MotorCycle: 2011.03

Leo Vince Leo Vince Launches BMW Bikes

Leo Vince Leo Vince Launches BMW Bikes have been studying the market for budget priced exhausts for a while, and have been working on new materials and finishes, until coming up with the new 'LV-ONE'. These are LeoVince's entry level exhausts in their "SBK" range for BMW motorcycles, offering a new design for those bikers that require a performance slip-on exhaust, in the latest design and materials, but all at a budget price

Fully constructed from high grade AISI304 stainless steel, compact slim oval shape with LeoVinces trademark flat top & bottom sections, with a special titanium-look outer casing - plus the totally new techno-polymer end cap designs - these exhausts look much more expensive than they really are. And a real plus, easy to look after with little or no maintenance required.

LeoVince supply these exhausts with full European approval, each exhaust is 'E' marked and suitable for use legally in the UK and Europe. For those riders that demand better performance and a deeper sound, then the factory fitted db baffle can be removed. Also, a fitting kit is supplied to reinstall the baffle. All 'LV-ONE' exhausts are tested and set-up at the factory to work with stock engine management systems.

In terms of mounting hardware, these exhausts are supplied with stainless link pipes, genuine carbon fibre support straps, and a full fitting kit tailored for each individual bike. And no worries for bikes fitted with o/e panniers as the silencers are designed to fit without clearance problems.

2011 Vyrus 4V 987c Review

2011 Vyrus 4V 987c Review hyper exotic motorcycles launched in India Rs 25 lakh. exotic car expresses the 987c bike 2011 Vyrus 4V, which was among the audience to enjoy general aviation Globe, the organizers of Indigo Airlines, which introduced a wonderful creation of the Italian sports motorcycle in New Delhi yesterday.

Ducati 1198cc V-twin in 2011 Vyrus 4V 987c is available in two versions, versions that are supercharged and turbo. No supercharged version will be a large number of 170 hp supercharged version of the premium is good enough for 211 Italian theater purebred.

The motorcycle isn’t just about the engine but more about the chassis and steering. The highly exotic,revolutionary and complicated hub steering, which gives the rider great control even at the limits makes it to the Vyrus 987. Apart from this, the odd ball body works which ooze a pure animal rawness hitherto unseen oin other motorcycles sees plenty of carbon fiber.

So, you get a motorcycle that weighs in at a super light 163 kilos for the base model which gives the 2011 Vyrus 987C 4V a stupendous power to weight ratio of over 1000Bhp/Ton. To top it all off, the top of the line 211 Bhp, supercharged Vyrus will be even lighter at 158 Kgs.

2011 Vyrus 4V 987c Feature
Displacement:999.00 ccm (60.96 cubic inches)Engine type:V2, four-strokeEngine details:90 degree L-Twin Ducati engine, 4 valve Desmo system.Power:155.00 HP (113.1 kW))Top speed:292.0 km/h (181.4 mph)Compression:11.9:1Bore x stroke:104.0 x 58.8 mm (4.1 x 2.3 inches)Valves per cylinder:4Fuel system:Injection. EFI E4Fuel control:Desmodromic valve controlIgnition:CDILubrication system:Forced by pump at gearCooling system:LiquidGearbox:6-speedTransmission type,
final drive:ChainClutch:Dry multiple discExhaust system:Underseat double stainless

Honda Crossrunner Feature

Honda Crossrunner Feature Australia has dipped a toe in the adventure-touring water every now and then with models such as the XLV750, Transalp and Varadero but none of those models achieved much success in the Australian marketplace. The current model Transalp is one of the biggest selling bikes in Europe but struggles to reach double digits on the Australian sales charts.

Traditionally medium capacity machines in this class are powered by a single-cylinder engine while large machines are twins configured traditionally in boxer, parallel or vee layouts. Triumph is about to do something different with an 800cc triple while with the impending release of the Crossrunner Honda are going the V-4 route.

The Crossrunner utilizes the liquid-cooled, 90-degree 782cc V-Four powering the Interceptor in American Honda current lineup. Peak power claims are 100 horsepower at 10,000 rpm 53.7 lb-ft torque at 9,500 rpm. Honda explains the engine selection thus: With most sport tourer machines using an Inline four-cylinder engine and most adventure motorcycles using a twin-cylinder powerplant, the design team had an exciting opportunity. A smooth, flexible and soulful 800cc V-Four engine, specifically tuned for a machine that helps a rider find a flowing rhythm.

Honda’s PGM-FI fuel injection delivers the fuel. A six-speed transmission transmits the power to the rear wheel via chain final drive.

Features
• Liquid-cooled 782cc, 4 cam, 90° V4 engine delivers a smooth curve of power with excellent torque throughout the rev range
• Low-slung 4-2-1 exhaust system leaves room for a lower, flatter pillion seat as well as allowing for an attractive exhaust design, excellent cornering clearance and a distinctive V4 engine note
• Natural, upright riding position of a Naked machine is combined with the roominess, comfort and rugged appearance of an adventure bike
• Wide handlebar configuration contributes to quick, accurate response to steering input
• Low passenger seat is designed for easy mounting and positions pillion at similar level to the rider, resulting in better wind protection and an enhanced ride feel
• ‘Floating’ instrument binnacle is positioned for maximum visibility at all times and includes a digital LCD speedometer, a tachometer, twin trip meters, a coolant temperature gauge, an ambient temperature indicator and a clock- Honda

Bajaj Auto launches new Feature

Bajaj Auto launches new Feature of its `Discover' bike priced at Rs 45,500 (ex-showroom, Delhi).

The new Discover is powered with a 125cc engine and a state-of-the-art DTS-i technology with an unbeatable combination of mileage and power

The three companies had initially said they would form a joint venture for the small-car project, with Bajaj holding a 50% stake and Renault and Nissan sharing the remaining equally between them.

However, they had differences of opinion and finally decided to settle for a partnership under which Bajaj will develop the car, which will be branded and marketed by Renault and Nissan.

From above words it’s very clear that new Discover is not just the Discover which we have seen till now. It will be entirely new variant of Discover. Discover the brand which was introduced by Bajaj Auto in 2004 has sold more than 4 million units till the date. The first variant of Bajaj Discover was Discover 125cc. The new Discover is going to become sixth variant under Discover portfolio which currently has only Discover 100cc and Discover 150cc. The company discontinued three variants Discover 125cc launched in 2004, Discover 112cc launched in 2005 and Discover 135cc launched in 2008.

The bike is having a 144.8cc four-stroke engine, and will make 13.3 PS @ 7500 revolutions per minute (RPM). Discover DTSi 150 also claims a mileage figure of 65 kilo meters per litre for this bike.

This bike will have a 5-speed gear-box, disc-brake, wider-rear tyres for better road grip, LED tail lamp, electric start, and nitrox suspension for high level of comfort on difficult roads. This bike will be made available in black-red, black-blue, and multicoloured green gold. This bike is going to be innovative, as per Bajaj.

The Ducati Diavel Feature

The Ducati Diavel Feature took a lot of flak when the first pictures were released, and a lot more when it went on display at shows around the world. Ducati was betraying its brand values, the bike didn’t belong in any category, it was ugly, uncomfortable, expensive, irrelevant.

Which just goes to show what a load of nonsense people are prepared to spout when they know hardly anything. Now they’re going to look even sillier because the Diavel is the most exciting motorcycle of 2011, and one of the most original, daring and brilliantly executed of the past decade to boot.

The power cruiser label carries a lot of weight, literal and figurative. Rides like the V-MAX, M109R and Rocket III boast impressive power stats, but also sport portly curb weights. The Diavel is a different beast. While monstrously powerful, it’s not a monstrosity. Having taken the new Duc out for a spin at the international press launch in Marbella, Spain, Motorcycle USA can vouch for the Diavel’s true nature, and sooth any lingering fears for the Ducati devout.

Ducatisti were up in arms when rumors of the Diavel circulated; after all, why should the bike builder known for its race-ready motorcycles dabble in a genre notorious for its crippling performance limitations? Perhaps they saw a gap in power cruisers like Harley-Davidson's V-Rod Muscle, Suzuki's M109R, and Star's V-Max, which pack high-powered engines but also weigh in excess of 600 pounds.

Model tested: Ducati Diavel Carbon Red
Price: £15,895 (base model, from £12,995)
Available: end of February 2011
Engine: 90-degree V-twin, liquid cooled, dohc desmodromic 8v, 1198.4cc
Power: 160bhp (162PS, 119kW) @ 9,500rpm
Torque: 94lb.ft (127.5Nm) @ 8,000rpm
Economy: n/a
Tank/Range: 3.75 gallons (17 litres, 4. 5 US gallons)/ n/a miles
Transmission: Six gears, wet clutch, chain final drive
Chassis: Tubular steel trellis, cast aluminium rear subframe
Seat height: 30.3in (770mm)
Wheelbase: 62.6in (1590mm)
Rake/trail: 28°/ n/a

Triumph Thunderbird 1600 Review

Triumph Thunderbird 1600 Review was revealed would be an understatement. Now, it seems that Thunderbird’s depressingly mediocre nature is all part of Triumph’s plan; they want customers to be lured by the potential of a 1600cc bike that’s neither Japanese nor a Harley, but necessitate the purchase of expensive aftermarket accessories in order to get it to look and perform like it should. Taking a page directly from Harley’s playbook, Triumph will offer in excess of 100 add-ons for the Thunderbird, available directly from dealers or a website specifically created for the purpose that will launch next month.

Thunderbird devours curves and laughs in the face of those who say cruisers don’t handle. From the very first corner you take, the Thunderbird will pay you the ultimate complement, flattering the rider with its impeccable handling and dynamic qualities in acceleration, handling and braking. An ABS braking option has been offered as an option too, offering additional security in all conditions.

Seat height, at 27.6 inches, is quite low. The seat itself is comfortable, with no complaints after well over 100 miles in the saddle and this coming from a notorious whiner when it comes to motorcycle perches! Looking down from behind the saddle is a circular instrument cluster, with analog speedo on the top half and matching tach underneath – a small LCD display is housed to the middle right. The instrumentation looks good, but rests on top of the 5.8-gallon fuel tank and requires looking down from the road ahead to glance, at least for me while wearing a full face helmet.

The real test of the Thunderbird will be on the sales floor, where its attractive $12,499 base MSRP compares well with the H-D Dyna line and has the potential to make the British firm some serious dollars. True, some, strike that, most of the H-D market is sewed up for life – with riders having inflexibly strong opinions about where their motorcycles are made, or at least the nationality of the brand even cutting into a small portion of H-D Big Twin sales would be a remarkable coup.

BMW K1200S (2008) Preview

The new 2008 K 1200 S is a synthesis of everything BMW has learned from decades of motorsport success and detailed motorcycle development. It is a sport model without precedent and devoid of compromise. The K 1200 S exists to define maximum performance with unprecedented sophistication and technology-enhanced safety measures. Yes, it accelerates aggressively enough to take your breath away-thanks to an all-new four-cylinder engine with 167 horsepower-but also embodies everything BMW has learned about rider comfort and safety.

The K 1200 S was designed as a sport bike and is a completely separate motorcycle within the K family. It is radically new, featuring an unprecedented number of innovations. It is a high-precision sport bike offering unique agility as well as enormous output. Its power to weight ratio is on the level with the competition and almost 50 percent better than the K 1200 RS, thus leaving no wishes unfulfilled with regard to riding performance.

The new K1200S is a bit of a conundrum. In terms of sportiness, it's not quite the equal of a Hayabusa and ZX-12R, and if that's what you were expecting you'll be a bit disappointed. So, what is the new K12? I was telling Duke that it's a sportbike that doubles as a touring machine, while he was saying that it feels like a touring bike with excellent sporting ability. If that's not on target, folks, I don't know what is.

In the end, the $17,345 (as tested) BMW K1200S is a wonderful piece of machinery. It offers up a smooth and well-controlled ride to go along with some of the coolest technological tidbits used on any motorcycle in production today. If you're looking for a hyper-sport-tourer and you're willing to sacrifice a bit of (relative) high-end performance for comfort and exclusivity, then you need to get to your local dealer and lay hands on one the latest K bike from BMW Motorrad.

MV Agusta Brutale 920 Price £9,999

The MV Agusta 920 model line-up is expanding with the introduction of the new Brutale and the 920 engine. This incredible naked motorcycle, which will be available in late February, has enamored the motorcycle world with its unique design that has been to date unequaled.

Ever since its introduction the Brutale motorcycle has continued to be the leader in both design and performance.

A new engine MV Agusta 920, new chassis settings, a onepiece seat design with a focus on comfort, the BRUTALE offers a new interpretation of a high performance naked. A motorcycle that offers aggressive styling and raw performance matched with an intuitive chassis. A Brutale that is always incredible easy to ride and has never been this comfortable and intuitive. On a cost per performance basis, the BRUTALE is without a doubt the new reference in the naked sport category.

This advanced performance is also coupled with a new look, with the color black dominating the new styling of the radiator shrouds and seat. But, looks are not everything and a major focus was also placed on rider comfort with a re-designed single seat that improves both rider and passenger comfort during every day use.

The principle characteristics of the new BRUTALE are:
• Four cylinder engine with radial valves
• Magneti Marelli 5SM engine control module
• Traction control with 8 levels of intervention
• Tubular steel frame coupled with aluminum side plates for maximum torsional rigidity
• Single sided swingarm with a adjustable Sachs rear shock
• Marzocchi upside down 50mm adjustable front forks
• Brembo racing radial calipers
• New single piece seat that is both lower and narrower

Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Price

Ducati Multistrada 1200 S has launched a special edition Multistrada 1200 special edition to celebrate winning the Pikes Peak International Hillclimb in Colorado, America last year.

The Multistrada 1200 S Pikes Peak Special Edition celebrates Greg Tracy’s victory and has Ducati Corse-style paint scheme with passenger foot-peg hangers and engine guard anodised in black finish and red pin-striping on the wheels.

In addition to the original equipment silencer and screen, the Pikes Peak Special Edition arrives with an EU approved Ducati Performance carbon fibre silencer by Termignoni and a race-derived low screen in carbon fibre. A Ducati Performance carbon fibre front mudguard, and custom made seat detailed with red stitching complete the specs.

The Multistrada 1200 S new three-piece frame underpins the MTS1200, using a new cast aluminum component around the swingarm pivot area to join with Ducati's traditional steel-trellis arrangement up front. We're told to expect a dry weight somewhere around the 425-lb mark.

Behind an adjustable windscreen resides comprehensive instrumentation that will include displays for trip time, lap time, range to empty, and current and average fuel consumption. Don't be surprised if you see a form of keyless ignition similar to what's found on modern Harleys. At least one, probably two, 12-volt sockets will be part of the package. Anti-lock brakes will be optional.

The revolutionary Bosch-Brembo ABS system will be available for the Multistrada 1200; a first for Ducati which will reinforce the brand's reputation for world-class stopping power. The ABS system is one of the three available option packages for the bike, and will bring the MSRP to $16,495.

The second option package for the Multistrada 1200 is the "S Sport" package. This package will include the Bosch-Brembo ABS system; as well as Ducati Traction Control, and the Ducati-Öhlins Electronic Suspension system.

Specifications Ducati Multistrada 1200 S
• Engine: Type L-Twin cylinder, 4 valve per cylinder, Desmodromic, liquid cooled.
• Power: 150 hp (110.3 kw) @ 9250 rpm. Torque 87.5 lb-ft (118.7 Nm) @ 7500 rpm.
• Transmission: Clutch Light action, wet, multi-plate clutch with hydraulic control. Self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-run.
• Front Suspension: Marzocchi 50mm fully adjustable upside-down fork.
• Front Wheel: 10 spokes in light alloy 3.50 x 17.
• Rear Suspension: Progressive linkage with fully adjustable Sachs monoshock. Aluminium single-sided swingarm.
• Rear Wheel: 10-spoke light alloy 6,00 x 17.
• Front Brakes: 2 x 320 mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo callipers, 4-piston, 2-pad.
• Rear Brake: 245 mm disc, 2-piston caliper
• ABS available upon request.
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 20 liters (including reserve).
• Dry Weight: 417 lb.
• Seat Height: 850 mm.

BMW K1600GTL Review

BMW K1600GTL New products from BMW comes again with an attractive appearance and the male who makes a new competitor in the automotive world, other than that performance is given are great and fascinate the rider.

Standard package – only to give the K 1600 GT – has a MSRP of $ 23,045 and includes the preparation of the GPS, ESA II (Electronic Suspension Adjustment II), and security package (adaptive xenon headlights, traction control dynamic tire pressure monitor). Standard package – only to give the K 1600 GT – has a MSRP of $ 23,045 and includes the preparation of the GPS, ESA II (Electronic Suspension Adjustment II), and security package (adaptive xenon headlights, traction control dynamic tire pressure monitor).

Officially a 2012 model (appropriately coinciding with the end of the Mayan calendar) the GTL is a completely fresh motorcycle born from a clean sheet in the engineering department of BMW. Like a Hollywood blockbuster there have been a series of leaks and presentations helped along by rumors and speculation, which have building for over a year; primarily that BMW was releasing an in-line 6-cylnder engine.

The venerable Gold Wing still holds a clear superiority in passenger accommodations and a slight advantage in ultra-low-speed handling, but the K1600 GTL otherwise significantly advances the super-touring category in every other way possible.

2012 BMW K 1600 GTL Specs
• Engine: 1649cc, 6-cylinders, 4 valves per cylinder
• Bore/stroke: 72/67.5mm
• Output: 118/160.5 kW/bhp
• Torque: 175 Nm
• Compression/fuel: 12.2:1 / premium unleaded (95 RON)
• Carburetion: BMS-X
• Headlamp: xenon low beam, halogen high beam
• Clutch: multiplate wet clutch, hydraulically activated
• Gearbox: constant-mesh 6-speed gearbox, helical-toothed
• Frame construction: chill-cast, aluminum, extruded sections
• Wheel control (front): wheel dual longitudinal control arm
• Wheel control (rear): Paralever (single-sided swing arm), central spring strut, rebound/continuously variable
• Brakes (front): two-rotor disc brake, Ø 320 mm, radial 4-piston fixed caliper
• Brakes (rear): single-disc brake Ø 320 mm, 2-piston fixed caliper
• BMW Motorrad ABS (partial integral)
• Wheels: aluminum: cast wheels - front 3.50 x 17", rear 6.00 x 17"
• Tires: front - 120/70 ZR 17, rear 190/55 ZR 17
• Total length: 2489mm
• Seat height (without rider): 750-830mm
• Unladen weight, incl. 90% fuel: 319kg (without pannier), 348kg (incl. pannier, topcase)
• Permitted total weight: 560kg
• Fuel tank capacity: 26.5 liters

Erik Buell Racing 1190RS Feature

Erik Buell Racing 1190RS continues to pump the interwebs with material on its EBR 1190RS street bike, the 1190cc v-twin American street bike. In what looks to be Part 1 of a multiple-part video series, EBR throws a bunch of cut-scenes together, giving us only a quick glimpse of the 1190RS. Although details are scarce about the winged-stead, we do know that the Erik Buell Racing 1190RS will be based of EBR’s 1190RR race bike, which was based in-turn off the now defunct Buell Barracuda 2.

Buell’s vision of producing an American sportbike enters a new chapter with the 1190RS, a serious evolution of the 1190RR racebike privately campaigned during the 2010 AMA Superbike season with rider Geoff May.

Buell’s RS is cloaked in fresh new skin, now with a full fairing in a slim and edgy new design constructed of carbon fiber. Its nose is now much pointier, fitted with a pair of projector lens headlights stacked atop each other similar to Ducati’s 999 but in a more streamlined layout.

Lots of premium components are hung from the 380-pound (wet) 1190RS. Expect to see Öhlins suspension front and rear, an Aim Sports digital dashboard, magnesium wheels and a full carbon fiber fairing. Surely, components for a hand-built bike like this cost a pretty penny, and though Erik isn't talking pricing just yet, don't expect the 1190RS to come cheap. Think Ducati 1198R (about $40,000 or so) territory. A slightly less expensive version using fiberglass and plastic in place of carbon fiber may also be in the offing.

Suffice it to say, we're excited that Erik is once again living his dream of producing high-end American sportbikes. Have a look at the images in our high-res image gallery below, and stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.

Motus Motorcycles MST-01 Review

Motus Motorcycles MST-01 Launching Detroit,AS has trickled out a bit more information about its Made in America MST-01 sport-tourer, giving CycleWorld their obligatory first look. What do they have to report? A 1650cc V4 motor with two valves per cylinder that features direct injection, which sums up to equal 140hp. More on that and photos after the jump.

If you forgot everything you know about the Motus MST-01 to-date, and approached the motorcycle motor from a mechanic’s perspective, you might mistaken the V4 motor for half a Corvette. Laid out just like an American-built V8, the large reason for the similarities is because the Motus MST-01 motor was designed by Katech, makers of the Corvette Z06′s 600hp V8 powerplant.

The MST-01 is built around a completely new engine, designed by racing powerplant builder Pratt & Miller. Named the KMV4, the direct-fuel-injected engine has a claimed output of 160HP and 122 lb-ft of torque at redline. That power comes, however, without a significant weight penalty, with the engine weighing 130 lbs, and the 6-speed transmission adding about another 70 lbs. This results in a claimed wet weight of just 530 lbs.

Brakes are by Brembo, and suspension is by Öhlins, so pretty much all of the bike is built with top-flight components. This componentry comes at a cost, however, so the price will probably be siognificantly higher than the main Japanese competitors, the FJR1300 and Concours14.

2011 New Honda CBR250R

2011 New Honda CBR250R Yesterday was our first opportunity to sample the mono-cylinder CBR250R on U.S. soil. After flogging it on the interstate, around town, and along some of the best curvy roads in the country in the canyons above Malibu, Calif. we came away reasonably impressed, although not surprised.

The new, fuel-injected CBR250R offers everything you want in a first-time bike: Light weight. A powerband that’s immensely user-friendly. Excellent fuel economy. Unmatched reliability. And a fun factor that’s off the chart.

The new CBR250R is powered by an extremely efficient 249cc liquid-cooled single cylinder engine that features a sophisticated four-valve DOHC cylinder head, engine counter balancer, and fuel injection—this dependable and lightweight machine delivers nimble handling, a broad spread of easily accessible power and low operating costs all in one. The motorcycle weights only 359 lbs.

Since the new CBR250R is a Honda, it’s full of features few other bikes in its class can match. And it offers a build quality that means you’ve got dependable cross-town or cross-country transportation.

The DOHC liquid-cooled single-cylinder 249cc engine of the 2011 CBR250R is an all-new design that was erected specifically for this bike – as was the chassis. The power plant plays host to a counterbalancer for reduced vibrations, roller bearing-equipped rocker arms that activate the valves and a spiny-sleeve cylinder that will keep the engine’s temperatures down. An interesting side note is the fact that the rocker arm design of the single-cylinder engine allows for valve shim adjustment without removing the cams. And speaking of valve adjustments, Honda says valve adjustment intervals are right at 16,000 miles – which is similar to the intervals of the 250’s larger CBR relatives.

Feature Honda CBR250R

Engine Type 249.4cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore And Stroke 76mm x 55mm
Induction PGM-Fi, 38mm throttle body
Ignition Computer-controlled digital transistorized with electronic advance
Compression Ratio 10.7:1
Valve Train DOHC; four valves per cylinder

2012 Honda Gold Wing Unveiled Feature

2012 Honda Gold Wing Unveiled comes with a sportier, slightly more aggressive look with its reshaped taillight and new dual vents above the dual headlights.
The company has made several significant revisions for the 2012 Gold Wing. The 2012 version is devoted to the rider environment and styling while the 1832cc, horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine remains unchanged.

From the photos, we will also note that the appearance of the GL1800 has been renovated and now appears more slender and streamlined. In particular, the side benches were redesigned hull, to blend the look with the latest dictates of Honda design and to further increase the wind protection of the driver and passenger. We see in fact that the sides of the hull is slightly wider. Were also redesigned the side cases, to increase the carrying capacity and has been revised suspension set-up .

Saddlebag capacity is up 7.0 liters, boosting total storage – including trunk and fairing pockets – to 150.0 liters. Non-airbag models also get a central storage pocket, presumably where the airbag would otherwise reside on so-equipped models. Finish on the seat material is updated, and the wheels are now clear-coated to ease clean up and to help maintain a like-new look.

The Honda Satellite Linked Navigation System (available on some GW models) has a brighter color screen, and offers “programmability for sharing favorite ride routes with friends and other riders,” which can be accessed online according to Honda.

The BMW claims an engine output of 160 hp at 7,750 rpm while the Honda Gold Wing produces 96 hp at 5,600 rpm. Besides, the K1600GT weighs 135 pounds lesser than the Gold Wing. Comparing the prices announced by the two companies, BMW K1600GT, available in 3 package levels is priced in the range of $20,900 to $24,540 and the premium GTL has a price range of $23,200 to $25,845, while the Honda Gold Wing (2012 model) and its trim levels are priced in the range of $23,199 to $28,499.

Honda VT1300 Review

Honda VT1300 custom-type cruiser models share the same powertrain platform of a 1312cc, liquid-cooled, SOHC, 3-valve-per-cylinder, single-pin crank, 52-degree V-Twin – the same Twin design found in the wildly successful Fury – which has been a core platform in Honda’s arsenal for some time now.

With these three new mid-sized cruiser models, Big Red hopes to offer a wider range of riders the experience of owning “custom bike styling” at an affordable price, and have worked hard to keep the price point below $13K. With three different platforms to choose from, Honda believes that there is enough variation in its VT1300 series to appeal to a wide demographic, from cruiser riders who prefer a sportier pro- street style bike to a touring version for those looking to log serious miles on the open road.

Honda VT1300 The engine is the same fuel-injected, 1312cc, SOHC, 52-degree V-twin with two spark plugs and three valves per cylinder: two intake, one exhaust. Liquid-cooled, it hides its radiator between the aforementioned downtubes, the upper coolant hose concealed beneath the forward valve cover. Spent gases exit via a double-barrel shotgun exhaust, while motive power makes its way to the rear tire via a five-speed gearbox and shaft drive.

The differences are in the details. The Sabre is essentially a Fury with a drag bar and a 170mm-wide rear tire instead of a 200. The Stateline substitutes a 17-inch front wheel for the Fury's 21-inch pizza-cutter. And the Interstate adds a windshield, saddlebags and floorboards. Honda's Combined Braking System with ABS is a $1000 option on the first two but strangely not on the third; apparently the marketing department was adamant about keeping the Honda VT1300 price below $13,000.

The Furious, centered about the Fury, will be the chopper; the Switchblade pro-dragger was morphed in the Sabre, and also the Slammer is usually a low-lying bagger born in the Stateline. The idea versions debuted on the dec 17th, 2010 intercontinental Motorcycle in extended Beach, Calif., and will remain on as component within the Honda show for that remainder within the IMS 2011 display dates.

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