International Motorcycle Magazine - New 2008 Motorcycle Models

International Motorcycle Magazine, Volume 18, Issue 1 January 2008

2008 New Model Preview

By Larry Tate

BMW - Buell - Canadian Scooter Corporation - Ducati - Harley-Davidson - Honda - Kawasaki - KTM - Suzuki - Victory - Yamaha - And more

BMW

The Bavarian firm has added a bewildering array of bikes to its stable in past seasons, and 2008 isn't giving many signs of slowing down. First, the HP (high performance) line continues to grow, with the introduction of the HP Sport, a sharper and quicker version of the excellent R1200S Sport. The engine is quite a change, featuring BMW's first DOHC valve system, one based on the bike raced in European endurance events in 2007.

Ohlins suspension, a six-speed transmission with a quick-shifter, forged aluminum wheels, Brembo brakes, and optional ABS that can be turned off for track use all contribute to the cutting edge levels of this bike.

The third of the HP series is the monstrous HP2 Megamoto, probably the world's biggest supermono-styled machine! It features track-focused suspension (Marzocchi up front, Ohlins at the back) and brakes, plus a highly-tuned Boxer powerplant that includes nothing other than a genuine Akropovic exhaust system.

In the smaller F800 series, to nobody's surprise a GS version has been introduced. Offering the same style and rough-road advantages of the popular 1200GS series, the F800GS and F650GS (oddly, using the same 800 cc parallel twin engine) offer a lighter and more agile package than their bigger sibling.

Both models offer optional ABS, of course, and share an aluminum twin-spar swingarm with a single shock unit at the rear. Up front, the F650 uses a conventional-style fork, while the F800GS features higher-grade USD forks.

Also showing for the first time in Canada is BMW's own mid-size dirt bike, the G 450 X that just surfaced in European circles this summer. This one is for hard-core enduro riders only.

Buell

Huge news from Buell, as the company's next bike will be the first not to use a warmed-over Sportster engine. A 60-degree V-twin incorporating every modern tweak known to Rotax has been commissioned: liquid-cooling, overhead cams, fuel injection, multiple balance shafts and more. It's slotted into a new chassis that's closely patterned on the existing XB line, including the oddball but effective perimeter front brake, massive (but light) alloy frame and swingarm, and radically-tight frame geometry.

With a surprising price of $12,919 (about the same as most 600 cc supersport machines), the new Buell is likely to become the firm’s most popular model ever.

Early riding reports have raved over the new 1125R, which Buell says will be the "platform" for a whole new series of bikes as time goes on.

Canadian Scooter Corporation

This Toronto firm imports a wide range of Italian products, from Aprilia to Moto Guzzi. New motorcycles in Canada this year are the neat and brand new Aprilia 750 Shiver (a wild-looking V-twin "naked" machine), the Moto Guzzi 1200 Sport, the category-busting Piaggio MP3 three-wheel scooter in a 500 cc version, and the Vespa S scooter, another visual take on the classic Italian scooter.

Ducati

Italy's eponymous sport-bike builder only offers one all-new machine this year, the 848, a "mid-displacement" sport machine based on the jaw-dropping 1098 introduced last year. It's got the looks of its big brother, and with the technology to match in a smaller package it should be another winner.

Harley-Davidson

Three new radical Harley custom models are arriving in 2008, plus 14 others available in special limited edition 105th Anniversary copper and black colours. Also, a brand-new anti-lock braking system will be available on both the touring and VRSC (V-Rod) lines.

The Dyna Fat Bob, FXCW Rocker, and FXCW-C Rocker C are the three new custom bikes joining the H-D stable.

The two Rockers are members of the seven-model Softail family, so have rigid-mount 1,584 cc Twin Cam 96B engines combined with the six-speed "Cruise Drive" transmission. The "Rocktail" rear end features a form-fitting fender that mounts to the swingarm so it's always a constant distance from the tire, giving the bike the look of a slammed hard-tail machine while actually providing the comfort of rear suspension.

The Rocker C adds considerable chrome and a trick seat that hides a passenger pad under the rider's solo seat.

The Dyna Fat Bob uses the same engine and transmission, but with rubber mounts and the massive Dyna family prescence, including big twin headlights, drag bars, a new seat, and "black chrome" up front for that mean and moody look. Read more about it in Steve Bond's touring story starting on Page 20, International Motorcycle Magazine Vol. 18/Iss. 1.

Honda

Honda has finally jumped into two markets in which its absence in North America has been noted for some years. First is the KX1000VA Varadero in the "adventure-touring" category (BMW's GS series, Triumph's Tiger, etc., are in the same genre).

The Varadero has been a popular machine in Europe for years, as was its predecessor the "Africa Twin", so no doubt Honda is hoping it'll duplicate that success here in Canada. We have lots of rough roads from pavement to trails that need exploring, and this type of bike is perfect for that task.

The bike uses a 998 cc liquid-cooled and fuel-injected V-twin borrowed from the long-serving sport VTR1000F for strong mid-range power, and offers a five-position adjustment on the windscreen to increase rider comfort.

Also, with their upright seating positions and comfortable long-travel suspension, bikes like this make superb touring machines or just general riders on any kind of surface. The CBF1000A is another new one for Honda, in the category we used to call "standard" but is now often referred to as "naked". The CBF1000 is like nothing so much as Suzuki's venerable Bandit, with a big engine, small fairing, and moderately sporty riding position. The fuel-injected 998 cc engine is derived from the CBR1000RR sport machine but tuned for lower-rpm power and torque.

Comfort is aided by a three-position adjustable seat, while the "Mono-Backbone" frame uses the engine as a stressed member in what Honda calls a "diamond configuration". Also on the comfort side of things, the windscreen has two positions to allow further rider customization.

On the pure sport side, the CBR1000RR has been completely redesigned, claiming reduced weight, greater weight centralization for easier turning, a slipper clutch for the first time (although in typical Honda fashion, it works differently from everyone else's). A totally new engine, refined suspension, new rider ergonomics, and new chassis geometry are also part of the package.

Also new for 2008 is the CRF230L, a lightweight dual-sport motorcycle that's a perfect starter, commuter, or trail explorer. The 223 cc air-cooled four-stroke engine uses electric start and bodywork similar to the pure off-road CRF-R series.

Kawasaki

The "racing green company" has been light on new model information so far, although we do know there's going to be a completely new ZX10R, the hyper sport bike that serves as the company's superbike platform. Insiders tell us that many of the changes from last year's machine were inspired by the Canadian Kawasaki race team and their championship winner Jordan Szoke, who was by far the most successful ZX10 racer in the world last season.

Also new this season is a major revamp of the popular EX250, or Ninja 250. An upgraded motor along with a new chassis and suspension definitely will bring Kawasaki’s smallest sport bike into the 21st century.

KTM

KTM has taken the new 690 LC4 engine that first came to light in the Duke model, and dropped it into the 690 Enduro, a dual-sport machine that’s completely different from the old bike of the same name. It uses a frame and swingarm developed from the factory’s winning Dakar entries.

Suzuki

The B-King is probably Suzuki's biggest news this year, as the fabled show bike finally makes it into production in a form remarkably close to the original (lacking the supercharger, though, which is probably a good idea!).

With an engine lifted directly from the legendary Hayabusa, state of the art aluminum alloy sport chassis with suspension to match, and looks to give mothers and traffic cops nightmares, the B-King is a hard-accelerating, in-your-face sport bike for those who don't want the full-fairing sport bike look. For the kinder, gentler souls in that group, the B-King also offers the electronic "Drive Mode Selector" from the GSX-R and 'Busa machines, which allows two quite different engine settings depending on road conditions or rider preference.

Speaking of Hayabusa, although the '08 version doesn't look much different on first glance, it's a whole new machine that has done a marvellous job of carrying on the looks, image, and feel of the original while upgrading every component on the bike. The new liquid-cooled fuel-injected engine is even more powerful (not something the 'Busa was ever really lacking) joins an updated aluminum alloy frame and swingarm with fully-adjustable suspension at both ends. Even the fairing is new, according to Suzuki offering greater protection and better aerodynamics.

Still on the sport side, there's a new GSX-R600 this year that's intended to claw Suzuki back to the top of this most-hotly contested sport-bike category. Electronics, engine, slipper clutch, chassis, swingarm, and suspension are all either new or massively upgraded. New sharper looks are said to improve aerodynamics and top speed, as well.

In the standard category, Suzuki has added a version to the popular Bandit 1200, which was upgraded considerably last year. The SE model has a full fairing instead of the regular bike's half, and adds a set of hard luggage - it'll be a great touring bike, trust us (the Editor of this magazine has an older model with aftermarket luggage and swears by his).

At the other end of the spectrum, Suzuki's Boulevard cruiser line has a new player in the C109RT, a touring version of the M109 performance cruiser. The RT uses the M109's big liquid-cooled, fuel-injected V-twin and shaft drive, allied to pullback handlebars and floorboards for a relaxed riding position, and adds a windscreen, passenger backrest, studded saddlebags, and engine guards.

Victory

The "other" American motorcycle manufacturer is certainly not afraid to stir the styling waters. The aircraft-carrier size Vision tourer was a shocker last season, and now the factory has a concept machine called the Vision 800 that, um, breaks new styling ground again and uses a CVT-style stepless automatic transmission.

Yamaha

There's lots new from Yamaha for '08 from customs to supersports to the dirt. Biggest news (literally!) is the massive XV1900, which combines Yamaha's seemingly intuitive ability to get the custom look "right" with chassis and suspension engineering that brings the bike well out of the boulevard poseur class.

It comes in two versions (base and fancy, basically), which share the mechanical bits. The engine is a gigantic 1,854 cc V-twin that flouts modern trends by remaining air-cooled although using fuel injection. A cast aluminum frame and quality suspension and brakes add stopping and cornering ability to the motor's immense torque.

In the looks department, from extended forks through a low, "slammed" riding position, to fat rear tire, the XV is right on target.

Over in the super sport department, the razor-sharp R6 600 is back in totally new form complete with "fly by wire" throttle control, variable-length intake trumpets (borrowed from the R1), a new Deltabox aluminum frame design inspired by Yamaha's Moto GP efforts, and a completely new four-cylinder engine that's stronger, revvier, lighter, and torquier than the old unit.

In the "real world" side of riding, the excellent FZ-1 sport bike (competing against the likes of Suzuki's Bandit and Honda's new CBF1000) has done a Bandit by also introducing a touring version: a taller screen, full fairing, and saddlebags will add long-haul flexibility to perhaps the quickest of the big "naked" bikes.

And on the dirt side of things, there are three new dual sports coming to Canada. The XT250 is an upgraded version of an old favourite, the WR250R is a high performance street legal version of the woods/enduro machine, and the WR250X carries the theme farther with the full Supermoto treatment: hotter engine, upgraded chassis, aggressive suspension and tires. Yamaha says it's ready to race, and the specs carry out that claim.

Mention also needs to be made of the variety other makes of motorcycles, scooters, and -- other machinery. Such as:

E-Ton with its great variety of scooters and ATVs

Hyosung 's another manufacturer with a variety of street bikes, scooters, and ATVs

Keeway Introduces their line of scooters

Kymco has established a name for themselves with some very practical scooters and motorcycles

Prestige is another radical new concept -- it's a new kit to convert a motorcycle into a trike, but it uses two front wheels instead of two back ones. The SUPERSHOW will be the world premier for Prestige.

Ruff Cycles produces a unique line of motorcycles, scooters, ATV's and Go-Karts

Triumph Motorcycles and Lehman Trikes both unveil new models for 2008

Ural brings its unique Russian-built BMW-like machines, all available with sidecars.

and don't miss Bombardier's radical three-wheeled Can-Am Spyder

As if all that isn't enough, there are also a host of companies that are termed builders of manufactured customs, generally chopper-style bikes using versions of an S&S motor. If you like the look but aren't handy at building your own motors or wielding a cutting torch, one of these might be building just the machine you want. The list includes American Iron Horse, American Motorcycle Company, Bourget Bike Works, Big Mike's Choppers, Paramount Custom Motorcycles, Pro One, Saxon, and Swift Motorcycle Company.

BMW - Buell - Canadian Scooter Corporation - Ducati - Harley-Davidson - Honda - Kawasaki - KTM - Suzuki - Victory - Yamaha - And more - top

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