Tag Archives: V-twin

Motorcycle News, News

Benelli V-Twin Adventure Motorcycle In The Works

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Benelli is one of the very few names from China that’s managed to make a name for itself in the motorcycle industry. It’s picked up steam over the last few years, launching some rather impressive motorcycles. Now, patent images of a new ADV have emerged, giving us an idea of where the brand is headed with future products.

CycleWorld points out that Qianjiang, Benelli’s parent company, has filed design patents with Chinese authorities. It’s still unclear whether the motorcycle in question will retail via the Benelli brand or be part of the QJMotor line-up in China. However, aspects like the Brembo brake calipers and what appears to be “Benelli” branding at the bottom of the left fork suggest that this will be part of the latter’s arsenal.

Studio shot of the upcoming Benelli V-twin 650cc ADV

The patents also reveal that an all-new 650cc V-twin engine will power the upcoming motorcycle. For reference, Benelli’s current line-up includes parallel-twin 500cc and 750cc engines. The new engine could also be the birth of a new platform that could spawn multiple models. CycleWorld mentions that this new 650cc twin is similar to the one on the Suzuki V-Strom 650, and so a peak power output of around 70hp is expected. Considering its displacement and performance, it’ll take on the likes of ADVs like the Yamaha Tracer 7 or Ténéré 700 and the upcoming Triumph Tiger 660. 

Studio shot of the upcoming Benelli V-twin 650cc ADV

The design of the motorcycle is unlike any of Benelli’s or QJ’s offerings, as well. Unlike the TRK 502, Benelli’s entry-level ADV, this bike features no beak and uses a unique vertically-stacked headlight design. It’s also sharper and seems narrower, akin to the Ténéré 700. Despite its ADV-like design, the motorcycle in the patents appears to be road-biased. From the looks of it, it employs a 19-inch wheel at the front and 17-inch rear. However, it does feature wire-spoke wheels and a high-mounted exhaust, and we could even see a 21-inch front-wheel-equipped, more off-road-ready variant available.

Near-Production-2022-Triumph-Tiger-1200-Seen-Testing-2

Like with all patents, this one is no indication that this motorcycle is anywhere near production. However, it seems like a solid contender in the segment, and we’re hoping it will see the light of day soon.

Studio shot of the upcoming Benelli V-twin 650cc ADV

Image credit: CycleWorld

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Zongshen Showcases Cyclone RA9 V-Twin Concept

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The CIMA Motor show in China concluded this past week, and it gave us a glimpse of the many motorcycles and concepts that the country’s manufacturers are working on. A few days back, we covered the two new V4 engines from Benda – one of which is possibly the most potent Chinese-made engine we’ve seen. Now, CycleWorld has reported on another unique concept that made its debut at the show – the Zongshen Cyclone RA9.

For the uninitiated, Zongshen is the Piaggio Group’s partner in China and is responsible for producing their small-capacity motorcycles, like the Aprilia GPR 250. It’s this connection that forms the roots of the Cyclone RA9 concept, as well. The engine on the bike is derived from the V-twin that powers the Aprilia Shiver and Dorsoduro, albeit in a slightly different spec. CycleWorld reports that the Shiver and Dorsoduro 900 are powered by an 896cc twin, while the Dorsoduro 1200 employs a larger 1,197cc V-twin. Meanwhile, the engine on the RA9 displaces 987cc, and Zongshen claims a peak power of 112hp at 9,500rpm with maximum torque of 72ft-lb coming in at 7,500 rpm.

Zongshen-Showcases-Cyclone-RA9-V-Twin-Concept-2

The model showcased looks mainly like a concept bike, but you’ll find that the Cyclone RA9 included many production components. With its tubular steel front and cast alloy rear, the frame is identical to the one on the Shiver and Dorsoduro. However, unlike on those motorcycles, this one uses a single-sided swingarm. The RA9 is a much more radical-looking motorcycle than its Italian counterparts, and it’s evident that it’s meant for just a rider – no pillion, no luggage. Zongshen also mentioned the presence of J.Juan radial brakes, Bosch ABS, and fully adjustable suspension. All of this, putting the bike’s weight at 215kg.

Earlier this year, Zongshen launched the Cyclone RX6, which is powered by the Norton 650cc parallel-twin. Their CIMA stand also showcased a new RX850 adventure bike, powered by an enlarged 850cc iteration of the Norton twin. 

Zongshen-Showcases-Cyclone-RA9-V-Twin-Concept-3

Source: CycleWorld

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Langen Motorcycles To Reveal New Two-Stroke With 24-Karat Detailing

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A new motorcycle company is setting the words ‘modern’, ‘carbon fiber’ and ‘two-stroke’ alongside the promise of 24-karat gold-leaf detailing – and it premieres in three weeks. 

a close look at the 24-karat detailing on Langen Motorcycles' First Brainchild - The Langen Two-Stroke

Langen Motorcycles was Founded in 2019 when Christofer Ratcliffe – previously the Chief Design Engineer at CCM Motorcycles – decided to break away from the convention of a larger company and create his own twist on the current market.

“I wanted to create something completely new,” Christopher tells us. “I sold my car, sold my home, I went all-in on it.”

Langen Motorcycles' First Brainchild - The Langen Two-Stroke

His passion was not misplaced. By the time the lockdowns hit in 2020, the business was in full production of their first bike – and there was an immense amount of interest in the big reveal. 

“We managed to get to one show last September, in between lockdowns. The response was overwhelming from everyone who saw the bike in the flesh. It validated all the hard work and sleepless nights.”

Langen Motorcycles' First Brainchild - The Langen Two-Stroke

According to a report from WiganToday, the Two-Stroke will feature a 249cc, 90º V-twin engine capable of tossing out a top speed of more than 140mph, as well as a hand-laid carbon fiber tank and bodywork, courtesy of the gents at Wigan factory.

The bike will also have a tubular aluminum ‘space’ frame and swingarm, purported to be ‘ultra-lightweight, also a factor that was hand-built in-house. 

CCM's Spitfire - the bike that inspired a wave of new bikes with stylish features, and a penchant for panache.

Langen Motorcycles' First Brainchild - The Langen Two-Stroke

With only 100 units in the batch, the deposits are coming in hard and fast.

Interested in buying this beauty? The Langen Two-Stroke will be up for grabs at the exclusive price of £28,000, with a £1,000 refundable deposit to secure a build slot. 

Langen Motorcycles will be premiering the bike at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, in West Sussex, England, in 21 short days.

For more articles on the beauties of limited edition motorcycles, head over to MotorBikeWriter.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Harley unleashes 131 Screamin’ cubes

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Harley-Davidson’s Screamin’ Eagles factory customs department has unleashed its biggest engine yet, the 131-cube (2147cc) crate motor.

The Screamin’ Eagle Milwaukee Eight 131 Crate Engine features the same 114mm (4.5”) stroke as the 114 Milwaukee Eight, but has been bored out from 101mm (4”) to 109mm (4.31”).

Harley claims it makes 90kW (121hp) of power and 177Nm (131ft-lb) of torque when matched to the Screamin’ Eagle Street Cannon mufflers. It also requires an ECM calibration and Screamin’ Eagle Pro Street Tuner.

That’s a lot of grunt, but still not comparable to the Triumph Rocket 3 which last year went from 2.3 litres to 2.5 litres with 123kW (165hp) at 6000rpm, up 11% over the previous model, and 220Nm (163ft/lb) of peak torque at 4000rpm.

That makes the Trumpy the biggest torque monster of any production bike in the world.

2019 Triumph Rocket 3 TFC torque monster2019 Triumph Rocket 3 TFC

Price and availability

The 131-cube monster, as well as the recently introduced Screamin’ Eagle Milwaukee-Eight 107″/ 114″ and 128″/131” Stage IV Kits, are not in the Aussie 2020 HD catalogue.

However, Harley-Davidson Australia spokesman Keith Waddell says they are “very excited to have these performance parts in ANZ and will provide an update when these parts are available for sale”.

We believe the parts are being homologated.

In the US, the price is $US6195 ($A9000) for the 131 oil-cooled version and $US6395 ($A9360) for the twin-cooled motor.

You could expect to pay around $A10,000 for the Screamin’ Eagle 131 crate motor, given a CVO 117 motor costs about $A7400.

Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide Limited Road Glide Boom Box rain wet infotainment audio technoCVO Street Glide Limited wth 117 plant

Screamin’ Eagle 131

Harley’s Screamin’ Eagle Milwaukee Eight 131 Crate Engine bolts straight into 2017 and later Touring models running an oil-cooled or twin-cooled Milwaukee Eight engine.

With a compression ratio of 10:7:1, you will have to be careful on downshifts not to lock the rear wheel.

You will also be paying more to fuel up with high-flow fuel injectors that guzzle fuel at a rate of 5.5-grams a second.

There are bigger accessory motors available for Harley’s and other big twins, but Harley-Davidson Product Manager James Crean says their engine’s raw grunt is matched by factory-made reliability and a 12-month or 24-month factory limited warranty.

It comes in black/chrome or black/gloss black with 131 Stage IV badging on the cylinder heads and timer cover.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Royal Enfield develops 834cc V-twin engine

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Royal Enfield has only just unveiled their 650cc parallel-twin-engined Interceptor and Continental GT, but are already developing a bigger 834cc V-twin.

The Indian company unveiled the engine in a Bobber prototype soft-tail called the Concept KX to pay homage to their 1938 1140cc V-twin.

1938 Royal Enfield KX 1140 834cc
1938 Royal Enfield KX 1140

Interestingly it’s 834cc, but there is 838 stamped on the engine in their official video.Royal Enfield KX Concept bobber 834cc

While Royal Enfield says the KX will not go into production any time soon, it could be the start of a whole new line of cruiser models with the traditional cruiser-oriented V-twin format.

While the Bobber is designed along the lines of their 1938 model and has old-style girder fork, it has modern tech such as twin ByBre (cheaper Brembo version) brake discs, LED headlight, all-digital circular instrument pod (like the Ducati Scrambler) and an airbox that is part of the frame. Sounds as innovative as something Erik Buel would think up!

No more details on the bike are available, but it does look a lot like the very poplar Indian Scout right down to the dual right-right-side pipes and brown solo seat.

The new 834cc V-twin engine was probably developed in Leicestershire, England, were the Indian-owned company has built a research, design and development “technology centre”.

Enfield of India began assembling Bullet motorcycles under licence from the British company in 1956 and complete bikes by 1962.

The British company went bust in 1971 and Enfield of India was bought by heavy vehicle and bus maker Eicher in 1995.

Royal Enfield is now the oldest motorcycle brand in the world still in production while the Bullet model is the longest motorcycle production run of all time.

We will be very interested to see what other engines and bikes will come from the new UK tech centre!

The 650cc models certainly could do with a scrambler, street tracker and bobber.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
https://motorbikewriter.com/royal-enfield-develops-834cc-v-twin-engine/