International Motorcycle Magazine, Volume 17, Issue 1 January 2007.

Aprilia

Benelli

The Tornado (full fairing, uprated engine and suspension) and the Tre-K (a Multistrada/GS/Ulysses/Tiger sort of pseudo-off-roader) uses a trellis frame with longer-travel suspension. More info on the Tre-K and the others probably won't be available until June.

BMW

At the other end of the size spectrum is the HP2 Megamoto, closely related to the HP2 off-roader but focused on the street with 17-inch cast wheels, sticky tires and Ohlins suspension to match. Look for a late spring/early summer availability, in strictly limited numbers.

In the “regular” part of the range, the base big bike has finally received the new 1,200 cc engine the rest of the range has already benefited from. The new R1200R offers the option of integral ABS with ASC (Automatic Stability Control) – a first in motorcycling, as far as we know.

The bikes should be available as you read this.

The new F800 models (S and ST), powered by a parallel twin 800cc engine, will finally hit Canadian roads this season. The new engine, single-sided swingarm, belt drive, and relatively conventional suspension plus light weight and size should make these desirable “entry” motorcycles for prospective BMW owners.

Buell

This mouthful of a name describes the latest version of Buell's XB12, which combines supermoto-ish looks and the Lightning engine with the longer-travel suspension of the Ulysses touring model. It's strictly a solo bike – no passenger seat or pegs fitted – and should be available in March for an MSRP for $12,199.

Ducati

The very latest in engine and instrumentation electronics, Brembo brakes, Showa or Ohlins suspension (Ohlins on the ‘S' model) ensures top-line performance; a Ducati press release says “the 1098 is the lightest, fastest-stopping, quickest-lapping Ducati in history”, and why not?

It also takes a step away from the controversial 999 styling with looks that hark back to the 916 and 998, complete with single-side swingarm. Availability is scheduled for March, in three versions: standard for $19,995; ‘S' for $24,995; and Tri-Colore (‘S' plus special paint and even more special parts) for $29,995.

Equally newsworthy, but a bit overshadowed by the 1098, is the Hypermotard. This supermoto-style streetfighter uses the latest 1100 two-valve engine as well as the racing-oriented dry clutch that's been abandoned by most newer models. Trick suspension and brakes make sure the looks are backed up by performance, and in traditional Ducati style there's a standard and an ‘S' model (which adds higher-spec Marzocchi forks, an Ohlins shock, trick wheels and brakes, and lots of carbon-fibre bits). Standard model is $13,995 while the ‘S' goes for $17,995. The new and popular Sport Classic line offers a few changes – the Paul Smart Replica morphs into the Sport 1000S, while the Sport 1000 adds passenger accommodation and a more humane riding position for the rider as well. The newest member of the group, the GT1000, looks like a fabulous “standard” street bike. They should all be available as you read this: prices are GT1000, $12,995.00; Sport 1000 Biposta, $13,995.00; Sport 1000S, $14,995.00.

The Multistrada is back, with a bigger engine (a version of the 1100 two-valver) and a wet clutch. The ‘S' version returns, with its sublime Ohlins suspension. Prices are $14,995 and $17,995.

The biggest Monster S4R Testastretta now uses the same L-twin engine fitted to last year's 999 for a big horsepower gain, up to 130. Less weight and upgraded suspension complement the power, for a price of $15,995.

Harley-Davidson

The Night Rod is basically an all-black cosmetic makeover of the stock V-Rod. You still get a choice of two colours – matte black with shiny stripes, or shiny black with matte stripes. It also has a revised and lighter-looking exhaust system, and they've lowered the rear even more – by about 20 mm.

The VRSCX is a whole different ball game. The graphics were inspired by the V-Rod's drag racing successes, but there's also considerable internal work– the usual hot-rodding stuff, including more displacement. Harley doesn't release horsepower numbers, but torque is up to 86 ft-lb from 74, which will be noticeable.

The Night Rod goes for $20,149.00 and the VRSCX goes for $24,399.00. Both bikes are available now.

A possible teaser for 2007 … H-D showed a prototype Sportster XR1200 at the Munich show in October that looked ready for production. It doesn't have the long-rumoured liquid-cooled engine, but more power thanks to fuel injection, an improved chassis with Showa suspension, Nissin brakes, and Dunlop Qualifier tires in 18/17-inch sizes, and drop-dead looks based on the XV750 dirt tracker make it one desirable-looking machine. A Deeley spokesperson told us they didn't yet know if the bike would be built, or if it would be available here if it was.

The bulk of the line-up – Dyna, Softtail, and Touring product lines – gets a new 1,584 cc engine for 2007, dubbed the “Twin Cam 96”. It replaces the Twin Cam 88, and comes with a new six-speed transmission dubbed “Cruise Drive”. H-D claims more horsepower, smoother shifting, and increased durability for the package.

Honda

The engine is said to be significantly smaller in all external dimensions, despite having flywheel hp upped 3 to 118 at 13,500 rpm. A central front ram air intake increases that at speed, but there aren't any figures announced for that.

An entirely new frame produced by Fine Die-Cast (FDC) technology is smaller and lighter, with a 22-mm shorter wheelbase and a 5 mm longer swingarm – very Moto GP-inspired thinking there.

The suspension is carried over almost unchanged from '06. The de rigueur radial-mount front brake calipers are fitted, as is a new version of the HESD electronic steering damper originally fitted to the CBR1000RR. No word on MSRP yet.

On the cruiser side, Honda has added a fourth member to the 750 cc line. The C2 offers a narrow 21-inch front wheel, low profile tires, and a mere 653 mm (25.7 in) seat height. Bobbed fenders and high-ish bars complete the look, while shaft drive makes sure the owner doesn't need to worry about anything except adding fuel.

Changes to the CV carbs are said to improve acceleration, already not bad – the bike is quite a bit lighter than most of its competition in the “small” cruiser category. The VFR800 is unchanged except for a very slick 25th anniversary Freddie Spencer red, white, and blue paint scheme.

The Goldwing also comes with its airbag this year in the form of the AD model (the AL model is sans airbag), and the VTX1800 returns, complete with a touring version.

Kawasaki

Chassis-wise, the new frame has “an optimized balance of rigidity” (sounds like what Honda calls “tuned flex”) matched with fully-adjustable suspension at both ends, plus the de rigueur radial front brake calipers mounted to Kawasaki's signature petal rotors. MSRP is $12,099 and it should be available in the spring.

Another Vulcan 900 has arrived, called the Custom. It adds a 21-inch diameter front hoop and a chunky 15-inch rear plus a tiny headlight, straight bars, and reshaped bodywork to get the requisite chopper look. MSRP is $9,449.

The Z1000 gets a complete makeover, with a new motor and transmission, plus chassis tweaks including a longer wheelbase. The handlebar has been brought closer to the rider and seat slimed for better comfort. Radially mounted front brake calipers and petal-style discs add to the overall trickness.

There are also big changes to the styling, although at least two traits have been retained, those being the minimal instrument fly screen and a new version of the controversial four-pipe exhaust that polarized opinion when it first appeared. MSRP has been set at $11,499.

The Versys (which supposedly stands for “versatile system”) is a version of the 650 Ninja with slighter supermoto looks and longer suspension, plus an engine tuned for more torque. Big fuel capacity, lots of accessories, and a low weight might make this one a winner. MSRP is $8,999.

For 2008 (yes, it's officially a 2008 model), the 20-year-old Concours is finally retired in favour of the ... Concours! Concours 14, that is, a sport-touring brute based loosely on the wild ‘n wooly ZX-14. The 1,352 cc engine is tuned for massive torque spread across the rev range, and dual balancers smooth it out for comfort and extended maintenance. Fuel injection and some sort of variable valve timing (details not yet available) are also part of the package, as is ram air. It appears to have the same massive petal brake rotors as the ZX-14, complete with radial-mount calipers and ABS.

Shaft drive is fitted, as is an electrically adjustable windscreen, and hard luggage. Instruments include all the usual items plus a gear position indicator and even tire pressure sensors.

The KLR650 is another model from Kawasaki that's been basically unchanged for two decades – 21 years, specifically, as the new version just announced will be badged as a 2008 model (though we reckon that it will be available sometime in 2007).

On first glance at the specs, it looks like the machine has been functionally moved toward street and away from dual-sport use, particularly in the loss of suspension travel, 30.5 mm less at the front and 20.3 mm less at the rear.

The fuel tank is still a hefty 21+ litres, so it should still go forever between fill-ups. In that line, the seat is said to be better (that would be nice …), and a higher-capacity alternator is fitted to deal with a brighter headlight and “stuff” – GPS, heated grips, etc. – that many if not most riders fit.

KTM

The wild SuperDuke and will be available in Canada this year (although the limited-edition ‘R' model won't be). Compared to last year's bike (which wasn't sold here), the '07 gets radial-mount front brakes, a brand-new fancy digital dashboard, and a larger fuel tank.

Chassis changes involve a new steering head angle to increase stability, while changes to the EFI mapping to meet the new EURO III emissions regulations are claimed to have also improved fuel mileage, so combined with the larger tank longer trips should be possible. MSRP is $16,998, and it will be available in March 2007.

Another model that's not brand new, but new to Canada for '07, is the revised 990 Adventure. This is basically the '06 European bike complete with the bigger 999 cc motor, fuel-injection, ABS, and a bigger tank. Price on this one is $16,898, down a thousand bucks from last year's bike thanks to omitting the saddlebags.

T the 450 and 525 EXC will be street legal, complete with lights and signals and the other bits our government deems necessary. Cost is unchanged from 2006 at $9,798.00 for the 450 and $9,998.00 for the 525. With the change in off and on-road usages, the EXC title now signifies street-legal only, while the XCW title is used for all off-road bikes.

KYMCO

Moto Guzzi

Piaggio

The whole shebang is held together with a steel-tubed frame and is powered by a fuel-injected, four-stroke, liquid-cooled 250 cc motor that gets a claimed 25 km/l. The MP3 will be available in April for an MSRP of $8,495.00

Another new entry from Piaggio is the Fly 50, featuring Piaggio's clean-burning Hi-PER2 two-stroke engine, complete with catalytic converter and secondary air-injection system. 12 inch wheels comes with a 200 mm disc up front and a drum rear. Seat height is 785 mm. It'll be available in April with an MSRP of $2,395.00.

Ridley

There are five models in the Auto-Glide range: Classic, TT, Old School, Sport, and Chopper. All models use the same 738 cc air-cooled V-twin with CVT transmission, and while they are dressed differently they all feature remarkably low seat heights (609-624 mm) as an extra incentive to new riders. No word yet on price or availability.

Suzuki

There's also a world's first in a three-way rider-adjustable fuel map control just like Mat Mladin's race bike. Well, maybe not just like it … Everything else is claimed to be new as well, including more aerodynamic bodywork close to the new-in-2006 600 and 750, but details are scarce on the ground at this point. MSRP will be $15,299.

The new Bandit 1200 gets a swack of new technology in the form of an all-new 1,255 cc fuel-injected and liquid-cooled engine. The adjustable seat, bar, and controls first fitted to the 650 will be part of the package as well.

Talking of the 650, that gets a new liquid-cooled mill as well, and is now indistinguishable form the new 1250 ... well, apart from the power difference. MSRP for the 1250 is $10,799and $8,899 for the 650. You can add ABS to both bikes for a very reasonable additional $499.

The Burgman 400 scooter gets some surprising upgrades for 2007. The single cylinder motor is brand-new, and gets a power boost thanks to more displacement (400 cc vs 385), double overhead cams and fuel injection. The underseat storage is now 62 litres (up from 55), the front wheel is a bigger 14" jobbie (up from 13") and the front brakes are now a pair of 260 mm discs, up from the old single unit. The screen is also bigger and the instrument panel new. MSRP is $7,999.

Suzuki is taking the option of anti-lock braking very seriously and have now added it to the SV650s (both the naked and faired versions) and V-Strom 650s for a mere $499 on top of the standard pricing.

Triumph

Seat height is now 835 mm (down from the 840-860 adjustable of before), with a dry weight of 416 lb.

MSRP is C$13,999 (non ABS) and C$14,999 with the magic brakes. The Bonneville line has finally retired the original 790 cc engine, so they now all have versions of the 865.

Vespa

The LXV150 is a development of the “classic” Vespa, basically derived from the 2005 LX, differentiating itself with naked handlebars, a fly screen and a sprung seat. It keeps the LX's 11” front wheel, front disc brake, and 150 cc four-stroke engine. MSRP is $6,895 with April availability.

Victory

As you might guess, the limited-edition Hammer S is a development of the Hammer. Victory says it “exudes sporty, muscle car styling”. Mechanically the S is a Hammer with a new set of wheels and a huge 250 mm rear tire, a “custom-inspired” headlight, and a new lightweight belt guard. MSRP is $24,291.

Yamaha

In addition, the all new YCC-T throttle (“Yamaha's chip controlled throttle”) still uses cables to open and close the throttle pulley, but a computer detects changes in the position of the pulley every 1,000th of a second and adds or subtracts fuel to get a smoother, more seamless throttle delivery – fly by wire comes to motorcycles! The new R1 goes for $15,599.

On the cruiser side, the Star line-up gets a gap filled by the new V-Star 1300, which is in addition to, and not a replacement of the 1100 V-Star. Available in a base and touring edition, the bikes use a new 1,304 cc, 60 degree V-twin with fuel injection, liquid cooling, and a belt final drive.

The Touring version adds a screen, passenger backrest and saddlebags for a $1,500 premium. MSRP is $13,799for the base model and $15,299for the Tourer.

New in the scooter line is the XF50 “C-Cubed”. This square-looking animal features a fuel-injected 50 cc motor with dual catalytic converters! The usual decent luggage space and light weight qualify it as a great little commuter for $2,599.

Back in the sport line, the FZ6 has gotten some styling changes, a re-designed seat, a roomier footpeg location for passengers, revised fuel-injection mapping, and three catalysts in the exhaust for reduced emissions. Plus, brakes have been upgraded to more current “monoblock” spec and there's a new swingarm as well. MSRP is $9,299.

The radical MT-01 is pretty much unchanged, but also gets upgraded brakes and a fancy new optional paint job (SP version) – both new rotors and a six-piston radial mount set of calipers. MSRP is $16,099 (add $200.00 for the SP with the trick red & black paint).