Sunday, November 14, 2010

Aprilia Tuono V4 R

Aprilia Tuono V4 R


Next to the RS4, Aprilia also brought the Tuono V4 R supersports bike to the EICMA Show. The new bike features a new exhaust system with bypass valve, which is two kilos lighter than the system used on the RSV4 R and is powered by a V4 65° engine framed by the brushed aluminum elements.

One special feature of the new Tuono V4 R is the APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) joystick, the second generation electronic dynamics control package developed by Aprilia to get as close as possible to the physical limits of riding. APRC is based on an automotive inertia sensor platform, with two gyrometers and two accelerometers allowing the ECU to determine the dynamic state of the motorcycle and control engine torque accordingly to help the rider exploit the full performance potential of the bike in all conditions.

The APRC package includes ATC traction control (Aprilia Traction Control), with eight selectable levels, which controls sliding when accelerating out of a curve in relation to bank angle and throttle aperture, AWC (Aprilia Wheelie Control), which helps the rider control extreme wheelying by gradually bringing the front wheel back to the ground, and AQS (Aprilia Quick Shift), which allows instantaneous upshifts without closing the throttle or using the clutch. Completing the suite of four functions is the most exhilarating of all: ALC (Aprilia Launch Control).

Press release after the jump .


Thursday, November 11, 2010

Aprilia RS4

Aprilia RS4


Aprilia has unveiled a completely revised RS4 at the EICMA Show in Italy. It will be offered in two versions: Aprilia RS4 50 and Aprilia RS4 125. The first version, the RS4 50, is powered by a single cylinder, liquid cooled 50 cc 2-stroke engine while the second version, the RS4 125, is powered by a single cylinder liquid cooled 125 cc 4-stroke with electronic injection, 4 valves, and double overhead camshafts (DOHC).

The RS4 features a unique look at the front end with the headlights suspended over the gaping air intakes. It also uses the same spectacular tapered tail fairing as found on the 1000 cc supersports model. These models set new standards in terms of style and technical content for the superbike segment.

The superbike comes with a multifunctional analogue/digital instrument panel with LCD display and 6-spoke design wheels. On Aprilia RS4, one additional detail underscores the level of sophistication of the bike: the exhaust, which is unmistakably inspired by competition machines, is completely integrated within the lower part of the fairing. A solution that is not just visually effective, but which also contributes significantly to the dynamics of the bike by helping to centralise masses.

Press release after the jump .


Husqvarna Mille 3 Concept

Husqvarna Mille 3 Concept


At the recent EICMA Show in Milan, Italy Husqvarna brought the Mille 3, a "concept study that demonstrates Husqvarna’s ability to design with highly diverse technical solutions, creating a dynamic and seductive contrast."

"It is an alloy of emotion, curiosity and anti-conformism, molded in an original form. A bike that is complete, but stripped down, elegant but slightly threatening. An explosive mix that appeals to all the senses and sets a new benchmark for future Husqvarna bikes."

The Mille 3 Concept is powered by a fuel-injected 933cc V-3 engine with the cylinders and heads taken from the Husky’s off-road bikes.

"The lines are flowing, the breaks decisive, the shape is streamlined. The vaguely retro rear blends effortlessly into the sculpted side panels. The overall look reinterprets and evolves the stylistic features and architecture typical of Husqvarna design. All in all, it is a winning combination of style and technology that amply expresses the project philosophy—whatever is not functional is superfluous and discarded."


KTM 990 Adventure Dakar

KTM 990 Adventure Dakar


KTM is set to unveil at this year’s EICMA Show a new motorcycle that will confirm the German maker’s domination at "The Dakar rally". Called 990 Adventure Dakar the new motorcycle is not however a replacement for the current KTM 450 Rally and will not be raced in Argentina and Chile, but it does show that KTM is indeed a maker that can do amazing things.

The 990 Adventure Dakar will feature a blue and orange paint, Dakar graphics, standard engine protection bars and much more. We do not have any details on the bike’s specifications yet, but considering the new Dakar rally regulation require a 450cc engine, expect nothing else from KTM.

Stay with us, we’ll have full details for you next week when EICMA Show begins. KTM announced a few other goodies for this year show, including the 450 Rally that will indeed compete in both Argentina and Chile rally.

Updated 11/03/2010: KTM has revealed today the official images on the new 990 Adventure Dakar. The 2011 limited edition Adventure “Dakar” breathes the spirit of the greatest raids of all times. Authentic, “cigarette blue” plastic parts with the Bedouine graphics of KTM’s factory racers cover the orange frame. A high-quality suedelook seat cover looks good and prevents slippage even on extreme tracks. At the same time, the “Dakar” combines popular features of both the other models – while the Adventure donates the suspension with 210 mm of travel as well as the sensitive Bosch ABS, the engine is that of the Adventure R with 115 bhp.


Tuesday, November 9, 2010

KTM 990 Adventure Dakar

KTM 990 Adventure Dakar


KTM is set to unveil at this year’s EICMA Show a new motorcycle that will confirm the German maker’s domination at "The Dakar rally". Called 990 Adventure Dakar the new motorcycle is not however a replacement for the current KTM 450 Rally and will not be raced in Argentina and Chile, but it does show that KTM is indeed a maker that can do amazing things.

The 990 Adventure Dakar will feature a blue and orange paint, Dakar graphics, standard engine protection bars and much more. We do not have any details on the bike’s specifications yet, but considering the new Dakar rally regulation require a 450cc engine, expect nothing else from KTM.

Stay with us, we’ll have full details for you next week when EICMA Show begins. KTM announced a few other goodies for this year show, including the 450 Rally that will indeed compete in both Argentina and Chile rally.

Updated 11/03/2010: KTM has revealed today the official images on the new 990 Adventure Dakar. The 2011 limited edition Adventure “Dakar” breathes the spirit of the greatest raids of all times. Authentic, “cigarette blue” plastic parts with the Bedouine graphics of KTM’s factory racers cover the orange frame. A high-quality suedelook seat cover looks good and prevents slippage even on extreme tracks. At the same time, the “Dakar” combines popular features of both the other models – while the Adventure donates the suspension with 210 mm of travel as well as the sensitive Bosch ABS, the engine is that of the Adventure R with 115 bhp.


KTM RC8 R Track

KTM RC8 R Track


Next to the RC8 R superbike, KTM also brought to EICMA Show in Italy a Track version for it. The motorcycle is compatible with the FIM Superstock homologation and can therefore be used in official championships.

The "Track" directly developed and produced by the RC8 Motorsport Department is the perfect two cylinder Superbike for hobby riders - like those competing in various championships.

The motorcycle is powered by the same twin-cylinder engine that delivers an impressive 175 bhp and 127 Nm of torque. The TRack version gets the same improved gear shift linkage, new LED daytime running lights, but also a more track oriented look.

KTM now offers a street bike product that is a pure bred sports-oriented racing machine. More and more riders of super sporty bikes are now showing a preference for the race track in the form of either training sessions or races.

Press release after the ump.


Moto Guzzi Norge GT 8V

Moto Guzzi Norge GT 8V


The Italians from Motto Guzzi came to EICMA Show with the 2011 Norge GT 8V. The 2011 model gets revamped electronic controls, timing and cooling systems, new integrated ignition and injection ECU for claimed better throttle response and more midrange. It will also get a new, distinctly modern shapes in the bodywork, fairing and bags

The 2011 Norge GT 8V is powered by a 1151 cc 90° V-Twin, four-stroke, air cooled engine mated to a six-speed gearbox. The new 8-valve engine is complimented by a reworked stainless steel 2-int-1 exhaust system for better breathing, helping to push the horsepower rating to 102 HP at 5500 rpm.

With a weight of 566.6 lbs, the Norge’s saddle is 31.89 inches in height and has been outfitted with a wider, more padded seat. The handlebar position has been lowered and retracted slightly while its instrument panel has been moved to make it easier for riders to read.