For Motorcycle fans: EICMA 2013

Showing posts with label EICMA 2013. Show all posts

Saturday, November 16, 2013

A few of the bikes headed to Motorcycle Live 2013 after EICMA

The annual EICMA International Motorcycle Exhibition took place in Milan, Italy last week with the world’s major motorcycle manufacturers unveiling their new and updated models – many of which are destined to make their UK debut at Motorcycle Live 2013 from 23 November to 1 December.
As the EICMA media days unfolded on Monday and Tuesday, Ducati, Honda, Yamaha, Triumph, Kawasaki, BMW Motorrad, KTM, Piaggio Group and Suzuki each took turns to reveal to their new machinery. Italian giant Ducati kicked off proceedings on its home turf with the debut of the limited edition 1199 Superleggera, as well as the third generation of the iconic Ducati Monster, the Monster 1200.
Honda followed by unveiling four new 2014 models – the CBR1000RR Fireblade SP super sports machine, the CB650F and CBR650F four cylinder middleweights and the CTX1300 custom cruiser. EICMA_2013

Yamaha took the opportunity to launch two new additions to its ‘Masters of Torque’ range: the MT-09 Street Rally and the MT-07 – a naked 689cc twin-cylinder model which visitors to Motorcycle Live have the chance to win. For details of the competition visit www.motorcyclelive.co.uk/competitions.
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UK manufacturer Triumph unveiled five new models for 2014 with the introduction of the Thunderbird Commander, Commander LT, America, America LT and Speedmaster, while a Tiger 800XC special edition was also unveiled. BMW Motorrad launched two new 2014 models: the R 1200 RT tourer, powered by the liquid-cooled boxer engine, and the S 1000 R high-performance roadster. It also showcased an updated R 1200 GS Adventure and the C evolution scooter.

Two new Kawasaki machines were unveiled, representing important aspects of the Japanese brand’s approach to powered two wheelers. The latest Z1000 Supernaked is joined by the first Kawasaki scooter offering in the European market, the distinctive J300. Following the unveiling of the prototype last year, KTM launched the production 1290 Super Duke R, dubbed ‘The Beast’. Also joining the KTM line-up are the RC125 and RC390 supersport machines.

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Piaggio Groupwas next up with launches from three different brands, Vespa, Aprilia and Moto Guzzi. Vespa announced the return of the legendary Primavera model complete with an ultra-modern makeover, while Aprilia unveiled two new versions of the RSV4 – the R ABS and Factory ABS. Moto Guzzi meanwhile showcased a new total black colour option for the V7 Stone.

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Finally Suzuki showcased its most advanced adventure model ever, the V-Strom 1000, which features a new 1037cc V-Twin engine developed to deliver excellent low-mid range power.

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The majority of new machines revealed at EICMA, plus many, many more, will be on display at Motorcycle Live 2013. Other brands exhibiting include Harley-Davidson, Royal Enfield and Victory, as well as UK-based firm Norton. EICMA_2013 (9) Specialist brands such as AJP, CCM, GasGas, Husqvarna, Metisse, Morgan, WatsonianSquire, WK Bikes, Quadzilla and electric motorcycle marque Kuberg will all appear, while Herald Motor Company, Indian Motorcycles, Lifan and ShineRay will make their Motorcycle Live debut.

Read more at rushlane.com

EICMA hangover and analysis CMG- part 2

We are continuing the article prepared by the Canadian MotoGuide team about the EICMA
First part here.
All these new bikes will be presented also in Birmingham starting 23 Nov until 1st of Dec at Motorcycle Live. We will be present there- keep looking here for more updates and coverage

AND THE UPDATES

The R1200T gets BMW’s new water-cooled boxer motor.

As one would expect from a german company like BMW, updates come in a very logical manner, at least when it comes to the R range. New Boxer motors always appear in the flagship GS but then trickle down the range over the next few years before reaching the end, and then up pops a new motor. Second in line in the R throne is the R1200RT tourer which now comes with the new liquid cooled motor and has a new hill starting doo-dad and electric gear shifter for those too lazy to do either.
Honda has also been busy, with an update to the CBR1000RR (does anyone remember when those were happening every two years?) that boasts more power. What’s more surprising is their new track-orientated SP version with Öhlins suspension, four-piston Brembo monobloc brake calipers, a revised frame and new top and bottom steering yolks with less flex. There’s also a long-awaited update to the VFR800 which essentially has remained untouched since the V-TEC addition in 2002. No word on whether the V-TEC remains but there has been a boost in power and a significant drop in weight of 10 Kilos. Might be a good opportunity for Honda to bring it back into Canada.

The Z1000 is back, with new looks.

Kawasaki also updated their Transformer styled Z1000 to make it even more Transformer-like, Yamaha added some tweaks to the motor on its Super Tenere as well as a ZE version with some additional trinkets including electronically adjustable suspension. Oh and as we mentioned earlier, Triumph made some more variations of its big cruiser Thunderbirds.

LET’S NOT FORGET THE ELECTRICS

The Zero SR has more range and more power again. Every year, their bikes get more and more competent.

The Zero SR has more range and more power again. Their bikes get more and more competent.

The knock against battery bikes has always been limited range. Zero continues to tackle this problem; now, they’ve announced updates to their lineup (an optional add-on battery pack) that will enable riders to get a claimed 275 km of city riding; combined city and highway riding will get you as much as 210 km. Cruising around 90 will get you a 170-km range, and cruising around 110 will get you around 140 kms of range.
At least, that’s what Zero claims – we’ll wait until real-world users start posting their results before we get too excited. Still, this is an important step forward. Every year the Zero lineup adds a few kilometres of range, and hopefully one day they’ll be competitive with gasoline bikes, as long as costs are reasonable.

WHAT’S COMING NEXT?

Sure, the upcoming 2014 models are exciting, but what’s coming down the pipe long-term? Well, a couple interesting concept machines were shown off at EICMA, including a new supermoto from Husqvarna.

The Husqvarna 701 prototype shows the company hasn’t forgotten their supermoto models.

Husky’s future in street bikes was in doubt after their sale to KTM president Stefan Pierer, but the company appears to have a return to basics in mind. For years, the only street bikes they made were supermotos, and the new 701 concept follows that vein. Sure, it’s got trick bodywork, LED headlights and other trick parts, but it really appears to be a dirt bike with street tires at heart.

The Yamaha Tricity scooter concept will make it to production.

Will the 701 make it to market? It’s tough to imagine Husqvarna not bringing their supermoto lineup back, especially after seeing this, although we’re sure the street-legal models will be neutered versions of the concept, as always.
Yamaha had the other most interesting concept, the Tricity scooter. Basically, it’s a leaning three-wheeler, similar to existing machines like Piaggio’s MP3, but cheaper and lighter with a 125 cc motor. Yamaha actually says they’re going to bring this to market, with a projected cost of 4,000 Euros across the pond.

And let’s not forget the quirky Brits! Some firm has decided to resurrect Brough Superior, with an undated Steam Punkesque interpretation of the SS100, all for a mere 100,000 Euros, and British car makers and Formula 1 race team, Caterham, has decided to try its luck with bikes, introducing three models, one gas-powered and the other two electric.
While they’re all on the quirky side, we haven’t seen any real quirkiness since the market went south with everyone’s cash. Surely a sign that good times are a coming, even if they’ll likely never go on sale in North America.

The Caterham Classic E-Bike has a faux V-twin motor and a very short range.

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

2013 EICMA: Three New Triumphs

Believe it or not, but “Thunderbird Commander” isn’t the name of a cartoon puppet, it’s a macho, muscle cruiser. It was just unveiled at EICMA, along with its sidekicks, the bookish 2014 Triumph Thunderbird LC and the Action Jackson 2014 Triumph Tiger 800 XC SE.

The 2014 Triumph Thunderbird Commander starts with the firm’s 1,600 cc, parallel-twin cruiser, adding dual front headlamps, plunger-type forks (I think this is what they’re called, if you’re wearing chaps while reading this and know better, please correct me), forward foot controls and lower exhaust pipes. Triumph states these modifications were designed to boost its macho-ness by approximately 42 percent. Riding one while wearing a mustache will boost that a further 5.2 percent. Each new Commander purchase will be accompanied by a matching set of Union Jack y-fronts, one size fits all.

In contrast, the Thunderbird LC adds actual functionality in the form a large, touring windscreen, leather panniers and a pillion backrest, along with Harley-style triple headlamps. Each LC will come with a pack of 500 convenient business card-size handouts explaining that no, your bike isn’t a Harley and detailing the many interesting reasons why you decided to buy something that isn’t. Each handout is printed with a Union Jack flag and carries the licensed signature of Steve McQueen(TM).

Like other recent special edition Triumphs, the 2014 Triumph Tiger 800 XC SE wears a red frame and black paint. No other upgrades are evident.

The original was posted in Rideapart.com

2013 EICMA: 2014 Zero SR- First electrical high spec Moto

Can this new 2014 Zero SR banish memories of bicycle brakes and no-name tires? Now with serious acceleration, real motorcycle components and a genuinely useful range, this new Zero SR promises to be a good motorcycle, not just an electric one.
Accelerating to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds and topping out at 102 mph, this new 67 bhp Zero should be able to keep ahead of both city and highway traffic. As stock ($16,995) Zero claims the 11.4 kWh SR has a 93 mile range in combined city and highway riding. Adding the optional “Power Tank” takes capacity up to 14.2 kWh, which boosts that combined range to 116 miles. Stick to city speeds and the Power Tank-equipped SR can reach 171 miles.

In other good news, real motorcycle forks, 43mm in diameter, are fitted for the first time. They’re adjustable for compression and rebound damping. The remote reservoir shocks are fully adjustable, but there’s no word on who makes either component.
Looking closely at the tires, we do see an actual brand name on them. Unfortunately, that appears to be “IRC” and the model looks like “Road Winner.” If so, then these are the same non-radial, bias ply items fitted to the $3,999 Suzuki GW250. Still, that’s an actual motorcycle!

Unlike arch-rival Brammo and its $16,995 Marzocchi/Sachs/Brembo-equipped and radial tire-fitted Empulse, the SR does without a gearbox, shedding weight and boosting efficiency.
Using a standard 110v home outlet, recharging the stock SR will take eight hours, while the Power Tank takes that up to 10 hours total. Those numbers can drop as low as 1.5 hours if you can find a CHAdeMO quick charge station.

“You will also notice a much more refined look and feel to the entire Zero product range as we’ve spent a great deal of time sweating the details,” states Zero Marketing VP Scott Harden. “This is evident as soon as you climb on board as our new cockpit layout and instrumentation package offers increased utility, a sleeker look and more aerodynamic integration with the headlight.”

Originally posted in Rideapart.com

2013 EICMA: 2014 Brough Superior SS100

Ninety years after the debut of the first SS100, the brand is returning with an all-new motorcycle modeled after it. The 2014 Brough Superior SS100 isn’t just retro styling though, its performance is thoroughly modern. And it should be, because the company hopes to get close to $100,000 for each one it sells.

Advertised as, “The Rolls-Royce of Motorcycles,” the original SS100 was famous for its performance guarantee. Each model left the factory having been ridden at over 100 mph by George Brough himself, hence the name. T.E. Lawrence famously rode an SS100. In fact, that’s what he was riding during his fatal crash in 1935.
The most obvious styling cue adapted from old to new is the cylindrical fuel tank. But obvious inspiration is also seen in the V-twin motor and its exhaust layout, as well as in the girder front suspension.

That’s not to say that the SS100 is a throwback. The 88-degree, liquid-cooled, 997cc V-twin serves as a stressed member in the steel and titanium trellis backbone frame and uses a horizontal-seal, semi-dry crankcase. It can be tuned to deliver anywhere between 100 and 140 bhp depending on customer specification, with the former presumably sacrificing outright power for greater flexibility. Making 92 lb.-ft. of torque, that flexibility should be generous.
Brough says that stressing the engine has helped keep weight down to a relatively light 395 lbs (dry).
Front and rear suspension is Ohlins monoshocks. The front girder is designed to separate braking and steering forces and is constructed from titanium triangles with aluminum-magnesium alloy legs. The swingarm is made from the same alloy.

The brakes were spec’d because they somewhat resemble old timey drums, but are in fact dual-discs clamped by radial calipers. The Beringer system uses a static central brake pad, with calipers pushing in from the outside. In addition to looking fancy, the arrangement is said to help reduce unsprung weight.
That’s good, because Brough has curiously chosen to use 18-inch rims. Doing so not only carries a weight penalty, but reduces tire choice.

Brough Superior hopes to make 20 motorcycles a year, with deliveries starting in 2014. Considerably fewer than the 69 bikes George Brough rode to 100 mph in 1925.

2014 Brough Superior SS100

2014 Harley-Davidson Street 500 and Street 750

2014 Harley-Davidson Street at EICMA Show 2013

The night before the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan officially opened its doors to the press, Harley-Davidson took the wraps off its first all-new model in 13 years: the 2014 Street, which will be available as a 500 and a 750 when it goes on sale in the U.S. this spring, priced at $6,700 and $7,500 respectively. In short, the new Street is a liquid-cooled bike aimed at young urban buyers around the world, a model that Mark-Hans Richer, Harley’s senior vice president and chief marketing officer, called “our path to the future.” Given that heady responsibility, the attractively priced Street—which will be built at Harley plants in Kansas City (for the U.S., Canada and Mexico) and India (the rest of the world)—deserves a close look.
Let’s start with the engine, a liquid-cooled 60-degree V-twin whose chain-driven single overhead camshafts operate four valves per cylinder via roller rockers with screw adjusters. Called the Revolution X, this all-new powerplant, with a vertically split crankcase and plain bearings, is a modern design that traces its lineage back to the V-Rod of 2001. Jeff Coughlin, Harley’s chief powertrain engineer, says a 60-degree design was chosen to help reduce the height of the wet-sump engine, which helps keep seat height and center of gravity low, important considerations given that the Street is seen as a first bike for many potential customers.
Where I Live – Harley-Davidson Street 750 and 500 Motorcycles

Separate aluminum cylinders are fitted with pressed-in iron liners, and the only difference between the 500 and 750 versions, which share a 66.0mm stroke, is the bore. The 500’s is 69.0mm, which makes for an actual displacement of 494cc. The 750’s bore, at 85.0mm, makes for a displacement of 749cc. Redline for both engines is 8,000 rpm, and peak power for the 750, though not officially announced, was said by one Harley rep to be 54 hp at 7,500 rpm, with 44 pound-feet of peak torque arriving at an unspecified rpm. A single balance shaft keeps the V-twin from shaking too much, and a six-speed transmission works with Harley’s familiar belt final drive.
Korry Vorndran, Harley’s manager of product development, said the Street has been in development for the last two and a half years, and the goal was to produce a smaller, nimble bike that had enough suspension travel to handle rough urban streets. To that end, the blacked-out Street, which is based on a narrow, steel perimeter frame, offers two inches more travel front and rear than an Iron 883. “We wanted it to be light and fun, and have a more neutral riding position,” explained Vorndran, who added that Harley has been more weight-conscious with the Street than it has with other models. Both Street models, for the record, tip the scales at a claimed 480 lb. wet, which is roughly 80 lb. lighter than, say, an Iron 883. The Street’s fuel tank and fenders are steel.

Customized 2014 Harley-Davidson Street at EICMA Show 2013

Other Street hardware includes seven-spoke wheels and a simple fairing inspired by Harley’s XLCR café racer from the 1970s, plus a slightly pulled back handlebar and a an attractive 2-into-1 exhaust. Single-caliper brakes are found front and rear, and components such as the headlight and turnsignals are designed for worldwide use, so they won’t need to be changed for the bike’s numerous markets.
It’s no secret that the new Street, by also being built in India, avoids steep tariffs and will help Harley strengthen its foothold in the world’s second most populous nation. But at the press conference in Milan, the clear and more frequently mentioned focus was young buyers the world over. Harley, in fact, spent thousands of hours interviewing these folks, learning just what they wanted in a bike. And what was it they wanted? Personal style and individualization, as proven by the slick, Milwaukee-built Street customs that Harley also had on display at the global unveiling in Milan. “Personal freedom in not just an American ideal,” explained Richer, Harley’s marketing boss. “It’s spreading around the world. People want to be who they want to be right now. We live in a world of personalized expression, right down to the ink on their skin.”
Street Custom Concepts – Harley-Davidson Street 750 and 500 Motorcycles

Originally posted in Cycleworld.com

EICMA 2013- Best motorcycles

Even the event was finalised I will try to cover most of the main aspects of the EICMA-2013 the International Motorcycle Show, due to run from 5 to 10 November 2012 at the Milan Rho trade fair pole. Most articles are originally posted in other sites and this will be mentioned at the end of each article.

Today with the best motorcycles at EICMA 2013

Style and substance are two qualities that rarely come together. But surely, that’s the whole point of having a motorcycle show in Milan, right? Here are the bikes that manage to do both and more. These are the five best motorcycles of 2013 EICMA.
Five:

Bike Name: 2014 Kawasaki Z1000
Why We Are Excited About It: The Z1000′s always been a looker, but this thing takes that to a whole new level with a pretty daring design from a traditionally conservative Japanese bike manufacturer. Plus, it has more power and electronic rider aids too.
What Additional Info We Hope To Learn: We’re looking forward to seeing it in person, out on the street. Should turn a few heads!
Why You Should Be Excited About It: A lot of power and practicality in a very affordable package. Buy one of these, not a Diavel.
Four:

Bike Name: 2014 Honda CTX1300
Why We Are Excited About It: The Pan European’s 1,261cc V4 has always been a great engine, it just hasn’t yet had a great home. We’re hoping this bike fixes that. And, just look at those headers.
What Additional Info We Hope To Learn: Honda swears to us that this thing handles. Judging by the general epic-ness of its F6B big brother, we’re cautiously optimistic.
Why You Should Be Excited About It: The cruiser world is finally evolving beyond bad tattoos and awful, ill-handling bikes.
Three:

Bike Name: 2014 Honda VFR800F
Why We Are Excited About It: How can we put this nicely? The VFR1200 is a dud. It’s much heavier than the old 800 and not a pinch faster. It also costs a ton more. So, take the old VFR800, lighten it up, give it new styling and, voila, a practical, affordable, sport tourer.
What Additional Info We Hope To Learn: We’re really hoping the VFR800 comes to the U.S.
Why You Should Be Excited About It: You like bikes that are both fun to ride and all-day comfortable that don’t cost more than a mid-size car, right?

Two:

Bike Name: 2014 Ducati Monster 1200 S
Why We Are Excited About It: Big power, reasonable price, high-quality components. All that’s nice, but factor in humane ergonomics and you’ve got a real winner.
What Additional Info We Hope To Learn: We just want to ride it right away.
Why You Should Be Excited About It: Ducati’s finally packaging its legendary performance into bikes you can live with day to day and ride for more than 15 minutes at a time without getting back spasms. Italian exotica for the masses.
One:

Bike Name: 2014 KTM RC390
Why We Are Excited About It: Low weight, reasonable power, high quality and what should be a low price tag.
What Additional Info We Hope To Learn: Price and availability in the U.S.
Why You Should Be Excited About It: For living memory, American motorcyclists have had to choose between bikes they can’t handle (liter bikes and 600s) or crummy little learner bikes that look terrible and perform worse. No longer. This thing is the Mazda Miata of motorcycles and should initiate a whole new generation of rider into the sport of motorcycling.

The original article appeared in RIDE APART Best-motorcycles-2013-eicma

For Motorcycle fans