe has released a teaser for the custom bike, and as it turns out, the project has called upon some of the most renowned builders in the world. Roland Sands, Marcus Walz and Ludovic Lazareth have all thrown in a bit of expertise on the project, and the result should be nothing short of stunning.

The crew calls the project the Vmax Hyper Modified, but details are scarce beyond that. We don't even know if each of the guys on the crew is responsible for an individual bike of their own or whether they've pooled their talents for a final concept. Either way, we can't wait to see the final product. Hit the jump to take a look at the teaser video.

Continue reading Yamaha calls on big-name talent for Vmax Hyper Modified project

Yamaha calls on big-name talent for Vmax Hyper Modified project originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda bringing Crosstourer Concept to production

Zach Bowman — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Honda, Motorcycle

Honda has announced that the company will bring a version of the company's Crosstourer Concept motorcycle unveiled at the 2010 EICMA Show to production. The final version of the adventure/sports tourer hybrid will be unveiled under the lights of the 2011 EICMA show next month. According to Honda, the Crosstourer will boast a 1200cc V4 engine borrowed from the company's VFR1200F, which means the bike could boast up to 170 horsepower. Combined with a more upright riding position, off-road aesthetics and a long-travel suspension, Honda hopes that the Crosstourer will be a more versatile addition to the company's stable. There's also word that the production version will come equipped with a dual-clutch transmission.

The Crosstourer Concept wore styling that appeared to be heavily influenced by the BMW GS family, which certainly doesn't bother us in the least. With its wire spoke wheels, near vertical windscreen and subtle skid plates, the bike looks to be a legitimate alternative to the rest of the adventure bike set. But, as we all know, looks aren't everything. We'll have to wait until we get our gloves on the final version before we can say one way or the other whether the bike can hold its fenders high against the likes of the Triumph Tiger and BMW GS lines. Hit the jump for the official press release.

Continue reading Honda bringing Crosstourer Concept to production

Honda bringing Crosstourer Concept to production originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Oct 2011 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ducati unveils new Superquadro engine [w/video]

Zach Bowman — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Technology, Motorcycle

Ducati is set to unveil its new 1199 Panigale at the EICMA show in Milan next month, but the manufacturer has given us all a sneak peek into what will power the machine once it goes on sale. Ducati gave its engineers free reign to come up with an engine that provides more horsepower and torque while also increasing user friendliness. At the same time, the company wanted trim weight and reduce ownership costs.

The result is the Superquadro twin-cylinder engine. With an over-square bore and stroke ratio of 1.84:1, the lump churns out a blistering 195 horsepower and 98 pound-feet of torque. Ducati claims that the most power ever for a production twin-cylinder engine.

The engine is kept in check thanks to a number of pre-programmed riding modes to suit rider experience and weather. The tech uses ride-by-wire to control each throttle body independently. Service intervals, long an issue with Ducati's desmo twins, has been stretched to 15,000 miles (24,000 kilometers). Ducati also says the engine will serve as a stressed member of the Panigale's monocoque chassis package.

Ducati also claims that the engine is a weight-saver, though no one is saying by how much. The company has said that the Superquadro does help the 1199 Panigale nab the title of the production bike with the world's best power-to-weight ratio, however. The bike will also feature a new transmission with a slipper clutch, among other innovations. Hit the jump to check out a video as well as the full press blast.

Continue reading Ducati unveils new Superquadro engine [w/video]

Ducati unveils new Superquadro engine [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Oct 2011 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MV Agusta Brutale R 1090 is cheaper speed

Zach Bowman — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Motorcycle

If you're looking for all of the excitement that the 1100cc engine in the MV Agusta Brutale 1090RR has to offer with a slightly more palatable price tag, we have some good news for you. MV Agusta has just whipped the sheets off of the company's new Brutale R 1090. Buyers can expect to find the same beating heart between the frame, though with lower-specification wheels, brakes and various other pieces along for the ride compared to the mighty double R.

That's not necessarily a bad thing, though. The lower-rung kit means that the Brutale R 1090 will hit the showroom with a price tag of €13,990, or $18,980 at current conversion rates. Expect the actual U.S. MSRP to be far below that figure.

Even so, that price nets you a 144-horsepower, radially-valved engine that's sure to scare the hair off your hide. Fortunately, the manufacturer has thrown in an eight-way adjustable traction control system to keep you off of the pavement and on two wheels. Or one wheel, depending on your throttle position. Expect to see the machine show its face to the public for the first time at the EICMA show later this year.

MV Agusta Brutale R 1090 is cheaper speed originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Sep 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Husqvarna Mille 3 concept bike is stranger than meets the eye

Noah Joseph — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Misc. Auto Shows, Motorcycle

Husqvarna Mille 3 concept bike - Click above for high-res image gallery

Strange. That's how we'd best sum up this motorcycle concept and the company that made it.

Husqvarna got its start producing muskets for the Swedish military. The company still makes small arms, along with farm equipment, sewing machines, home appliances and motorcycles. Today these businesses are all separate enterprises, the motorcycle manufacturer based today in Italy and acquired three years ago by BMW.

A strange path, but certainly no stranger than their latest unveiling: the Mille 3 concept bike. Unveiled at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, the Mille 3 straddles the division between cruiser and sport bike about as widely as the rider would its low-slung seat. The handlebars are taken from an off-road bike, while the foot pegs sit far back like those on a sport bike.

Power is provided by a 933cc fuel-injected three-cylinder engine, but it's the design that sets it apart. Husqvarna says it indicates they're "always ahead of the game", but exactly what game that might be is a mystery to us.

Gallery: Husqvarna Mille 3

[Source: Hell for Leather]

Husqvarna Mille 3 concept bike is stranger than meets the eye originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Nov 2010 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aprilia's new Tuono V4R makes "naked" even sexier

Noah Joseph — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Motorcycle

2011 Aprilia Tuono V4R - Click above for high-res image gallery

It takes a lot to make a term like "naked" any sexier, but Aprilia has managed to do exactly that with its latest "naked bike," the new Tuono V4R. A beast of a machine (that looks sort of like an insect), the Tuono is based on the RSV4, but ditches the bodywork for a two-kilogram weight savings and a better view of the 1000cc DOHC V4 engine, which produces 162 horsepower and 81 pound-feet of tire-smoking torque. But the Tuono isn't just about grunt. In fact, it's one of the most sophisticated naked bikes on the market, and it's coming to the United States towards the end of next year.

Keeping all the twist and shout in check are the Aprilia Performance Ride Control and advanced traction control systems. The PRC is a three-position wheelie control system with programmable launch control that employs more accelerometers and gyroscopes than an Apple Store, allowing a little wheelspin out of the corners and offering eight modes that are adjustable right from the handlebars. The traction control, meanwhile, can automatically optimize itself according to the tires you've fitted. Yeah, that's pretty sophisticated. Pretty sexy, too, and you can check it out in closer detail in the high-resolution image gallery below.

Gallery: 2011 Aprilia Tuono V4R

[Source: Aprilia]

Continue reading Aprilia's new Tuono V4R makes "naked" even sexier

Aprilia's new Tuono V4R makes "naked" even sexier originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Nov 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW does the twist-and-go with Concept C scooter [w/video]

Noah Joseph — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, BMW, Misc. Auto Shows, Motorcycle

BMW Motorrad Concept C - Click above for high-res image gallery

Say what you will about motor scooters, but twist-and-go is how an inordinate proportion of the world's population gets around town. Simply put, there is no simpler way of getting through crowded city streets, and let's face it: city streets are only getting more crowded. With that in mind, BMW - one of the few automakers that builds four-wheeled vehicles as well as two - has unveiled its vision for the next generation of large motor scooters, which it calls Concept C.

Drawing on decades of experience building full-size motorcycles, BMW Motorrad has delved into the scooter market with a fresh concept that brings familiar design cues from its existing lineup of off-road, touring and sport bikes to a commuter form. In short, BMW is "expanding its present motorcycle adventure world to include the big scooter." Their words, not ours.

Instead of reinventing the wheel as other companies have tried, the Concept C is powered by a conventional two-cylinder engine mated to a continuously-variable transmission, although consideration is being given to future electric powertrains. The front fork features dual disc brakes accompanied by a single disc in the back and supported by ABS. LED headlights illuminate the road ahead, while dual LCD monitors provide the instrumentation.

There's more to read in the press release after the jump, accompanied by video footage and the high-resolution image mega-gallery below.

Gallery: BMW Motorrad Concept C

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW does the twist-and-go with Concept C scooter [w/video]

BMW does the twist-and-go with Concept C scooter [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Nov 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ducati Diavel gets early unveil

Zach Bowman — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorcycle

2011 Ducati Diavel - Click above for high-res image gallery

A scant few photos and a quick hit of information about the all-new Ducati Diavel have slipped out ahead of the bike's unveil at EICMA. According to the crew at Hell for Leather, the sculpture you see above packs a full 162 horsepower, 94 pound-feet of torque and tips the scales at a feathery 456 pounds. And that's just the base version. Apparently the Italian moto-maker is also offering a Diavel Carbon version that makes use of plenty of carbon fiber to shed an additional seven pounds from the recipe.

Aside from the pants-soiling power, the Diavel also comes loaded with more technology than ought to be possible. There's a ride-by-wire throttle system, traction control, anti-lock brakes, a keyless ignition and a tank-mounted, light-sensing TFT display packed into the beast you see above. Sounds fun, but we can hardly look at the bike without getting our eyeballs stuck on that epic 240 millimeter-wide tire. Hey, all that power has to get to the pavement somehow.

If you want one, and let's face it, you probably do, you'll have to shell out around $16,995 for the base model and $19,995 for the Carbon iteration.

Gallery: 2011 Ducati Diavel Unveil

[Source: Hell for Leather]

Ducati Diavel gets early unveil originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Nov 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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KTM 990 Adventure Dakar set to bow at EICMA

Zach Bowman — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorcycle

KTM 990 Adventure Dakar - Click above to enlarge

KTM has decided to commemorate the company's outright domination of the infamous Paris-Dakar race with a new special edition bike. Called the Adventure 990 Dakar, the moto looks to be little more than a paint and graphics package. Along with the love-it-or-leave-it blue-and-orange livery, the KTM will also wear engine protection bars should you decide to put the 990 through its paces in your own cross-desert bash. Otherwise, the engine, suspension and the like all look to be much the same as the standard iteration of the bike (not necessarily a bad thing, for what it's worth...), though we're promised more specifics soon.

Interestingly enough, the 990 isn't the actual machine that KTM campaigns in Paris-Dakar, er Argentina-Chile, these days. Most of its recent wins were accomplished with mounts under 700cc, and with the new 450cc engine regulation in place, word has it the Austrian bike manufacturer is set to pull the sheets off a new 450 Rally. Both that bike and the Adventure 990 Dakar are slated for an unveil at EICMA next week. Keep your eyes peeled for more information.

[Sources: Motorbiker, Hell For Leather]

KTM 990 Adventure Dakar set to bow at EICMA originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Oct 2010 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda VFR Adventure Concept: Big gets badder

Zach Bowman — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 17:19:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Motorcycle

Honda VFR Adventure Concept - Click above to enlarge

Honda is planning to debut an arsenal of eight bikes in Milan, and we may have our first inclination of what to expect from at least one of the machines. Behold the VFR Adventure Concept - a 1200cc behemoth designed to cater to those who like the style of dual-sport tourer but loathe the notion of actually heading off of the beaten path. Think more along the lines of the Ducati Multistrada than the KTM 990 Adventure.

As of right now, details are remarkably scarce about what to expect from the machine, though some seem to think that the bike will likely show up as a 2012 production model.

So what does the VFR Adventure bring to the table over the current VFR? From what we can see, it looks like riders can expect a slightly taller stance with more ground clearance and a skimpier fairing, but not much else. Honda has been pretty tricky about letting this one out of the bag, keeping news of the concept to its European press site. Does that mean that American buyers won't be able to get their gloves on this one? Hard telling.

[Source: Hell for Leather]

Honda VFR Adventure Concept: Big gets badder originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Oct 2010 17:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ducati Diavel officially announced for EICMA debut

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorcycle

Ducati Diavel teaser - Click above to enlarge

We're still not quite certain what to make of a Ducati that isn't really a sportbike. While machines such as the Monster, Multistrada, Hypermotard and Sport Classic series weren't made to represent the brand in competition, they still have plenty of racetrack-derived heritage oozing from their pores. The Diavel, on the other hand, isn't likely to ever even sniff a track.

Unless perhaps that track is, oh, about a quarter-mile long and straight as an arrow. While the Italian motorcycle manufacturer isn't keen on offering too much in the way of a category for the new Diavel, we're thinking it will most likely be cross-shopped with pavement pounders like the Yamaha Vmax, Suzuki B-King and Harley-Davidson's liquid-cooled VRSC series.

As far as specs, here's what we know so far: ABS, Ducati Traction Control and Ducati Riding Modes that alter power output and delivery will at least be available, if not standard. Power will come from the Testastretta 11-degree engine as seen in the Multistrada, and the Diavel will weigh 456 pounds.

And what of the name? According to Ducati, when the prototype was first wheeled out of the factory, a worker saw its silhouette and exclaimed in Bolognese dialect: "Ignurànt comm' al diavel!" Meaning: "Evil, like the devil!"

We have but one official teaser of Ducati's devilish new machine, but the rest of the details will be forthcoming at the EICMA International Motorcycle Show in Milan this coming November. Until then, check out the full-size pic by clicking on the image above and peruse the press release after the break.

[Source: Ducati]

Continue reading Ducati Diavel officially announced for EICMA debut

Ducati Diavel officially announced for EICMA debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Oct 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Leaked documents out upcoming Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Motorcycle

Aprilia Dorsoduro 750 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Rumors have swirled since the introduction of Aprilia's in-house developed 750cc V-twin engine back in 2007 (in the company's naked Shiver and supermoto-inspired Dorsoduro models) that a larger 1200cc version of the potent mill was in the offing. Well, it's been nearly four years since its introduction, and we still don't see a big-bore bike to go up against the likes of the Ducati Monster and Hypermotard.

However, it seems such a machine may finally be headed to a dealership near you. And interestingly enough, the news kinda sorta comes from Aprilia itself in the form of (what we assume to be) a mistakenly posted service manual for the upcoming bike. It appears that the new engine will sport higher compression in addition to the increased displacement, so we're expecting plenty of power from the ride-by-wire platform.

We should also see a suitably beefed-up chassis with slightly more relaxed steering geometry, longer wheelbase and fully adjustable Sachs suspension. Anti-lock brakes will be optional and can be fully turned off. All signs point to a November debut at the upcoming EICMA Show in Milan, and we wouldn't be surprised to see 1200cc versions of both the Dorsoduro and Shiver.

Gallery: Review: Aprilia Dorsoduro 750

Source: Aprilia via Hell For Leather]

Leaked documents out upcoming Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Aug 2010 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Leaked sketch shows upcoming power cruiser from Ducati

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:28:00 EST

Ducati Power Cruiser sketch - Click above to enlarge

Close your eyes and think of a Ducati motorcycle. Got it? Good. What's in your head? We'd guess something fast, beautiful and... red. That about right? Despite having roots firmly in the sportbike minefield, clearly the Italian motorcycle maker has its sights set on expanding its market share by entering into new and previously untapped markets. Evidence? We'll call the Multistrada Exhibit A.

And this sketch is about as strong an Exhibit B as you'll ever lay your eyes upon. Sometimes dubbed the Mega Monster by the motoring press, this sketch gives us an indication of what Ducati has up its corporate sleeves for the upcoming EICMA motorcycle show in Milan.

As you can see, a liquid-cooled Testastretta V-twin engine with the Multistrada 1200's 11-degree valve overlap angle, which smooths out power and improves fuel efficiency. We're expecting something over 150 horsepower in this application, and ride-by-wire and traction control will also be present. There's also a single-sided swingarm holding an absolutely massive rear tire (spy shots indicate it'll be a 240, but we'll see), USD front forks and monobloc calipers up front.

Naturally, Ducati's trademark trellis chassis is in full effect, in this case used for style and not really for substance. Ducati does indicate that the power cruiser will sport a reasonable 40-degree lean angle, but we have to wonder about the potential handling characteristics of a bike with a raked-out front end and wide-for-the-sake-of-style rear tire.

For what it's worth, assuming this bike is what we think it is, this is not the first time a European motorcycle maker has decided to dip a toe in the cruiser market. Way back in 1998, BMW released its R 1200 C range, and while the bike was much more technologically advanced than anything else on the market at the time (fuel injection, ABS brakes, telelever front suspension, single-sided shaft drive, etc.), it failed to reach the kind of sales figures hoped for by the German marque. We'll just have to wait and see how it all plays out for Ducati in November.

[Source: Ducati.ms via Asphalt & Rubber]

Leaked sketch shows upcoming power cruiser from Ducati originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Triumph teases new Adventure motorcycle [w/video]

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 16:39:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Motorcycle

Triumph Adventure teaser - Click above to watch the video after the break

About a decade ago, Triumph offered a pretty decent motorcycle in the vein of the BMW GS series of large-displacement on/off-road adventure bikes. As the Tiger aged, though, it gradually took on a more street-oriented presence, more in line with the Ducati Multistrada than the aforementioned BMWs or anything wearing bright orange and black bodywork.

Now that adventure motorcycles are all the rage (and with good reason, we might add), it seems that Triumph wants back in the game. The British brand is teasing a new bike tentatively known simply as the Adventure on its own dedicated website and on Facebook (it's the new way of marketing, natch).

We don't know much about the Adventure, other than some hints that it will use a smaller displacement version of Triumph's well-loved triple cylinder layout. Expect something around 800cc to compete directly with the BMW F 800 GS. There will be two versions of the bike, one for the street and one more off road oriented.

The full reveal is scheduled for the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan this November, but we can expect a set of teasers every month until then. The first can be seen in the video after the jump.

[Source: Triumph]

Continue reading Triumph teases new Adventure motorcycle [w/video]

Triumph teases new Adventure motorcycle [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 16:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW defies logic with six-cylinder Concept 6 motorcycle

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: BMW, Motorcycle

BMW Concept 6 - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW is known the world over for its excellent brand of inline-six cylinder powerplants. In most cases, those supremely smooth and powerful engines power the German company's cars and trucks. Apparently, that won't always be the case, though, as BMW has just revealed its new Concept 6 motorcycle at the EICMA Show in Milan.

As the name implies, the Concept 6 boasts an engine with six cylinders, and the best news is that the mill is destined for a new production model in the near future. Expect to see a replacement for the long-running LT series of touring bikes, bringing BMW more in line with the standard-setting Goldwing from Honda.

Looking at the actual concept itself, the chassis appears to be heavily based on the current production K-Series unit, and the powerplant is tilted at the same 55-degree angle as the current four-cylinder. Bodywork is suitable for concept duty, with a futuristic take on the old-school Cafe Racer look.

Power? BMW's being a bit coy at the moment, suggesting that it makes as much horsepower as the current 1.3-liter four (over 150, to be sure) and as much torque as any other motorcycle engine in production with a stout 96 lb-ft at 2,000 RPM. With a redline of nearly 9,000... you can imagine that there's plenty of power on tap. Check out our high-res photo gallery below and hit the jump for a video and the press release.

Gallery: BMW Concept 6

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW defies logic with six-cylinder Concept 6 motorcycle

BMW defies logic with six-cylinder Concept 6 motorcycle originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ducati finally unveils 2010 Multistrada 1200 at EICMA

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:20:00 EST

Filed under: Motorcycle

2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200 - Click above for high-res image gallery

After months of rumors, grainy spy shots and leaked information, Ducati has finally pulled the wraps off its 2010 Multistrada 1200. As with the original MTS, Ducati wanted to create a machine with sportbike-level performance that could be attained on nearly any kind of surface terrain. This time, though, the Italian manufacturer started with its latest liquid-cooled Testastretta powerplant as used in the top-level 1198 superbike, athough altered with revised valve overlap for smoother power delivery and a 15-percent improvement in fuel consumption and emissions.

Ducati says the new Multistrada 1200 is "four bikes in one," and has thus bestowed its new motorcycle with four distinct Riding Modes that alter power and traction control levels: Sport, Touring, Urban and Enduro. Sport mode offers the full 150-horsepower experience with a low amount of traction control and Touring mode is intended for everyday riding. Urban and Enduro modes tone things down several notches to 100 horsepower - and opting for the latter also raises the suspension and sets the traction control to its least-active setting.

Uplevel S models get a new Ducati Electronic Suspension setup that can be tailored to adjust spring pre-load along with rebound and compression damping with options for rider only, rider with luggage, rider and passenger or rider and passenger with luggage. Ducati says that the Multistrada 1200's 417-pound dry weight is the lowest in its class, though a full 5.3-gallon load of fuel (enough for 186 miles between fill-ups) would certainly raise that a bit. Pricing starts at $14,995 before any options are added. Hit the jump for the rest of the details and check out our high-res image gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200

[Source: Ducati]

Continue reading Ducati finally unveils 2010 Multistrada 1200 at EICMA

Ducati finally unveils 2010 Multistrada 1200 at EICMA originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MV Agusta teases new F4, details leak out ahead of EICMA

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Motorcycle, Rumormill

Shortly after showing off its new 2010 Brutale naked streetfighter, iconic Italian motorcycle manufacturer MV Agusta will unveil its range-topping F4 sportbike at the EICMA motorcycle show. MV let loose one teaser image early last month, but details are just now starting to leak out about the 998cc inline-four screamer.

According to OmniMoto in Italy, MV Agusta has massaged its well-known powerplant with twin fuel injectors per cylinder and variable throttle bodies to put out 186 horsepower (still short of the class-leading 193-horsepower BMW S 1000 RR) at 12,900 RPM. Also on the menu are a slipper clutch and eight-way adjustable traction control.

We don't expect major chages to the bike's already attractive overall design, but a new bi-xenon take on the vertical headlight will join a longer and lighter single-sided swingarm to update things a bit. In any case, we'll get all the details soon enough when the F4 makes its official debut next week in Milan.

[Source: OmniMoto via Asphalt and Rubber]

MV Agusta teases new F4, details leak out ahead of EICMA originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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