Top 5 Kawasaki KZ750

I’ll admit it, I didn’t know that Kawasaki made a twin-cylinder ‘Z’ until I came across the bikes we’ve selected below. It seems illogical that Kawasaki would release a twin when they had a great four-cylinder engine in their line-up, but they wanted a piece of the vertical twin pie. It meant going up against Triumph’s Bonneville and Yamaha’s XS650—so the Kawasaki KZ750 was born.
Produced from 1976 to 1983, the KZ750 was (at the time) a fairly modern motorcycle. At its heart was a 745cc vertical twin motor, with double overhead cams and chain-driven counter balancers, good for 55hp, and twin disk brakes. Testers reportedly loved the KZ750—and it was known for being extremely reliable.
These days it’s hard to find a decent condition KZ750 (or Z750B, as it was known in some countries). But, if you do manage to find one, there’s ample potential for using the ‘Z’ as a platform for a show-stopping custom—as proven by the five builders we’ve selected below. Wouldn’t you agree?
Valtorón ‘Vintage scrambler’ isn’t a style you’d normally see applied to the KZ750, but brothers Carlos and Pablo have pulled it off brilliantly. Together they run Valtorón, a foundry based in the Spanish village of Valdetorres del Jarama. Their passion for traditional metalwork is evident: all of the KZ750′s new bodywork was cast in aluminum in the foundry, including the fenders, side covers and tank, with a few bronze pieces acting as accents. The brothers also reinforced the frame, and grafted on a bunch of upgraded components from other bikes. These include 41mm Husqvarna forks, Suzuki triple trees, Betor shocks (from an Ossa Desert Fuego), vintage KTM GS 250 foot pegs, Bultaco Pursang handlebars and a Yamaha SR250 front brake. Valtoron’s unique take on the KZ750 oozes charm and screams fun. [More about this bike | Valtorón]
Photo (and header image) by Kristina Fender.
Chad Hodge’s KZ750 Chad Hodge is an industrial designer by trade, and it shows. This ’78 KZ750B (his first custom build) is loaded with clever features and tasteful design touches, exactly what you’d expect from the man who penned the Bell Bullitt. It’s also the first motorcycle Chad ever owned—he initially bought it when he was 18, couldn’t get it running properly, sold it, then bought it back and began customizing it.
After an engine rebuild, rewire and frame cleanup, Chad upgraded the suspension—with YSS shocks at the rear, and progressive springs and a fork brace up front. The stock tail unit was shortened and sent to New Church Moto for upholstery, and now houses the battery and tail lights behind a hand-made mesh cover. Reverse megaphone mufflers were fitted to the re-routed headers and wrapped in custom heat shields, with a lick of pipewrap for good measure. Chad had a color scheme in mind, but settled on black-and-metal when he stripped the tank’s paint off and saw how good it looked. [More about this bike | Chad Hodge]
Photo by Blaine Davis.
Wrenchmonkees This stunning Z750B was the pet project of Wrenchmonkees founder Per Nielsen, who set out to build “the perfect City-Dirt tracker.” In my opinion, he nailed it. It’s a bit more colorful than most bikes from the Danish workshop, but it still has that unmistakable Wrenchmonkees vibe. Most of the work happened under the hood though: the engine’s been bored out to 970cc, using mostly bespoke parts (aftermarket Z750B tuning parts are non-existent) including 89mm pistons made by Wössner in Germany.
Per also installed SR/XT Mikuni TM36 flatslide carbs and large K&N filters. The exhaust pipes, connected to SuperTrapp mufflers, have been rerouted through the frame to the left of the bike. 19” wheels wrapped in Maxxis dirt track rubber match the rest of the bike perfectly, and the orange, brown and green color scheme is simply inspired. [More about this bike | Wrenchmonkees]
HB Custom You wouldn’t say it looking at this über-clean 1983-model Z750B, but Holger Breuer has a day job—and it’s not building café racers. He’s been doing that in his spare time, racking up a rather decent catalog in the process, including a few Z750Bs—one of which even won a competition run by Kawasaki Germany.
This particular ‘Z’ was built on commission, and had been standing for ten years when Holger got it. So he overhauled the engine, fitting an electronic ignition and Mikuni TM34 carbs. He also fabricated new exhaust headers—adapting aftermarket Triumph mufflers from Classicbike Raisch to fit—shortened the subframe, and fabricated an alloy tail unit. Holger’s aforementioned day job is as an electrician, so he reworked the bike’s wiring, with a Lithium-ion battery hidden inside the tail, and installed Motogadget‘s Motoscope Tiny speedo and m-Switch controls. Other mods included upgraded suspension, plus Tarozzi rear sets and Tomaselli clip-ons for a sportier riding position. The Z750B’s classic lines are complimented by a classy black and brown color scheme. [More about this bike | HB Custom]
Photo by Timo Meinking.
CRD #28 There’s not a lot to say about this KZ750—other than that it’s an archetypal Café Racer Dreams build. And that, in itself, is a huge compliment. The traditional CRD signature touches abound: Renthal’s Ultra-Low bars, lights and fenders from CRD’s own catalog, and an under-seat area devoid of any clutter. The subframe’s been shortened to accommodate a custom bench, and the exhaust headers have been rerouted to the same side with twin, blacked-out reverse cone mufflers.
Two-tone paint on the tank keeps things simple and monochromatic, and the vintage Kawasaki badges are a nice touch. Despite all the work involved (I’ve seen a photo of the donor bike and it’s a far cry from the finished product) the overall effect is understated and sublime, making this one of my all-time favorite KZ750s. [More about this bike]

The post Top 5 Kawasaki KZ750s appeared first on Bike EXIF.

Ellaspede ZR550 Zephyr

When opportunity beckons what do you do? ... let it pass you by or seize it? Whilst the decision for Henry didn’t make for completely smooth sailing, the potential result was well worth the gamble. He was after a clean and unique bike to run down to the shops on and something to check out the best surf breaks early in the morning. What he initially found was a shabby ‘93 black Kawasaki ZR550 (Zephyr)... and a vision of how cool that bike could be. The point is that Henry had some ideas, saw an opportunity, seized it and some time later that vision materialized as the bike you see here now.

The Zephyr had seen better days and needed some work, but there was still life left in it, so when Henry decided to go ahead with the project Ellaspede started with a two-pronged aproach. The design team generated a number of different aesthetic concepts while the build team got to stripping and cleaning the Zephyr down. The motor was taken apart for gearbox work and although it actually seemed ok the entire motor was given a comprehensive rebuild. Oversized bore and pistons, new engine and gearbox bearings, seals and gaskets were installed, specs were measured and checked before the engine was blasted, painted and then appropriately polished.



"One of the design requirements specified by Henry was that he was keen to achieve a retro look, so naturally he gravitated towards one of the spoke wheeled concepts we produced. If only swapping mags out for spokes was as easy as selecting out of a catalog!" Ellaspede’s industrial design background helped with the design of a new hub, brake and sprocket spacers which were CNC machined from billet blocks and laced to Z900 rims. New brake rotors were sourced and Firestone Deluxe Champion 3.5 inch front and 4.5 inch rear tyres completed the wheel package and added to the retro look Henry was chasing.

After some necessary adjustments, de-tabbing and minor modifications the frame was blasted and powder coated in satin black along with many other associated items. A custom made seat, trimmed in tan kangaroo leather sits atop the frame and is complimented by a set of tan Posh grips. The arctic white and warm grey paint scheme was deliberated on for some time but Ellaspede decided that it sat very comfortably with the rest of the bike, crisp and clean. The vintage scales graphic makes reference to Henry’s vocation as a Barrister in combination with the 550’s ‘Zephyr’ title, with the signature style graphic being inspired by the early Ford models of the same name.

Posh white-face gauges mount off the modified original top fork clamp which now holds chrome drag bars. Posh indicators, a 6 inch headlight and LED taillight illuminate the bike whilst an Ellaspede ‘Ninja Star’ plate mount adorns the custom made rear guard. The original rear shocks were re-gassed and finished with white powder coated springs to carry on the colour scheme. The 4 into 1 original exhaust has be simplified and now runs 4 into 2 headers and shotgun style mufflers with internal baffles.

For more images of the Ellaspede ZR550 Zephyr and the full build story check out issue 3 of Tank Moto.

First appeared in returnofthecaferacers.com

1999 Kawasaki W650 :: Kawa East / Tomotors

We spend far too much time sifting through endless sites looking for builders and bikes. The designer who build the Megadeluxe website was taking in a German motorcycle show when I came across this Kawasaki and I immediately knew I had to track down this builder. Tomotors Race Machines is a one-man company from East Germany owned by a secretive builder aptly named Tom. (He didn’t offer his last name on the website but we finally found it Große -Grosse). Tom is a Kawasaki dealer, and has been building motocross racing machines for 25 years. Photos by Kyle Reim Photography
 

‘01 Kawasaki W650 – Old Empire Motorcycles

Wales. A rather quite place, all things considered. Unless coal mining or male choirs are high on your list of wow, it probably doesn’t cross paths with you all that often. But magically zap yourself back in time a few thousand years and Wales would be offering up a whole different set of attractions. And the foremost one amongst a list also featuring dragons, giant Celtic armies and beautiful maidens would be one Mister Myrddin Emrys, a.k.a. Merlin the Magician. So, inspired by Wales’ greatest ever son, our favourite Brit builders have taken inspiration from their wand waving western neighbours and conjured up this little wonder from their alchemic cauldron. Hey presto, meet Old Empire’s magical ‘Merlin’.

“The Merlin is our first attempt at a custom parallel twin and our first Kawasaki W650,” notes Alec Sharp; OEM’s chief knight. “We were approached by a customer who is based in Amsterdam. After some emails and skyping, we had a good idea on where we wanted to go with the build. Although much was sent over using our build idea sheet, it was left to us to ultimately come up with a design to take the W650 somewhere we felt it had not been before.”

“Looking at the stock frame and engine layout, it became clear why it’s favoured for custom builds. It lends itself to a variety of modifications; from café racer to flat tracker to bobber, the bike has the potential of creating many great custom motorcycles. However, we were not after creating just another great motorcycle. What we wanted to conceive needed to be the best custom W650 in terms of design and functionality. We find it’s always best to aim high.”

“The first thing to sort out was the stance, which was achieved by dropping the front of the bike using a set of Ducati USD forks. And although the stock rims are both 18’’, we installed a wider front rim to accommodate the same size Coker tyres front and back. The blunt end was raised 1’’ using a set of  Hagon shocks to achieve that acute angle of attack.”

“Fabrication-wise, there was significant workshop and design time getting that minimal rear cowling just right. The original tank retains its front mounts, but we raised the rear end to get that top line running nicely from the yoke down the tank into the seat and off the rear cowling. Making a custom seat pan and installing some handmade gussets front and back was critical in keeping the bike in proportion. The tank also features indents in which leather scallops have been inserted as well a welded skirt that hides the ugly box section top tube.”
First
“We managed to keep all the controls stock, but added some hand-dyed leather wrap and a bit of scotching. Front lighting comes in the form of a big bates headlight with peak and the customer asked for mini led indicators which we mounted as discreetly as possible. We also decided to work with our friends at Smiths again to make up an OEM grey-faced metric speedo which, safe to say, looks mighty fine integrated into the custom top yoke.”

“The original state of the engine and frame required us to send them off to be soda blasted by a local firm who did a sterling job of cleaning it all up. The the engine was masked up and the crankcases repainted a high temperature satin silver with the barrels and head going satin black with polished fins. The casings were then fine scotched and the rebuilt carbs with custom air filters were installed to leave the engine looking fantastic.”

“Exhausts were hand made from tubular bends, TIG’d together and wrapped to stop them melting your leg. Mini baffles with a good deal of sound deadening material installed take a little edge of what is a really fantastic sounding engine.
The paintwork deserves a special mention as it has to be seen to be believed. Greg from Black Shuck Kustoms achieved the fantastic dark green, smokey, bare metal high gloss finish with gold pin striping you see here. Amazing stuff. In conclusion, this may be one of the finest OEM builds in terms of aesthetics and functionality. We like to think we are improving continually and we can’t wait for our next opportunity.”
First appeared in www.pipeburn.com

1999 Kawasaki W650 :: Kawa East / Tomotors

I spend far too much time sifting through endless sites looking for builders and bikes. I was taking in a German motorcycle show when I came across this Kawasaki and I immediately knew I had to track down this builder. Tomotors Race Machines is a one-man company from East Germany owned by a secretive builder aptly named Tom. (He didn’t offer his last name and I didn’t ask). Tom is a Kawasaki dealer, and has been building motocross racing machines for 25 years. Photos by Kyle Reim Photography

Update: Tom really does have a last name: Große.

Here are a few facts about the bike:
Kawasaki W650 / 1999
Engine Series,
Rear Frame changed,
Carburator modified,
BMW-Racing velocity stacks 1960, 55mm,
Manufacture of handmade aluminium fuel tank,
10 layer paint from “Paint & Finish Finsterwalde”,
Front fender handmade, powder-coated,
Bench handmade,
Seat cover handmade, deerskin,
Lithium battery in the seat hump,
“motogadget” flashing lights, micro-brake-rear-light,
LSL clip-ons,
19 inch rims front/rear, powder-coated,
Firestone Champion de Luxe , 4,00×19, front/rear,
Fork and shock absorber modified,
and,and,and
many hours.

+ Source: 1999 Kawasaki W650 :: Tomotors – East Germany

1978 Kawasaki KZ400 ‘Elsa’

Having two daughters of my own, I’m a sucker for a good father and daughter story ­– especially when it involves building a beautiful motorcycle. Sadie Glemza from Ohio has been brought up on the sweet smell of gasoline. She was four years old the first time her dad let her ride a motorbike. As she got older, Sadie started racing Junior Dragster, running 8.00′s in the 1/8 th mile. So when she came across a beat up old KZ400 for $400 she thought it would be a great project to do with her dad – who knows his way around a wrench set. “My dad has always been my go to person for anything about a car or motorcycle and it was only fitting we worked together on creating this gorgeous build” says Sadie. So with limited funds they got to work on the bike she calls ‘Elsa’.

The father and daughter team started by doing a complete strip down of the old non-running kwaka. They sand blasted, cleaned, and polished everything. To give the bike a lower stance, they shortened and chopped the frame lowering the whole bike almost two inches.

“We completely tore it apart and rebuilt the engine, welded in a skeleton key flush gas cap, hid the electrical and battery under the seat” she tells us. Living in an area of Ohio that has a large Amish community, Sadie commissioned their skills to upholster the seat – and what a lovely job they did.

They removed the front fender and relocated it to the back of the bike, almost touching the rear Dunlop K81 4.5 tire. They also powder coated the rims and frame black, added some classic clubman bars and then Sadie cut the leather and wrapped the grips herself.

To keep that nostalgic look, a 2-1 megaphone exhaust was chosen – and yes some pipe wrap as well. To finish the bike off, the tank was painted in blue and off-white by Dave Piscione.
We think Sadie and her dad have created a stunning and tasteful KZ400 on a limited budget. Not only did Sadie learn a lot about building motorcycles but she also learnt a lot about her dad along the way. We particularly love the little sticker that reads ‘Dad built. Not bought’. Priceless.
[Photography by B.Smitty]

 First appeared in pipeburn.com

New Motorcycles For 2014

The new Indian Motorcycles, Star Bolt, Suzuki V-Strom 1000 and Yamaha FZ-09 we showed you  in recent issues were just appetizers; here’s the main course for 2014.

BMW

BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive

BMW has been hard on the gas launching new-for-2014 models, including the F 800 GS Adventure (Rider, October 2013), R 1200 GS Adventure and R nineT retro bike (January 2014). Just in case its top-line K 1600 GTL touring bike isn’t luxurious enough for you, BMW has just introduced the K 1600 GTL Exclusive. It takes the bike’s convenience and luxury to the extreme with standard features such as Keyless Ride, which enables a new pushbutton ignition, steering lock, fuel filler flap and central locking when the transponder/key in your pocket is near the bike—no need to use a key for any of those things. As the transponder moves out of range, the Exclusive’s anti-theft system is armed automatically and the steering is locked. More GTL Exclusive-model features include Hill Start Control, which holds the bike in position on hills until you pull away, without having to keep the brakes applied. The passenger seat is larger, and armrests and a heated backrest are standard. For appearance’s sake, a film antenna embedded in the trunk lid eliminates the need for an antenna rod, and the bike is finished in four coats of special Mineral White Metallic high-gloss paint blended with Magnesium Metallic Matte.

BMW R 1200 RT

Many optional features for the regular K 1600 GTL are standard on the Exclusive, including traction control and Electronic Suspension Adjustment II (ESA II). New LED daytime running lights switch on automatically in the daytime, and a pair of LED auxiliary lights help illuminate the road ahead.
With the new liquid-cooled BMW R 1200 GS selling like candy canes at Christmas, it was only a matter of time before the lighter, more powerful twin made its way into other R-series models, like the R 1200 RT sport tourer. The RT’s new engine has the same displacement as before (1,170cc), but its output is much higher—a claimed 125 horsepower at 7,750 rpm and 92 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm. For sport-touring duty, the centrifugal masses of both the crankshaft and the stator have been increased to help the engine run more smoothly. The 6-speed transmission has a taller secondary transmission ratio to reduce engine rpm, and the hydraulically actuated wet clutch has a slipper function.
Although the Alps-bred R 1200 RT has always been a nimble machine, for 2014 the chassis has been revised to complement the higher-output engine. The new frame has a continuous design that increases rigidity, which BMW says improves both responsiveness and feedback, and new 10-spoke cast aluminum wheels add to the bike’s more dynamic look. Bodywork has also been redesigned, giving the R 1200 RT an appearance that splits the difference between the R 1200 GS and the K 1600 GT/GTL.

BMW S 1000 R

The 2014 BMW R 1200 RT comes standard with two riding modes (Rain and Road), as well as Automatic Stability Control (ASC). Optional Riding Mode Pro adds a Dynamic riding mode, and the new Hill Start Control function. Other options include Gear Shift Assistant Pro for clutchless upshifts and downshifts, as well as Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment). The 2014 BMW R 1200 RT will be available in three colors: Quartz Blue Metallic, Callisto Grey Metallic Matt and Ebony Metallic.
After quickly climbing to the top of the liter-class sportbike heap with its 193-horsepower, in-line four S 1000 RR, now BMW has unveiled a naked version called the S 1000 R. Less bodywork, an upright handlebar and more low-to-midrange grunt (but less top-end power) make the S 1000 R better suited for the street. Redline has been reduced by 2,000 rpm, and maximum horsepower has been lowered to 160 at 11,000 rpm. Peak torque is the same as the RR, but the 83 lb-ft maximum is reached at 9,250 rpm instead of 9,750 rpm. Up to 7,500 rpm, the S 1000 R makes about 7 lb-ft more torque than the S 1000 RR. That much giddy-up on a bike that weighs a claimed 456 pounds wet should provide enough excitement to wake the dead.
As with many high-performance motorcycles today, the S 1000 R is equipped with electronic riding aids including two riding modes (Rain and Road) and traction control. Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), incorporating two additional riding modes (Dynamic and Dynamic Pro) and making use of a lean-angle sensor, is optional. Optional Dynamic Damping Control (DDC) provides electronic control of suspension damping that continuously adapts to riding conditions.
The 2014 S 1000 R will be available in three colors: Racing Red Non-metallic, Frozen Dark Blue Metallic and Light White Non-metallic.
Pricing and availability on all three new BMWs are TBD.

The RT’s cockpit has been completely revamped with new analog dials and a digital menu similar to the K 1600 GTL’s.

Pushbutton ignition, fuel filler cap, steering lock and central locking are activated by the GTL Exclusive’s key fob.

Ducati

To kick off the Monster line’s third decade, Ducati has introduced the biggest and baddest beasts yet—the Monster 1200 and Monster 1200 S. Replacing the previous heavyweight in the Monster family, the 1100EVO, the new models are powered by the 1,198cc liquid-cooled, desmodromic Testastretta 11˚ L-twin found in the Diavel power cruiser and Multistrada adventure tourer. In the Monster 1200, it makes a claimed 135 horsepower at 8,750 rpm and 87 lb-ft of torque at 7,250 rpm, while the Monster 1200 S kicks it up a notch with 145 horsepower and 92 lb-ft of torque. Three Ducati Riding Modes (Sport, Touring and Urban), eight levels of Ducati Traction Control and three levels of ABS allow the new Monsters to be adapted to a wide range of conditions.

Ducati Monster 1200 S

To enhance stability on such a powerful, lightweight bike (461 pounds wet, claimed), the wheelbase has been increased by 2.4 inches compared to the Monster EVO1100. And to enhance riding comfort, the handlebar is 1.6 inches higher and 1.6 inches closer to the rider than on the previous model. Seat height is now adjustable and can be set at either 30.9 or 31.9 inches; an accessory low seat reduces height to 29.3 inches.
Suspension on the Monster 1200 consists of a fully adjustable 43mm Kayaba male-slider fork and a preload/rebound-adjustable Sachs rear shock. The higher-spec Monster 1200 S gets fully adjustable Öhlins suspension front and rear. ABS and traction control are standard on
both models.
Available in Ducati Red, the Monster 1200 is $13,495. Available in Ducati Red or White, the Monster 1200 S is $15,995.

Ducati 899 Panigale

Ducati will also offer a “Supermid” version of the ferocious 1199 Panigale superbike in 2014 called the 899 Panigale. Although still massively oversquare, the 899 version of the Superquadro L-twin has a smaller bore (100.0mm) and shorter stroke (57.2mm). It displaces 898cc and generates 148 horsepower and 73 lb-ft of torque at the crank (claimed). Claimed wet weight is 425.5 pounds vs. 414.5 pounds on the 1199. Yes, you read that right. The 899 has a conventional (double-sided) swingarm, whereas the 1199’s is single-sided. Part of the weight difference may also be due to different suspension components and tires.
Styling is all but identical to the 1199, and the level of specification is very high—Brembo Monobloc calipers, Showa Big Piston Fork, Sachs shock, Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa tires. The 899 Panigale will be available in traditional Ducati Red ($14,995) or Arctic White ($15,295).

Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson Street

Closely following the auspicious re-launch of Harley’s Touring family under the Rushmore banner (November 2014), Harley-Davidson will introduce its first all-new platform and sixth model family next year with Street 750 and Street 500 motorcycles based on a new liquid-cooled Revolution X engine. With low price tags and seat heights, the Street line is aimed at young-adult urban riders looking for a nimble bike with some room for customization.
The Revolution X engine is a 60-degree, liquid-cooled unit V-twin of either 494cc or 749cc and has SOHC four-valve heads, a counterbalancer to reduce vibration, a 6-speed transmission and belt final drive. It’s housed in a new chassis with a 25.4-inch seat height, wide handlebar and mid-mount controls, and both bikes are said to weigh 480 pounds with the 3.5-gallon tank full. Wheels are 17 inches in front and 15 in the rear, with 100- and 140-series tires respectively. The blacked-out styling takes some cues from the V-Rod line, especially the rear fender and radiator. Machined cylinder fins and wheel spokes set the Street 750 apart from the all blacked-out 500.
In addition to expanding Harley’s lineup to appeal to a broader range of riders, the Street 500 will fill the gap in Harley’s Riding Academy training program left by the departed Buell Blast. Both the Street 500 and 750 will also be sold in other countries where its larger models might cost more, incur tariffs or be license restricted. In fact, Street models for sale in India, Italy, Spain and Portugal will be made in Harley-Davidson’s Bawal, India, factory alongside other bikes made strictly for consumption in that country since the factory opened in 2011. All motorcycles for North America, including the new Street line, are made in Harley’s factories in York, Pennsylvania, or Kansas City, Missouri.
The Street 500 will carry a MSRP of $6,700 and the Street 750 will start at $7,500. You can have any color you want as long as it’s black.

Machined cylinder fins and wheel spokes set the Street 750 (shown) apart from the 500. Both bikes take some styling cues from the V-Rod.

Machined cylinder fins and wheel spokes set the Street 750 apart from the 500 (shown). Both bikes take some styling cues from the V-Rod.

Honda

Honda has introduced so many new models lately we couldn’t fit our coverage of the new CTX1300 alongside the Valkyrie in the February 2014 issue. These two bikes join the CTX700/N, Grom and CRF250L as all-new 2014 Honda motorcycles. Like the CTX700s, the larger CTX1300 offers new and returning riders a low seat, easy handling and a torquey engine with smooth, seamless power—essentially a cruiser with some modern styling and technology.
Styled similarly to the faired CTX700 with the addition of integrated saddlebags, the new CTX1300 is powered by a 1,261cc, 90-degree V-4 that shares its architecture with the venerable liquid-cooled, fuel-injected ST1300 sport tourer, but has new pistons, different gearing in the 5-speed box and a new 4-2-2 exhaust system. Honda says it makes significantly more torque than the ST1300 as a result of the updates. The V-4 is also mounted longitudinally in the CTX1300’s steel double-cradle frame, and power gets to the wide 200-series rear tire via a shaft final drive system designed specifically for the bike.

Honda CTX1300

Key to the big CTX1300’s appeal is its relaxed ergonomics, which combine a low seat height of 29.1 inches with wide, comfortable-looking seats for rider and passenger, a wide pullback handlebar and mid-mount footpegs. An underseat fuel tank contributes to its potentially nimble handling by lowering the bike’s CG, though we’ll have to wait for our first ride to see how the 724-pound (claimed curb weight) machine gets along with that fat 200-series rear tire. Both a top trunk and centerstand will be on the options list, as well as heated grips and a taller replacement for the stock shorty windscreen.
Stepping up to the blacked-out CTX1300 Deluxe model will net the rider traction control, ABS, self-canceling turn signals and a contemporary sound system with Bluetooth connectivity. The Deluxe equipment is expected to add $1,500-$2,000 to the CTX1300’s price tag, which was still TBD at this writing. Colors are Candy Red, Metallic Black and Gray Blue Metallic.

Honda CBR1000RR SP

Up-spec sportbikes are popular because they offer higher-quality components in one package that is less expensive than buying those items individually. The all-new CBR1000RR SP features fully adjustable Öhlins front and rear suspension, plus Brembo front brakes and Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SC high-performance tires. A lightweight subframe lowers the center of gravity and a new rear single-seat cowl shaves additional weight. The CBR’s 999cc in-line four puts out more power and torque thanks to a new cylinder head, intake tract and exhaust system, along with high-performance pistons and connecting rods. The SP’s riding position is now more track-oriented and a bubble windscreen creates a larger still-air pocket for the rider. Available in a special White/Red/Blue paint scheme; pricing is TBD.
The 2014 CBR1000RR receives the same engine changes, ergonomics revision (new handlebars and relocated footpegs) and bubble windscreen as the SP model. Price is TBD.

Honda CTX1300

CTX1300 Deluxe includes a sound system with front speakers and Bluetooth connectivity.

Kawasaki

Though the modern Z1000 has never had trouble getting noticed, for 2014 Kawasaki has made it even more eye-catching. From its tiny LED headlights to its tapered tail section, the new Z1000 looks compact and aggressive. Kawasaki has embraced a new styling language that it calls “Sugomi,” which it says gives the bike the appearance of a crouching predator and influences such details as the special “Z” logo ignition keys, machined aluminum steering stem bolt and textured “Z” motif seat cover.

Kawasaki Z1000

Beyond styling, the Z1000’s 1,043cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled, 16-valve engine has received many of the same updates as the 2014 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 (January 2014) to boost performance in the upper registers and improve sound, feel and throttle response.

Z1000’s dual-element bar graph tach runs up 

f

Based on the Ninja ZX-10R’s chassis, the Z1000’s aluminum frame curves over the engine, cradling it from above and bolting solidly to it in three places, with a rubber-backed fourth mount provided for added vibration isolation and torsional rigidity. The main frame and swingarm pivot pieces are cast as a single unit with minimal welds, and the new subframe tapers to a very shallow cross-section at the rear.
Suspension is handled by a new fully adjustable 41mm inverted SFF-BP (Separate Function Fork–Big Piston) fork up front and a preload- and rebound-adjustable horizontal back-link shock in the rear. New one-piece monobloc radial-mount front brake calipers with a race-spec radial pump master cylinder are said to improve power and feel, and ABS is now standard. The 2014 Z1000 will be offered in Golden Blazed Green or Metallic Graphite Gray for $11,999. Look for a test of the Z1000 in the next issue.

KTM

KTM Super Duke 1290 R

There are motorcycles that push the boundaries; others simply relocate them. The new KTM Super Duke 1290 R blasts them to pieces. This is KTM’s third all-new entry for 2014 following the launch of the 1190 Adventure R and 1190 Adventure (May 2013), which we hope to have a full test of very soon. At a claimed 417 pounds dry with 180 horsepower at the crankshaft, the Super Duke 1290 R is a streetfighting brawler trespassing in hyper-sportbike territory. And why not—it’s 75-degree, DOHC LC8 V-twin is based upon the KTM 1190 RC8 R superbike engine. Displacement has been increased to 1,301cc from 1,195cc, and throttle bodies enlarged to 56mm from 52mm to get that insane power, and the engine is bolted into a lightweight chrome-moly steel trellis frame, with a fully adjustable WP 48mm male-slider fork and single shock on a single-sided swingarm. Throttle-by-wire and a host of electronic assistance systems help keep this high flyer on the ground, from disengageable ABS that has a “Supermoto” mode (read: big, long rear-wheel slides); to multi-staged, lean-angle-sensing traction control and riding modes. At the same time, dual ignition increases fuel economy and smoothens power delivery in the lower rev range. Ergonomics are said to be sporty but still comfortable for long rides.
KTM will offer several optional packages for the Super Duke 1290 R to trim it out for racing, touring or simply more style. It will come in Matte Black or Orange colors; price is $16,999.

Triumph

Triumph Thunderbird LT

Right after announcing updates to the Bonneville, Thruxton and Scrambler for 2014, Triumph Motorcycles has introduced three new cruiser models, the Thunderbird LT, Thunderbird Commander and America LT.
Both Thunderbird models are powered by the Thunderbird Storm’s big-bore 1,699cc parallel twin rather than the base-model Thunderbird’s 1,597cc mill. The liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, 8-valve, DOHC engine has an uneven 270-degree firing interval and a long-stroke design (107.1mm bore x 94.3mm stroke) that produces a claimed 93 horsepower at 5,400 rpm and 111 lb-ft of torque at 3,550 rpm.
An all-new chassis is said to improve rider/passenger comfort by allowing a larger seating area and reshaped seat. A pullback handlebar allows a more relaxed riding position, and steering geometry has been revised and the front wheel is now wider for improved handling, carrying a new 140/75-17 front tire to accompany the existing 200/50-17 rear tire. Triumph partnered with Avon Tyres to develop the world’s first radial whitewall motorcycle tires for the Thunderbird LT, which offer better performance than bias-ply tires.

Triumph Commander

The new 2014 Thunderbird LT (Light Touring) has a quick-release windshield and removable leather saddlebags. Driving lamps, chrome floorboards with replaceable skid plates, an adjustable chrome heel/toe gear lever and wide wire-spoke wheels round out the touring package. The 2014 Triumph Thunderbird LT will be available in spring 2014, with two color options: Caspian Blue/Crystal White or Lava Red/Phantom Black.
Like the Storm, the Thunderbird Commander has Triumph’s signature twin headlights, but it stands apart with a polished top yoke, polished stainless steel fork shrouds and less upswept chrome exhausts. The 2014 Triumph Thunderbird Commander will be available in one of two paint schemes: Lava Red/Crimson Sunset or Phantom Black/Storm Grey. Pricing for both new Thunderbirds is TBD.

Triumph America LT

Based on the existing Triumph America with its air-cooled, fuel-injected, DOHC 865cc parallel twin, the new America LT adds a tall windshield, a pullback handlebar, leather saddlebags, floorboards and a heel-toe shifter. The 2014 America LT is available now in two-tone Pacific Blue/Sapphire Blue with an MSRP of $9,499.
(This article Feast Your Eyes was published in the March 2014 issue of Rider magazine.)