2006 New Model Preview

A remarkable revitalization of the opposed twins, an amazing Hayabusa-challenging pure-sports bike plus “naked” and touring versions with (gasp) an inline four engine, radical changes to its signature Adventure Touring GS machine, and now a new 'F' model.

To date, there has just been one 'F' model, or more accurately a number of variants on a theme – these being the various 650 cc single models. But for '06 the new F800 has literally dropped out of nowhere, apparently so much so it was a big surprise to the brass at BMW Canada when it surfaced on the web.

Like the F650s, the F800 engine was developed in conjunction with Rotax of Austria (minor Canadian content: Bombardier owns Rotax). It's a liquid-cooled parallel twin (gasp) using belt drive (like the 650s), and will be available in both S (Sport) and some sort of touring model. BMW further says that it is “the first model of the new and separate model series”, which sounds interesting.

The wild new K1200S and its naked variant aren't really new, having been introduced during the '05 model year. The touring version, complete with bags, bigger fairing, etc., was announced more recently. Also new(ish) is the HP2 version of the R1200GS, a 100+ hp package that takes the standard big GS and makes it much more off-road-capable with higher-spec (and just plain higher, limiting its use to many mortals) suspension and related upgrades.

- top -

The Ulysses doesn't even pretend as much as some of its competition does, keeping the street-oriented perimeter front disc, scorning a bash plate, etc. The basic machine is mechanically much the same as the other modern Buells, but the swingarm is longer and the frame/fuel tank larger, providing a useful 2.7 litre fuel capacity increase.

The other change would be to longer-travel suspension, which as with its competitors is more likely to provide an improved ride than enduro-winning performance. All to the good, really, for those who will be buying it.

- top -

On a slightly more down-to-earth level, the best-selling Monster series now features a Monster 1000 with the 992 cc dual-spark engine and ST treatment including trick single-side swingarm and stacked mufflers. An interesting mix of Showa (Japanese) forks and Sachs (Austrian) shock suspends the beast.

- top -

- top -

Well, maybe Chris Vermeulen, the young Aussie who was in contention for the WSB title most of the season. But the other WSB Honda riders accomplished little, and since Vermeulen has jumped to the Suzuki team for a Moto GP ride in '06, Honda has to be hoping the revisions make the bike a lot track friendlier.

The perennial sport-touring favourite VFR800 is back with minor styling and engine tune modifications, and the naked 599 (based on earlier CBR600 mechanicals). On the touring front, the Gold Wing now has linked ABS brakes as standard, a bigger rad, a bigger alternator so owners can hang even more lights on it, and a GPS system built into the dash. You've likely seen the funny pictures of a Wing with an airbag (deployed, the PR shots look unfortunately as though an unclad human is leaning into the windscreen), but the safety device won't be available until 2007, it seems.

The scooter range expands, now including the NSS250A Reflex, complete with a three-stage variable transmission. Should be perfect for urban use and occasional forays out of town as well with its 250 cc engine.

- top -

- top -

The ZX-10 has been greatly revised as well, once more apparently with at least as much of an eye on the race track as on the street. Kawasaki is officially re-entering Superbike racing in the U.S. this year, and no doubt there's a connection in there somewhere . . .

Closer to the real world for most people, the new Ninja 650R looks as though it should be a winner. A parallel twin, it should have performance similar to Suzuki's wildly-popular SV650 but in a different and much more modish package. Also more mainstream, the first major revision to the company's popular 800 Vulcan sees a new engine (still in a V-format) bumped up to 900 cc, plus a package look similar to the big Vulcan 2000 complete with a change to belt drive from chain. There will be a touring “mini-Nomad” version available as well, matching similar options from other manufacturers (Suzuki's Volusia – oops, it's a Boulevard these days, isn't it? – is perhaps the prime example.

- top -

- top -

Over in the cruiser corner, the new M109 Boulevard replaces the M95 (aka Kawasaki Mean Streak) as Suzuki's biggest performance cruiser offering. The 1,783 cc V-twin features fuel injection, a trick cam drive to reduce engine height, and drive via shaft. Sport-bike style suspension means it could well be a surprise to a lot of sportbike riders if ground clearance is decent.

And in between the cruisers and sport machines, the big Bandit 1200 soldiers on with some mods much like those introduced on the 650 Bandit for 2005. A new fairing, adjustable seat height, and upgraded forks – oh, and optional ABS – all combine with what's still one of the most satisfying big-bore engines on the planet to produce a great all-rounder at a bargain price well below the cost of most modern 600 sport machines.

- top -

On the other side of the pasture – possibly quite literally depending on the owner – is the Triumph Scrambler. Now, this is no more a real “scrambler” that the editor can ride like Valentino Rossi, but it IS a pretty good reproduction of the kind of soft-ish off-road looking bikes that were popular oh, about 40 years ago. Basically a Bonneville with high pipes and slightly knobby street tires, it's a very nice retro interpretation that should do well for the English firm.

- top -

- top -

- top -

That's true of the big brother R1 as well; still drop-dead gorgeous as well as being at least as fast as it looks, it's available this year in a limited-edition LE model complete with race-spec Marchesini wheels and high-tech Ohlins suspension at both ends. Remarkable.

On the more streetable side, the FZ-1 has received its first major makeover, getting more aggressive in looks and suspension design so that it looks more like the FZ-6. And the MT-01 V-twin boomer, introduced last year in Europe, is coming to Canada as well. Likely to be a niche player, but it looks like immense fun!

And the latest edition of the muscular FJR1300 touring machine features an optional clutch-less transmission. Shifting isn't automatic (yet), but the rider has the choice of using the standard foot lever or a bar-mounted button shifter, much like your neighbour's Ferrari Maranello. There have been considerable changes to airflow as well, in an attempt to better route rad air away from the rider (about the only complaint you'll ever hear about the big beast from owners).

Articles Page - Magazine Page - MAIN Page - SUPERSHOW - Spring Show