Suzuki Motorcycle Australia has slashed $3000 off the price of its revived Katana and introduced two value accessory packs to help the model which has failed to make a showroom impact.
While it’s a great bike to ride, the styling has divided opinions and the bike has failed to live up to its exhilarating forebears.
To further boost interest, Suzuki has added two value cosmetic accessory packs.
The $1499 Shogun Pack brings the ride away price up to $17,749. It consists of: Two-tone seat, smoked visor, front and rear axle sliders, body decals and carbon fibre front fender, clutch cover, starter cover and alternator cover.
The $595 Samurai Pack lifts the price to $16,845 and includes: Two-tone seat, smoked visor, carbon-design tank pad and side protection decals, plus body and rim decals.
You can “build your own” Katana on the official website and clicking on the ‘Build Your Bike’ feature.
British electric motor company Saietta Group is expanding its production facilities as its radical Axial Flux Traction (AFT) motors roll out to the mass electric vehicle market.
Saietta means thunderbolt in Italian and their AFT-powered vehicles have set records on the water and in the air while their electric super bike was the first to win the Isle of Man TT Zero race.
They say their AFT140 motor is being taken up by other automotive companies, but declined to say which ones.
However, they claim their motor is “optimised for mid-power motorbikes and final-mile delivery vehicles”.
“The unique AFT design provides class-leading performance with high-torque density at low voltage and is particularly efficient on urban duty cycles,” they say.
“AFT has been rigorously designed for high automation in volume production meaning AFT140 cost effectively delivers class-leading performance for the L-Category target market.”
The “L-Category” is powered two- and three-wheelers (motorcycles, scooters and trikes), quadricycles, and micro cars.
The British company began in 2014 with the Saietta R super bike for $A35,000.
Back then the Saietta R had range of almost 200km in the city and about 120km on the highway, 127Nm of torque, recharging time of 3.5 hours and a top speed of 170km/h.
It appears the company no longer makes electric vehicles, but concentrates on its AFT140 motor for use in other vehicles from buses to boats and, of course, bikes.
The Oxfordshire company plans to sell its technology under license in Asia and the rest of the world.
Their expanded production plan will add 150-250 jobs over the next three to five years and the new sustainable plant will be powered by solar panels.
Despite the Honda CBR-600RR only selling in the Australian and Asian markets, the Japanese company has updated the super sport bike for 2021.
It seems a strange move from the manufacturer since the engine doesn’t meet stringent European and American emissions regulations and the fact that the super sport segment is dying around the world.
However, Honda has decided to update the cosmetics to HRC colours and graphics as well as throwing a host of technical features at the once-popular motorcycle.\
The updated 599cc inline four engine still doesn’t meet emissions regulations, but that doesn’t matter in Australia and Asia.
However, peak power has been raised 4.4kW to 88.7kW and shifted up to 14,000rpm.
The engine is also slightly lighter with new camshafts, vale springs and cranks.
Yet the weight of the whole bike has risen from 186kg to 194kg and we’re not sure why.
It could be some of the sophisticated electronics that have been thrown at the bike.
They include a full colour TFT dashboard, LED lighting and electronic riding aids such as new engine modes, traction control, wheelie control and lean-angle-sensitive ABS.
Is the Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT the Goldilocks of sport adventure tourers? You know, not too cold and not too hot, but just right on value, features, performance, handling, and comfort.
It’s been around since 2002 as the DL1000 and now the proven and bulletproof engine has been upgraded to Euro 5 spec with fly-by-wire throttle, more power, and more techno.
They include cruise, hill hold, slope and load-dependent braking, ride modes, traction control, leaning two-stage ABS and LED lighting.
The only thing missing is self-canceling indicators.
Otherwise, I reckon the flagship XT model is an ideal bike for touring our wide brown land in safety, comfort and style.
In fact, I reckon it’s the most stylish of all the sport adventure tourers, especially in the “Marlboro” colour scheme of my test bike. It looks like a handsome Dakar attacker!
The smooth ride-by-wire throttle and upgraded Bosch inertial measurement unit (IMU) on the XT allow for the host of hi-tech functions that make sport-touring safer and more effective on just about any road surface.
However, even the first level of ABS and traction control are still a little too interventionist on dirt roads. I’d prefer a bit more brake lock and wheel spin for tighter and more controlled cornering on gravel. It would be also handy to have the ability to switch off the ABS on the back only.
Otherwise, on gravel, it’s probably best to just switch off both traction and ABS.
The front brakes are very effective and responsive but probably with a little too much initial bite for gravel roads, while the rear brake has good feel and effect.
The XT’s braking system also features Hill Hold, Slope Dependent, and Load Dependent controls.
Hill hold automatically applies the rear brake when stopped on an upward slope to prevent it from rolling back; Slope Dependent control monitors the angle of the bike on a downhill slope to prevent rear wheel lift; and Load Dependent system automatically compensates for solo riding, two-up and luggage.
Other tech features include Low RPM assist which adds some revs so you don’t snuff it when taking off at the lights and the Easy Start one-button ignition/kill switch.
At the heart of the 1050XT is the creamy mid-torque feel of the 1037cc V-twin engine that now comes with three engine modes to smooth out throttle response for low-traction surfaces.
Transmission is like most Japanese gearboxes: silky smooth, faultless, and easy to find neutral.
While the drivetrain won’t set your hair on fire, acceleration is brisk and response is crisp. Goldilocks would find it just right.
So is the handling.
Factory settings closely suit my 75kg frame. I just needed to wind off a bit of rear preload with the convenient knob on the left side of the bike.
Heavier and lighter riders should be able to adjust the rear preload and fiddle with the fully adjustable 43mm KYB inverted front forks to find a setting that would even suit Goldilocks!
Its long-travel springs provide a plush and comfortable ride across the roughest country roads. Yet it still feels agile and sharp for an adventure tourer with a big 19-inch front wheel.
Suzuki’s big V-Strom feels just right for most roads, inviting you to travel far and wide and to facilitate your travels it arrives with a choice of two luggage accessories kits.
The Voyager pack features aluminium panniers and top box in powder-coated black ($3599) and anodised silver ($3699).
The Trekker Pack ($6199 in black and $6299 in silver) includes Suzuki plug-and-play heated grips, LED fog lamps, and a 4mm aluminium skid plate.
Pillions will enjoy the generous-sized seat and large hand grips.
However, some riders might find their seat too short and may even get pinched on the backside by the join with the separate pillion seat.
I found it very comfortable sitting forward on the seat which narrows as it approaches the tank.
This not only makes it ideal when standing for off-road riding, but also easier to get your feet on the ground despite the high 850mm perch. I’m just over 6’ tall and can place both feet flat on the ground with a slight knee bend.
I like the standing position, but I would roll the bars forward just a fraction and I’d prefer the big rubber-covered footpegs a little further forward. The pegs also get in the way when you stop and put your foot down.
The firm vinyl seat feels comfortable at first but it does get tiring toward the end of a long day in the saddle.
While the adjustable windscreen provides plenty of chest protection, it creates a lot of wind turbulence around your head in either the low or high position. I’d either remove it or add a deflector accessory on the top.
It’s also annoying that you have to get off the bike to adjust the screen with the handle on the front.
(A word of warning: When following a truck, the windscreen creates a bit of weave at highway speed.)
Making your touring more comfortable and convenient is the cruise control with the on/off switch next to the throttle and the setting controls on the left switchblock. You can set speeds in fourth gear and above between 50 and 160km/h.
These same controls also allow you to toggle through the reams of information and adjustment on the massive LCD screen.
While the screen is visible in all lighting conditions, some of the information in the bottom right hand corner is small and difficult to read.
Good to see the addition of a USB port to the left of the instruments, making it even more convenient for Goldilock’s next big adventure.
Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT
Price:
$20,990 ride away
Engine
1037cc 90° V-twin, liquid-cooled, DOHC
Transmission
6-Speed constant mesh with back-torque-limiting clutch
Suspension (front)
43mm KYB inverted forks with adjustable compression, rebound and spring preload
Suspension (rear)
Link type, KYB shock with adjustable rebound damping and spring preload
Triumph Motorcycles will return the 1990s Trident name to their fleet in the second quarter of 2021.
The company has revealed their midsized three-cylinder Trident design prototype at the London Design Museum.
In a press release, Triumph says the British-designed bike will have “torque-rich performance”, “class-leading technology” and “agile and confidence inspiring handling”.
So it sounds like it could be based on the drivetrain and tech of their Street Triple RS ($A$17,650).
However, instead of a 765cc engine, it might be a little smaller as they refer to it as a “new entry point into Triumph’s award winning Triple roadster line-up will be competitively priced to deliver great value for a new generation of riders”.
So maybe it is more like the learner-approved 660cc Street Triple ($A12,850) than the original 900cc Trident.
Triumph Trident 900
The Trident design prototype is the result of a four-year development programme at their Hinckley design facility with input from Milanese automotive designer Rodolfo Frascoli.
Rodolfo has also designed the Moto Guzzi Griso, Breva, Norge and Stelvio, Granturismo Vespa, Gilera Nexus, Ice and Dna, Triumph Speed Triple and Tiger 1050, Moto Morini Corsaro, Granpasso, Scrambler, Suzuki Katana, Triumph Tramontana, VR46 Mya and many more.
Here is part of the official Triumph press release
The Trident design prototype – the birth of a new icon: The Trident design motorcycle integrates the original design development model with prototype components – built to showcase the style and attitude of the landmark new motorcycle to come.
Introducing an all new contemporary take on Triumph style & attitude, the Trident design presents a pure, minimalistic form, with clean lines and uncluttered features that incorporates Triumph’s design DNA, with signature tank knee indents and key cues from our iconic Speed Triple’s muscular poise. Central to the overall form and brief, the Trident is built around a compact powerful Triumph triple engine, designed to bring all the advantages of a triple to the category for the first time, with the perfect balance of low down torque and top end power.
With a distinctive and confident stance & poise, the Trident will deliver rider ergonomics crafted to bring all of Triumph’s handling expertise, for the perfect balance of an engaged agile and dynamic ride, with an all-new chassis, married to great rider accessibility, comfort and confidence inspiring feel, including a natural upright riding position.
The design prototype also highlights another key aim with the integration of modern digital technology into the design that brings the features which riders in this world value and desire, in an elegant and easy to use way.
Steve Sargent. Triumph Chief Product Officer ”The Trident design prototype marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Triumph, where the brief was all about fun, from the look to the ride. With its pure minimalist form, clean lines, Triumph design DNA and more than a hint of our Speed Triple’s muscular poise, this gives the first exciting glimpse at the full Trident story to come. Ultimately our aim was to bring a new take on character and style, alongside the accessible easy handling and quality Triumph is known for – at a price that’s really competitive”.
Even though manufacturers and importers usually contact owners when a recall is issued, the bike may have been sold privately to a rider unknown to the company.
If you believe there is an endemic problem with your bike that should be recalled, contact the ACCC on 1300 302 502.
To check whether your motorcycle has been recalled, click on these sites:
Triumph has issued a global recall over wiring issues for its 900cc Street Twin and Street Scrambler models.
The issue revolves around the movement of the handlebars which inputs could damage the wiring harness over time due to a misrouted harness.
The wiring harness may make contact with the lower lug on the main frame headstock.
Constant steering inputs may cause the harness to rub the lug, resulting in wear and potential damage to the wiring over time. The engine may end up stalling unexpectedly.
The official Australian Competition and Consumer Commission notice has not yet been released but Triumph Australia has attempted to get in touch with owners to alert them to the issue.
Since some owners may have sold their bikes privately, we have published this recall notice to advise those new owners.
The issues affects 2019 and 2020 Street Twin and Scrambler models.
Owners are asked to book non their bike wth a Triumph dealer to have a VIN plate protector installed that will reroute the harness.
They will also inspect the harness and replace it if necessary, free of charge.
The “Bonneville” range has been the subject of several embarrassing recalls since they were introduced in 2016:
Even though manufacturers and importers usually contact owners when a recall is issued, the bike may have been sold privately to a rider unknown to the company.
If you believe there is an endemic problem with your bike that should be recalled, contact the ACCC on 1300 302 502.
To check whether your motorcycle has been recalled, click on these sites:
It is a certain bet that BMW will introduce more variants of the R 18 – their first cruiser in 16 years since the R 1200 C – like this solo-seat custom model.
The R 18 First Edition, which features classic double pin striping paint and chrome will be available in limited numbers for $30,190.
The initial batch of R 18 First Editions allocated to Australia arriving this year will be fitted with “reverse assist”, bringing the price to $31,690.
Now they have unveiled the “Blechmann” which is the nickname of Austrian customiser Bernhard Naumann.
Bernhard changed little on the frame or the technology.
It features a sporty solo seat, a modified tank, Kellermann taillight, kidney-shaped headlight and a narrower, cleaner look to expose the massive 1802cc engine.
The custom also comes in classic BMW black with white pin-stripes to reflect the 1936 R 5, after which the R 18 is styled.
In total, the team around Blechmann worked 450 hours on his version of the BMW R 18.
“My work begins by removing parts of the original version until a white canvas remains,” he says.
“As the construction progresses, the design develops. I call this ‘rapid-prototyping-Blechmann-style’.”
Whether BMW Motorrad will produce a custom like this is debatable, but it shows they are searching for customer reaction to model variants.
Unlike the Roland Sands Dragster, customers won’t be able to personalise their own Blechmann. Whereas Roland has created two design collections of milled aluminium parts for the launch of the R 18 Cruiser: “Machined” and “2-Tone-Black”.
They include front and rear wheels in different dimensions from standard, plus speedometer housings, handlebar clamps, risers, handlebar grips, hand levers and mirrors as well as engine housing trim elements, filler caps, intake silencer covers and much more.
“I haven’t received technical details yet from CFMoto,” he told us.
Well, now he has.
It will be powered by the largest-capacity motorcycle engine not only in CFMoto’s 30-year history, but also China’s motorcycle manufacturing history.
The CF1250 will be powered by a 1278cc V-twin producing 105kW (140hp) of power and 120Nm of torque.
It is basically a heavily re-engineered version of KTM’s LC8 V-twin, manufactured under licence.
CFMoto and KTM have had a long association with the Chinese manufacturer producing small-capacity KTM bikes for the local market for several years.
The CF1250 will not only have their biggest engine, but also the world’s biggest colour TFT dash with a 12.3-inch screen.
This bike is part of a model assault into new segments planned by the Chinese company in partnership with KTM, starting with the 700CL-X early next year.
CFMoto have just opened a new office and research and development building in Hangzhou and later this year will commission their new 150,000sqm high-tech factory. It has a potential production capacity of 50,000 larger-capacity (790cc-plus) motorcycles a year.
Company chairman and owner Lai Guogui says they wanted to demonstrate their capability with larger-displacement models.
“While other companies in the domestic Chinese powersports industry were developing 125/150cc bikes, CFMoro was making our 650NK model, on which we are already on to the second generation,” he says.
“And while other companies are developing 250/300/400cc bikes, CFMoto is developing a 1000cc-plus bike.”
In Australia, the Chinese company has sold more than 25,000 vehicles since it debuted in 2005 through its Australian-owned distributor, Mojo Motorcycles. They now have more than 80 dealers.
They have also increased their two-year warranty to three years for all CFMoto motorcycles bought until the end of the year.
They also slashed $3500 off the equally abortive one-year-old Nuda 900 that same year.
The price drop for the new 401 models comes with updated features including an extended, bolt-on subframe to increase pillion comfort and new a paint finish with silver and bronze accents.
The 2020 learner-approved Vitpilen 401 street model is now available in Australia with the Svartpilen 401 arriving in late August.
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