Latest Husqvarna concept: V1000 Grand Turismo

Designed by Marcus Carlsson from Sweden, the new concept is a combination between Suzuki’s TL1000S and a Husqvarna roadracer from the 1930s.

A ‘café-racer-going-on-superbike’, as its creator likes to consider it, the machine features a donated TL1000 V-Twin front fork and engine with a futuristic looking exhaust. The rest was just labor and passion concluded in 1,200 hours of work.

Don’t get too caught up by the next picture. Simply scroll down and hear that engine idling.

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Road-ready BMW S1000RR revealed

BMW has entered the final stage before showing the green light for production in what concerns the S1000RR superbike.

Caught testing at Albacete, the new bike features details such as the graphics, indicators and number plate hanger and, as MCN reckons, an ABS system is now certitude. Also, the S1000RR is expected to have two separate LCD readouts providing information about the bike’s systems such as traction control and the previously mentioned ABS.

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SkyBrake: Motorcycle Jacking Days are over!

In order for riders to avoid becoming the victims of Grand Theft Moto they are now offered a very efficient anti-motorcycle jacking solution. Called the SkyBrake, the system is composed from two devices, a small transmitter which you must always carry on your body and a receiver playing the role of an immobilizer which is mounted to the motorcycle engine.

Knowing that, let’s imagine the next scenario: You are happily commuting in New Mexico, let’s say, and stop at a traffic light. A hijacker separates you from your bike and rides away with it. Normally, this would be a good time to call the cops…or start crying, but that’s not the way a true biker works things out, doesn’t it? The thief won’t manage to shift second and the engine will be cut out by the engine blocking module so that you can recover your bike unharmed.

The system is sold for €250 and it is 100% efficient as long as you don’t make the mistake of fitting the transmitter also on the bike.

Complete coverage of the Americas Conference

MV Agusta 910 Bestiale is now available as kit

Remember the news conform which Yacouba Galle’s MV Agusta 910 Bestiale will go into production? Well, it is half true. The good part is that the kit available for turning your Brutale into a Bestiale has just been released and it is available at www.vesuvioracing.com, but the bike won’t see the production line pretty soon.

They’ve also created a nice promo in which they point out the ex journalist’s talent so here it is.

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KTM announces production for competition electric motorcycle

KTM announced to have successfully created a fully functional electric enduro prototype which will go into production within two years. The project saw financial support of the Austrian government and meets the strict “Ready to Race” requirements of the highly demanding maker.

Relying on lithium ion batteries that withstand 40 minutes of exploitation in race conditions and loads in one full hour, the future KTM develops 29.5lb/ft without polluting a bit. Also, the prototype loses significant weight due to the lack of a gas tank, exhaust, clutch and other musts of the internal combustion engine, reaching a total of 17 kg for the battery pack and the electric motor.

Although bikes pollute less than cars the Zero Emissions Motorcycle project directs our thoughts towards racing in populated centers as the future racing bikes are less polluting than a horse on a racecourse.

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Electric Self-Balancing Unicycle

The Unicycle in the video below not only is self-balancing, but is electric-powered and uses accelerometers and gyroscopes to control the forward and backward movement instead of you doing all that pedaling.

Created by Daniel Wood of Focus Designs Inc., the SBU, as it is shortly named, is in limited market testing right now. Go to focusdesigns for availability.

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Ducati Superlight 2020

Italy presents to you the Ducati Superlight 2020, the result of intensive work of students at “Transportation design” from the “Institute of Applied Art and Design” (IAAD) in Turin, Italy working strong collaboration with Ducati. The concept is being displayed at the 2008 “Facts of Design”, event organized by IAAD.

Ducati members of this project were Andrea Ferraresi (Style coordinator) and Bart Janssen (senior designer). They thought students how to take in consideration things such as effective technical methods, ergonomics and costs while their Institute teachers guided them in every single detail until finalization.

This looks like a plausible concept to us, given to the fact that it looks like a present day bike, only that funnier.

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Aprilia to unveil Shiver 1200 and Dorsoduro 1200?

According to a spy shot from Solomoto, Aprilia is currently working at the Dorsoduro 1200 and, most likely, the Shiver 1200 which gives us reasons to believe that the upcoming EICMA show in Milan reserves many surprises from the Italian maker. The same sources claim that Aprilia is also expected to unveil an all-new Caponord 1200 and a new bike that stands as a future competitor for the BMW R1200GS.

But, sticking to what we know for the moment, the Dorsoduro and Shiver will be powered by the same 1200cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, DOHC, 8-valve V-twin engine that will produce 130bhp at 9000rpm and 120Nm at 6500rpm. Now, with those numbers in mind, note that the weight increase will only be around 5 to 7 kilos, proving that the Italian engineers haven’t rested on their laurels.

With a little bit of luck, the EICMA show in November will clear things out. And if it doesn’t, we’ll dig to find out some more.

Miami-Dade contractors employed Capitol Hill lobbyist

Michael Schumacher crashing his Honda

They say no racer tries hard enough if it doesn’t eventually end up crashing, but we have no reason to question Michael Schumacher’s ambition as these pictures reflect that best.

Practicing at Sachsenring for the German Superbike, the former F1 champion skid the peg too much until it ended up crashing his Honda CBR1000RR during a high-speed corner. The funny part is the face he made while preparing to face the unforgiving test of the asphalt

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Jaguar bike has finished being bolted on

A few months ago we would have presented to you the first pictures of a Jaguar motorcycle together with the little information we had on it at that time. The pictures, which were taken during production, said pretty much all about the bike then, but you can get up to date as the bike is now finished and presented to the public.

Called the Leaper bike, it clearly combines the English car manufacturer’s logo with a motorcycle. The innovative idea belongs to Barend Hemmes, but the project was undergone with the help of Polar Cycles in South Yorkshire.

Mr Hemmes, an interior designer aged 36 said he came up with the idea when doodling in the office and that the artistic part consisting in the fiberglass bodywork was made by him, together with a sculptor.

In order for this cat to purr as good as it looks the guys at South Yorkshire used parts of a classic 1,200cc Buell 97 S3 Thunderbolt bought off eBay. The V-Twin engine manages to power it up to a top speed of 50mph which isn’t impressive at all, but makes it easier for admirers to get a first glance when it rolls through urban jungle.

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A thing of style: Ferrari Helmets

Ferrari presented two new helmets, the Red and the Red Kid, which will be produced and marketed by the Italian company New Max.

Inspired by the “Rosse” Maranelo style, the Red Ferrari helmet features the maker’s special colors and the beautiful logo of the exclusive brand. Details make all the difference and these helmets are full of them. For example, the visor’s mounts feature the shape of a Ferrari tire while the lining completes the one-off look.

But, a helmet must offer protection no matter how good it looks and these new ones are made out of a thermoplastic material while the visor is polycarbonate with advanced optical properties. The Dupont-made inner lining is anti-allergic and the safety belt features aluminum and rubber insertions for increased comfort and safety.

The Red Ferrari helmet is homologated and can be painted Red Race, Black or Yellow Process. Sizes are: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL.

As its name says, the Red Kid is destined for children (aged from 6 to 14) who plan on riding in style. Inspired on the big version, the Red Kid retains the safety level as it is made out of the same materials and covered in the same colors, based on the customer’s preference, but comes in an universal size which allows the adjusting of the inner lining conforming to the head’s dimensions.

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Husqvarna SM 450 R

Husqvarna’s 2009 ascension starts with the new SM 450 R model unveiled at the Intermot show recently, a bike that has both potential and guts to make a difference after the company has been acquisitioned by industry’s giant, BMW.

For starters, the 2009 model year is expected to be an even sharper handler due to the all-new frame aimed at enhancing those racing abilities while the engine is perfected for even more performance and longer life.

At the exterior, a redesigned headlight will easily stand out together with 2009’s graphics. Overall, Husky claims a weight reduction of no more or less than one kilogram, leaving us wondering how many horsepower the engine gains.

That, my friends, we will find out as soon as Husqvarna releases the full specifications on this new model.

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Suzuki GSX-R series inspires Burgman concept scooter

Searching the web, we’ve come across this beautifully styled Suzuki Burgman 400 which is a scooter replica of Suzuki’s road racing lineup. At a first glance there really isn’t anything not to like about the recently unveiled concept at a Las Vegas Suzuki conference.

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European motorcycle industry launches wide road safety campaign featuring cartoon character

Probably because reckless motorcycle riders often think like children, the motorcycle industry launches European wide road safety campaign featuring a cartoon character, suggestively called Lucky.

Press release after the break

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Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 4V ABS

Moto Guzzi has put the Stelvio 1200 back in the cards now that it launched the ABS version at the Intermot show. The 2009 Stelvio 1200 4V ABS is an undisputable contender for models such as the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 in the super enduro category.

What distinguish the 2009 model year is, undisputable, the upgraded braking system with double piston radial pincers and ABS, but the all-season accessories such as the adjustable saddle and windshield enhance comfort and, implicit, a rider’s capacity to cover up miles. Also, the sidebags have you ready for the long haul and make sure you never ask for more. Anticipating a rider’s needs, the historic manufacturer also ads a small glove box with handle command to the range of goodies.

The 2009 Stelvio 1200 4V is available either white or red painted. These colors do make it stand out as the stylish Italian bike that it is even though the category of riders to which it is addressed doesn’t look quite for that at a bike.

Bimota DB8

This is the first picture of the 2009 Bimota DB8, a bike about which hasn’t been released any information yet, neither official pictures. The naked Bimota will be based on the DB7 superbike so we can speculate that the engine will be a 160 bhp1098cc V-Twin. Also, it is expected for it to receive the same frame, swingarm, suspension and brakes. Wait, isn’t that pretty much all there is?

Riding position will be different as the DB8 will feature streetfighter handlebars instead of clip-ons and, there will be no fairing to cover the mechanical parts.

A decent competitor for it is considered the Aprilia Tuono and we must admit that the bikes are very similar.

Win a Ducati Monster 696 with Pro Italia’s Fall Charity Raffle

The friends from Pro Italia are raffling a new 2009 Ducati M696 to benefit the International Rett Syndrome Foundation. Tickets are $25 each (or buy 5 chances for $100) and limited to 500 total. Tickets are available in their online store or in their Los Angeles showroom.

Tickets are available now until October 24th. The winner will be announced on the 26th of October at the annual Love Ride in Pomona. The first prize winner will win a 2009 Ducati Monster 696 (MSRP $8,995) and the second prize winner will receive an America leather jacket from Vanson (a $550.00 value).

For more information go to —>http://www.proitalia.com

Moto Morini Scrambler

Yet another star from the Intermot show in Cologne, Germany is the 2009 Moto Morini Scrambler, a high displacement naked bike that shares its class with the Triumph having the same name.

The Moto Morini is indeed a fierce competitor thanks to its 1187cc V-Twin engine and tough looks, which makes us wonder when the English maker will make its 2009 comeback.

Featuring 19-inch wheels dressed in off-road rubber and supported by Marzocchi inverted forks with many protective attachments, the Moto Morini Scrambler is the perfect companion from where the asphalt ends. Equipped with Brembo brakes, it will provide the best of stopping power, but on that same surface, something that makes us tend to call the Triumph Scrambler a better all-around bike. But we will wait to see for ourselves what the Morini can do and we’ll then give a verdict.

Lego bike with real bike handles = ingenuity and a lot of free time

The Harley-Davidson Fat Boy inspired the creation of this impressively accurate remote-controlled Lego replica named the Mindstorms NXT Fat Boy. Good for kids, but not for us, you will say and we must agree, but what makes us interested in it is the fact that its controller is shaped like a real bike’s handles.

In the video attached below you will notice that it also leans, like any respectable modern two-wheeled toy and the additional wheels aren’t easy to spot. So now you know what to buy your kid for Christmas and we also know who’s going to be playing with it when snow will cover the asphalt.

Honda XL700V Transalp

Honda has prepared the notorious Transalp for 2009 as part of their plans to continue the long career of this average displacement Enduro bike, but only added anti-lock brakes and painted it in the colors of the first Transalp model.

Already famous thanks to its bulletproof engine and the awesome riding experience that it offers both on paved roads and off them, the Honda XL700V Transalp needs no presentation whatsoever. What is unknown on this new model is the C-ABS anti-lock brakes that are meant to provide the best of braking performance on all riding surfaces that the bike is made to be exploited on. Honda added the new braking system on most bikes in the 2009 lineup and this legend simply couldn’t be missed.

Featuring an aggressive and futuristic design, the Transalp practically defines through its looks the idea of adventure in motorcycling, meaning no barriers in a rider’s quest. And the liquid-cooled and electronically fuel-injected 680cc V-Twin four-valved engine is there to back up the inviting design and never leave room for the rider to wish another kind of riding experience. This is the impressive result of the V-Twin engine type which managed to find its way on this dual-sport motorcycle in 1987 together with the first Transalp. Imagine this bike’s evolution if it would have featured a single-cylinder motor.

Modern day means modern requirements so the new Honda has to comply with Euro-3 regulations and features a very efficient catalytic device.

Also, Honda offers a range of accessories which allow you to personalize the 2009 model year like never before. Not much has changed, indeed, but what did, makes all the difference.

Limited-Edition Confederate Fighter

Looking for that perfect Christmas presents (for yourself, of course) can always turn out a little tricky, especially if you’re a demanding and ostentatious kind of person. But, if you dig deep enough and get to the Neiman Marcus Christmas book, you have all the changes to declare yourself satisfied. There, you will find that the Confederate Fighter motorcycle was produced in a limited number of 45 exemplars and, after you get out of trance, start wondering about its outrageous features.

A good thing to start with is the 1966cc 45-degree radial twin engine that is clamed to be capable of powering the bike up to 190mph. The chassis is a titanium backbone unit and it connects directly to the front and rear billet aluminum bulkheads in order to withstand at that kind of speeds.

The Confederate Fighter is also fitted with a girder-style front suspension made up of titanium as well as aluminum and carbon fiber bits. Wheelbase is 64" and seat height 27" so you’re in for low riding…that is if you can afford paying $110,000 on a motorcycle. Or better yet, if you are the kind of guy that actually invests that kind of money in its image as a whole bunch of much cheaper motorcycles can reach that kind of speeds. But they don’t make you look like a robot so what the heck.

Sbarro Motorcycle Concept

Unveiled at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, the Sbarro motorcycle concept looks like ready for the Bonneville Salt Flats, but taking a better look at that riding position, I don’t believe that crashing would be an option for the rider. Not that it would for any rider in generally, but a Sbarro rider’s members are exposed, leaving the machine’s entire weight to fall on them if, unfortunately, this crashes.

Thanks goodness, the silhouette you see in the pictures is only a mannequin, but one that is precisely squeezed in so that it would become one with the bike. So where there would normally be the wheels hubs now “bolt in” the courageous rider’s hands and the visor stands as the screen.

It may look fast, but definitely not safe considering that in the case of a crash, the rider’s chances to walk away are bigger if he separates from the bike.

Special Edition Triumph Tiger

For 2009, Triumph has prepared a special edition version of the Tiger while also keeping the standard version in production. Obviously, we’re interested in the new, two-tone painted Tiger (that’s pretty much all that makes it special) which is a result of Triumph’s design department. Color combination of Matt Graphite with Matt Black is claimed to set the bike apart from the crowd and we reckon that it has all the chances to do so.

In what concerns the standard Triumph Tiger, this goes on with no changes as a 2009 model year, but gets new color options consisting in Fusion White, Jet Black and Blazing Orange. Also, customers can also choose either they want the ABS brakes or not.

What they won’t decide for is the 1050cc three-cylinder engine producing 113bhp at 9,400rpm and 100Nm at 6,250rpm as that would actually be the main reason why they will buy the bike. Also, the Triumph Tiger features sports suspensions and rubber as well as Nissin brakes, making it an adequate sport-touring bike rather than the dual-purpose one that first made an entry back in 1994.

Aprilia Mana 850 GT

Aprilia barely finished presenting the 2009 Shiver 750 GT and already moved forward to unveiling next year’s Mana 850 GT. At its base, the bike remains the same all-rounder with nothing more than an adjustable windscreen that is new for 2009.

The engine, an 893cc V-Twin that puts down 76bhp is unchanged and still mated to the CVT automatic gearbox with seven electronically defined gears and also clutchless manual shifting. No need to go easy on the throttle as long as you’ve selected the sport, touring or rain riding mode depending on your riding preferences or weather conditions.

I wouldn’t compare it with four-cylinder Japanese sport-touring bikes such as the Hornet or FZ1, although the Mana would make a good impression due to performance suspensions and ABS, apart from the bulletproof engine and transmission.

Stylistically, the bike is pretty much up to 2009’s standards although the Italian could have done more than adding an adjustable screen to it.

Aprilia MXV 450

For 2009, Aprilia decided to enlarge its success area from supermoto (SXV) and enduro (RXV) to motocross with the new MXV model. Don’t be fooled by the bike’s similar looks as Aprilia has spent a lot of time modifying the platform in order to prove efficient for motocross racing. The frame and fuel tank suffered radical changes while the engine has been worked on from airbox to exhaust.

In order to withstand to racing demands, the frame was strengthened and engineers made sure that it would lose a few kilos on its way to the bike. The fuel tank now found its place well down into the frame and further back, significantly contributing to a lower and centralized gravity center.

Modifications to the frame and gas tank also lead to repositioning the airbox in front of the tank, making it easier for the filer to be changed.

In what concerns the engine, that is used as a stressed member of the chassis, but, at its base, remains the same 77° v-twin which, for 2009, features a kickstarter instead of the starter motor. Lightened and able to rev as high as 12,500rpm, the engine oil is kept separately from the one in the clutch, allowing for extending servicing intervals.

The ECU, housed by the airbox, now features Full and Soft Power engine maps. Full Power means just that, while Soft Power implies a more docile character, perfect for accommodating with the bike in those first runs or during capricious weather.

Engine retuning for more low-to-mid rpm grunt was done through the titanium exhaust system, which, by the way, you will miss if you blink.

Honda Gold Wing GL1800

The ultimate touring bike gets green light for 2009 production without featuring major technical or design changes. So it should have the same 1800cc six-cylinder engine, now fitted with HECS3 system for emissions reduction.

A true limousine on two wheels, the Gold Wing comes fitted with airbags, ABS, Comfort Package, heated seats and feet warmers, features without which any normal rider wouldn’t be able to pun the miles that this bike is capable of. Reverse gear and electronic suspension is simply more than a rider could dream of, but at 417 kg, these systems become absolutely necessary.

Instead, what will be new on next year’s Gold Wing are the Pewter Silver Metallic and Dark Blue Metallic color schemes. These are meant to further enhance visual attraction, but also to make the difference between the current model year and the future one.

Ducati GT1000 Touring

Ducati’s stand at the Intermot show featured the Monster 1100 and 1100S as main attraction points, but the Italian house has also enlarged its 2009 SportClassic range with the GT1000 Touring.

Moto Guzzi Sport 1200 4V

Moto Guzzi has presented the first official pictures of the new 2009 Guzzi 1200 Sport 4V, an improved machine which determines the Italian maker to claim an increase in performance of up to 10hp and 10Nm while, stylistically, the bike remains the same.

The engine is still the “Quattrovalvole” V-Twin with eight valves that can be found on the Stelvio 1200 4V, only that now performance figures go as up as 105 hp at 7,500 rpm and 110 Nm at 6,500 rpm.

Clearly, the performance upgrade makes the 1200 Sport 4V one of the most desirable naked bikes that Europe has to offer and as you will read about features such as the tubular steel frame, Marzocchi suspensions and Brembo brakes featuring 320mm discs on which 4-piston radial calipers apply the braking power, there isn’t much more you can ask from it

The only changes you will notice if familiar with the previous model years is the new taillight and the stylish redesigned exhaust which now blends perfectly with the bike’s smooth lines. Just make sure you won’t confuse it with the 2008 model year.

BMW S 1000 RR Superbike - Official Pics

The Intermot saloon in Cologne, Germany was THE event for BMW to unveil the S 1000 RR model on which pilots Ruben Xaus and Troy Corser will compete in the World Superbike Championship.

The Bavarian house doesn’t give much information about the racing model apart from the fact that the engine will deliver 180 horses which will be harnessed by ABS and traction control, but the way it looks says all for the moment.

Honda V4 Concept Model is the soul of Intermot show

Kawasaki KLX250SF

Kawasaki further enhances the potential of the 2009 KLX250S by introducing the SF version, which is practically the same bike, but equipped with 17-inch supermoto wheels and suspensions that are retuned for street use.

Without a doubt, the KLX250SF introduces a whole new kind of excitement, but at its base is the same 249cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke, DOHC, four-valve single cylinder engine that is properly valued through a six-speed gearbox. The frame remains the same semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel unit as the bike is pretty much out to do the same things as the S version, but without the same results off the road.

Light (277 lb with all the fluids included) and user-friendly, the SF is very easy to get used to so it is mainly addressed to beginners and/or female riders who search for an economical, easy to maintain and relatively cheap commuter.

Because the new Kawi doesn’t exclude the fun factor and it is a bulletproof machine, the MSRP rises to as much as $5,299. Now, if you’re thinking that I’m just finding excuses, just check out the build quality of this bike and start reconsidering.

Easy to be distinguished from the bike it is derived from, the SF features black paint and some nice gray decals.

Aprilia Shiver 750 GT

Part of Aprilia’s continuous growing lineup is now the Shiver 750 GT, a half-faired, Shiver 750-derived model which intends on becoming successful not only on Europe’s winding roads, but on freeways too. The new model is designed like a veritable sport-tourer from the old continent as it features angular lines which are more aimed at increasing visual attraction rather than the bike’s aerodynamics.

The engine remains the same V-Twin producing 95bhp and 81Nm of torque, only that it will now have to move more than the previous 198 kg as the fairing and ABS system add significant weight to the new Aprilia.

Apart from the small fairing, anti-lock brakes (ABS) and three riding modes (sport, touring and rain), there’s no feature to distinguish the “GT” model from the previous, simple one. Sport mode delivers maximum power and torque, Tour mode reduces the throttle response a little bit, while during Rain mode, engine torque is being reduced with 25%. The three riding modes are possible due to fuel injection mapping set up which optimizes delivery to suit each individual mode.

BMW K 1300 GT

Barely launched, the 2009 BMW K 1300 GT shows itself in the first official pictures featuring the new color schemes that are Red/Orange, Bronze/Silver and Black/Gray.

A veritable touring bike, the GT features electrically-adjustable windscreen as well as heated seat and handles as standard options.

Although the engine produces 160 hp, they are harnessed by the speed limiter so the new BMW would still have a hard time dethroning the Kawasaki GTR 1400.

Stay tuned to find out more about this model as soon as new info comes up.

BMW K 1300 S

BMW made today public the first official pictures of the much bragged about 2009 K 1300 S, a bike that carries on the fame of the innovative K series by retaining the Duolever front suspension and single-sided swingarm with integrated shaft.

The new model is expected to make quite an impression on the industry’s scene not as much due to its 228 kg and 1292cc inline-four engine that is capable of 175 hp, but more due to the optional quickshifter and the new ESA 2 (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) system.

Overall, the design hasn’t been changed except the slightly redesigned side fairings and black finished front air scoops. For 2009, the BMW K 1300 S will be available Dark Gray painted with sportier colored graphics (white/red/gray), Metallic Gray and Orange.

The price hasn’t been made public yet.

Kawasaki Versys

Kawasaki presents the 2009 Versys without having too much to mention under the “Improvements” heading as the bike is still a relatively new introduction, a faultless one in many peoples opinion including myself.

They do ad a new color scheme, the Blue in the pictures, apart from Kawasaki Green, but the Versys remains the same all-rounder with many secrets yet to be unveiled when you jump on its seat. Combining a touring-like riding position with sports-like design and performance, a rider would have to reconsider its idea about data such as the 64 Hp, 45lb/ft moving and 454 lb wet weight.

That’s a great bike to get for $7,099, now painted, hopefully, according to your preferences.

Suzuki Tourist Trophy Replicas: 2008 GSX-R 600 and GSX-R 1000

Suzuki Great Britain announces GSX-R1000 Cameron Donald and GSX-R600 Bruce Anstey replicas as celebration of the Suzuki Relentless by TAS team victories in the Superbike, Superstock and Supersport categories.

The special edition motorcycles are production-based and, certainly, a dream came true for fans of motorcycle racing. They feature the team’s coloring and graphics and exert a magical attraction even from the pictures.

George Cheesman, marketing manager of Suzuki GB referring to this subject, "The Relentless by TAS team achieved incredible success at this year’s TT, almost delivering a clean sweep of wins. To celebrate this, we are pleased to offer these special edition models via the authorised dealer network in the team livery, with celebratory graphics in addition too."

Retail price for the GSX-R1000 Donald replica is £9,170 while for the GSX-R600 Anstey replica is £7,403.

Manufacturers that are successful on the track often apply this strategy in order to get more money on virtually the same product and for customer paid commercial. But as you take a look at the bikes you understand why each and every time fans compete for these bikes and then compete on them.

Kawasaki ER-6n

As the 2009 ER-6n gears up for America, engineers update the finishing touches of the 650cc parallel-twin in order for the 72bhp engine to look like is was meant to power the naked bike in the first place, not the Ninja 650R.

Kawasaki knows how demanding U.S. consumers can be with new products, especially the ones that don’t conform to their idea of a motorcycle so it ads a low, slim seat in addition to the comfortable riding position. Also, it is now claimed that a significantly lower level of vibrations will be transmitted through the handlebars and pegs, making it a good recommendation for women orientating towards two-wheeled forms of transportation.

Still, the bike doesn’t look as being powered by a two-cylinder engine and hides the low seat pretty good with its big Kawi looks. The headlight is nicely contoured in a greatly finished fairing while stylish signal lights are integrated into the side fairing, giving the ER-6n a stylish, distinctive look. Even though a naked, you will have to have a trained eye to spot the exhaust when all the 72 bhp are being rushed next to you.

MSRP in this case is $6,399, which makes the ER-6n a hard to beat package.

KTM RC8 1190 Red Bull Racing

French company Orca Suzuki, also a KTM lessee, has just unveiled a new Red Bull Racing version of the KTM RC8 1190. This is the first blue edition ever made and it is packed with accessories from the KTM racing catalog as well as Rizoma.

The first thing that sets it apart from the normal bike is the Red Bull custom styling and that’s the main reason why people will buy it. The French company plans on selling it for 17.900€.

Peugeot HYmotion3 Compressor concept makes its debut in Paris

Freshly unveiled at the 2008 Paris Motor Show is the entirely new HYmotion3 Compressor concept by Peugeot. A three-wheel tilting trike which features combined characteristics of a car and a scooter, the concept benefits of late Peugeot ‘HYmotion’ technology involving simultaneous powering of a petrol engine and two electric ones.

Featuring two seats and three wheels, the all-new vehicle powers the rear wheel with a 125cc, supercharged petrol engine developing 20 bhp. That only could have decently powered the Peugeot (and it actually can when selecting petrol only engine mode), but in that case it wouldn’t have been called a hybrid. So it gets two equally powerful (3kW) electric motors for each front wheel, quality that makes electric-only mode possible.

As you already suppose, the Peugeot is a highly efficient fuel economic trike, and you haven’t even heard the best of it yet. It actually features start/stop system which offers significant reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions in urban and stop-and-go traffic. Still, performance isn’t that bad as it needs 11.2 seconds to hit 60 mph while a quarter of a mile will require 17.6 seconds.

Because the HYmotion3 features roll-over protection, designers made sure that wind protection and that of the elements won’t become things to worry about so a screen/roof was added, making the trike worthy of being ridden by people wearing expensive suits rather than leather jackets.

Peugeot’s master plan also includes parallelogram type front suspension, which allows the front wheels to tilt, anti-lock brakes and a regenerative braking system which charges the batteries of the front electric engines. Life on board will also be made easier by the rearview camera and ride-by-wire controls.

The way I see it, Peugeot is most likely to stay keen on this project as there is a continuous increase of commuter vehicles and I wouldn’t be surprised if it will head to the production line in a couple of years.

2009 Honda DN-01 comes to the United States

Having first tested the European market with the all-new 2008 DN-01, Honda now made public the fact of selling their futuristic model in the United States for 2009. The news was anticipated by the motorcycle press and surrounded by a fair share of controversy as the motorcycle buyer in the U.S. is more into the classic style rather than the one that the still strange looking bike tries to implement.

Addressed to people translating from cars to motorcycles, the Honda DN-01 makes riding easy for the respective category of riders. It is all due to the ingenious combination between a fully automatic transmission, a low seat and intriguing design.

Accommodated in an upright riding position and without the worry of shifting gears, a DN-01 rider can fully benefit of the 680cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke 8-valve SOHC 52° V-twin’s performance. The engine is fed through a PGM-FI (programmed digital fuel injection) system, complementing perfectly for the lack of gears. Ok, so it isn’t just a combination between a cruiser and a sport bike, it has similar features to a state of the art maxi scooter.

With figures such as 60 bhp and 47 lb/ft, the bike won’t be hard to get accustomed with on the newly penetrated market, but it is expected to take its time until depleting stocks.

Two colors will be available for it in 2009: Black and Candy Dark Red under a $14,599 MSRP.

Indian Motorcycles to cut the ribbon at their first dealership on Sunday

The revamped American maker will inaugurate on the 4th of October its first modern day showroom in Lowell, close to the plant where the bikes are being produced. Indian plans on sharing the joy of opening the Indian Motorcycle Charlotte with fans so they will be invited on a tour of the nearby factory (Battleground Road in Kings Mountain) and be offered food, refreshments and music from Swampdawamp as well as special music guest Cottonmouth. Make sure to be there at 1pm. The company’s show trailer will be brought to the event.

On next year’s Chiefs, Indian retains the classic design, but brings great touches of modernity such as the electronic fuel injection on the 105 cubic inch V-Twin engine that produces 100 lb-ft of torque. Easy to develop soft spots for and an Indian emblem, the white wall tires are nicely contoured by sweeping fenders while the unique pin striping and studded saddle define Indian Motorcycles.

Prometheus: The solar-powered electric motorcycle

Jim Corning, founder of Prometheus Solar LLC makes an attempt to revive Craig Vetter’s 1980s Streamliner by using lithium-ion phosphate batteries which are connected to a 10 hp electric motor. The donor bike is apparently his wife’s old Kawasaki Ninja 250 and their house is a complete mess due to the solar panels that this innovative builder has installed there.

The top speed of 110 km/h and the 80 km range is surely not fast or distant enough to escape from an angry wife, but the idea of a futuristic non-polluting motorcycle seems to be holding on pretty good. Another machine like this and we’re all going to ride green in the future.

Its biggest down point is the sporty riding position on a bike that, frankly, is designed as a scooter. Actually, if riding in an upright position, your helmet’s visor has much chances to touch the windscreen at the slightest touch of the front brakes.

White paint schemes to dress 2009 Suzuki super sport models

Suzuki lines up to the tendencies for 2009 and ads white on the list of colors for the GSX-R 600, GSX-R 750 and the Hayabusa. As you may have noticed, these are the bikes that don’t feature any updates, the 2009 GSX-R 1000 being excluded.

The new color schemes and graphics are among the most appropriate for these models so far, leaving no questions to be asked related to technical evolution.

Hybrid Hondas to make their entry until 2011

Apparently in an effort to reduce the effects of increased gas prices on customer pockets and that of global worming on Mother Nature, but actually a great way of staying strong on the market, Honda plans to introduce its first hybrid motorcycles until the beginning of 2011.

The system will be borrowed from the Honda Insight hybrid car and it will be implemented on motorcycles featuring 200cc and up to 1000cc traditional internal combustion engines. Engineers hope to squeeze car components on the future bikes and see the short way for this big evolutionary step.

Also, Honda will start production of smaller electric motorcycles in 2010, among which can also be found the successor of the Cub series. In this case, engines will be sized from 50 to 125cc and the bikes powered in such way are most likely to put the world of two wheels, like the first Honda Cub did.

Still, history won’t literally repeat itself as the new electric motorcycles will have a 30 kilometers range. Hopefully that’s enough to take you to and from work every day.

Upcoming EICMA saloon will bring the 2009 Ducati Fighter

It is now confirmed. Ducati will present an all-new naked model featuring the engine on the 1098 at the EICMA show this November.

The 2009 Ducati Fighter has already been presented last week to authorized dealers under a strict confidentiality regime and despite all previous controversy, it is now a fact that its price will hire it just between next year’s Monster 1100 and the Ducati 1098 models.

A future fierce competitor for the MV Agusta Brutale, Aprilia Tuono and the Benelli TNT, the Ducati Fighter is yet another great way of exploiting the mighty 1099cc water cooled V-Twin powering the Ducati 1098 though it is expected that the engine will be retuned for low-and-mid rpm fun. Also, the gearbox is expected to undergo the same treatment.

Apart from the engine, the Ducati 1098 will also donate the frame and rear end to this future naked cousin, but no more as the Ducati Fighter drifts away from the super sports bike by featuring a shotgun-style exhaust and, possibly (hopefully, if you ask me), a single-sided swingarm.

In expectancy of the EICMA show on the 3rd or 4th of November, this is all the info we have on the bike, but be sure that this won’t be the last you hear of it.

Vectrix SBK Electric Superbike

Vectrix first unvieled its first Electric Superbike prototype at the Milan 2008 autoshow. It is claimed to be the first of its kind. Vectrix an established electric scooter company is willing to begin production of this electrifying concept as soon as it gets 500 orders at €55 000 . Vectrix is hoping to be in production within two years.

The Vectrix SBK concept is driven by a 240V, 60kW permanent magnet, brushless DC motor that delivers peaktorque of 102Nm at zero revs, with a 7.5kW/hour, lithium-ion battery that makes up 64kg of the bike’s all-up 204kg.

Range is claimed to be:

200km at a steady 40km/h

100km at 80km/h

70km at 120km/h

Vetrix claims top speed will be 200km/h and a standing quarter mile within 12 seconds. The batteries will hold enough charge for 20 flat-out laps of the Vallelunga circuit in Italy "in eerie silence". Gives a new meaning to ride the lightening!