International Motorcycle Magazine, Volume 19, Issue 1 January 2009
2009 New Model Preview
By Larry Tate
Aprilia - BMW - Buell - Can-Am - Ducati - Harley-Davidson - Honda - Hyosung - Kawasaki - Keeway - KTM - Kymco - Suzuki - Triumph - Victory - Yamaha
Aprilia
Nothing new in Canada from Aprilia this year, although perhaps for 2010 we'll see announced-for-Europe GT additions to their Shiver and Mana models, which come with a half-fairing for better touring abilities.
BMW
BMW has an entire new range of K1300 four-cylinder machines replacing the existing 1200s. The new 1,293 cc motor is said to up power and torque figures across the rev range and powers bikes in R (naked street), S (sport), and GT (touring) versions. Chassis and electronic updates are used across the board, with various states of tune (both engine and chassis) plus different fairings and riding positions differentiating the three.The F800 line also grows, with a new naked R model powered by the same 798 cc vertical twin as its stablemates, but with a double-sided swingarm and chain drive, much like the F800GS.
The S1000RR is the street version of the new World Superbike racer, shown at the big Intermot show. We're told that road-going versions will be in Canada in late 2009. The G650 Xcountry has received a significant reduction in the height of the adjustable seat, to 800-825 mm from 840-870, via changes to the forks, shock, and seat contours
Buell
The second model using the new Helicon Rotax 1125 engine has arrived with the introduction of the 1125CR (for Cafe Racer). Basically it's the 1125R that was released last year, with a smaller fairing and clubman-style bars. Dry weight is a claimed 170 kg (375 lbs) with a 146 hp on tap.
Can-Am
The Can-am Spyder SE5 is a semi-automatic drive version of the three-wheeler from BRP, the Quebec manufacturer. An electronically-controlled, sequential transmission with five forward gears and one reverse is shifted by means of a button on the left handlebar.
Ducati
The 1098 is being replaced by the 1198, with a larger 1,198 cc, 170 hp motor with traction control, and comes in three formats: standard, S and R.Ducati's much-rumoured entry into the "street fighter" market (think Triumph Speed Triple, Aprilia Tuono, etc. -- basically naked sport bikes) is now official.
The bike is based closely on the outgoing 1098, and pretty much keeps the high-end sports stuff intact while changing riding position and losing the sports fairing.
There are two models planned, called the Streetfighter and Streetfighter S. Ducati says both use the identical frame and engine to the 1098 including the single-side swingarm.
The re-vamp of Ducati's Monster line-up is now complete with the announcement of the Monster 1100 and 1100S for 2009. The 1100 uses a lightened air-cooled, 1,078 cc Desmo motor, fitted to the usual trellis frame.
The GT 1000 retro bike gets kitted out in touring trim to become the GT1000 Touring.
Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson's previously Europe-only XR1200 will be coming to Canada after all. Designed to remind riders of the flat-track racing XR750, the XR1200 is certainly the most sports-oriented Harley-Davidson ever available. It's powered by a 1,200 cc Evolution V-Twin with 10:1 compression. High performance cams, an upswept 2-1-2 exhaust system with dual mufflers, and downdraft fuel injection create a package with a claimed 90 hp (68 lb-ft torque) at the crankshaft. Handling is attacked via 43 mm USD Showa forks, twin rear Showa shocks, and Dunlop Qualifier D209 tires, plus Nissin brakes.The XR1200 is available in Vivid Black, Mirage Orange Pearl, and Pewter Denim colors. Canadian MSRP is $13,079 for Vivid Black and $13,419 for the Pearl finish.
The seven touring models all get a new chassis that consists of a new frame, swingarm and wheels. The result is claimed to be better handling and increased luggage capacity. For more details on this, check out page 27 of International Motorcycle Magazine, Volume 19, Issue 1.
There's a new V-Rod called the Muscle which gets drag racing styling with a wide, angular air-box cover and a chopped tail section mated to a super wide 240 mm rear tire, silver five-spoke cast aluminum wheels, and a new deep seat.
The Heritage Softail Classic gets a bit of a retro makeover with a beefier front end combined with a number of retro styling touches.
In the Dyna range, the Street Bob has been redone, again mostly featuring new cosmetics. A new three-wheeled Ultra Classic touring Harley, the Tri Glide (based on the Electra Glide), makes its debut for 2009. Power is supplied by a rubber-mounted Twin Cam 103 motor with the six-speed transmission used on Harley's touring motorcycles. Seat height is 750 mm and there's a claimed dry weight of 235 kg (517 lb). There's an optional electric reverse, as well.
Honda
First shown as a concept bike at the 2007 Tokyo show, the DN-01 blurs the line between scooter and motorcycle with a motorcycle chassis, a 680cc liquid-cooled V-twin (with a claimed 61 hp), but with an "automatic" CVT-style transmission. Seat height is a low 691 mm (27.2") and the claimed curb weight is 270 kg (595 lb). Final drive is by shaft.The CBR1000RR and 600RR feature a new "Electronically-Controlled Combined ABS" system . It uses state-of-the-art sensors, valves, pumps and computers to modulate braking power to prevent wheel lock-up, while providing more power and feel than any previous ABS system. Honda joins the mini-supermoto war with a version of their CRF230L dual sport machine, the CRF230M. It comes with 17-inch wheels and sporty tires.
Hyosung
Hyosung is upping the ante on its SV650-like sport bike, the GT650R. Fuel injection, uprated ignition, and the usual tweaks bump claimed horsepower to 82 from 74. Front brake calipers are now the race-fashion-required four-piston radial style, there's a higher seat height (now 810 mm) and an ignition immobilizer/alarm. Claimed dry weight is 208 kg.
Kawasaki
Kawasaki have released a series of 1,700 cc cruisers to replace the existing 1,600 cc machines.The Vulcan 1700 Voyager features full touring gear including a frame-mounted fairing and leg shields, and an optional sophisticated linked braking system which comes with ABS models. The new engine is derived from the Vulcan 2000 power plant. Cruise control operates up to nearly 140 km/h, and the sixth speed is an overdrive. Carbon-fibre belt drive is fitted, and is said to be 40% stronger than previous units.
Featuring most of the mechanical and electronic ideas introduced on the new Voyager, three other 1700 models will be available: the Vulcan 1700 Classic, Classic LT and Nomad.
The 2009 Kawasaki ZX-6R comes with 10 kg less weight, better low and midrange power, improved front suspension and refined bodywork. A revised frame claims to sharpen handling feel, while the latest in suspension tech, Showa's 41 mm "Big Piston Front" fork helps to offer lighter and quicker steering, says Kawasaki. An Ohlins steering damper is be fitted.
The ER-6n is basically a naked Ninja 650R. It shares its trellis frame, offset laydown rear shock, swingarm, suspension and chassis with the new 2009 Ninja 650R. Seat height is 785 mm (5 mm lower than the Ninja) with a claimed dry weight of 174 kg.
The Ninja 650R gets many minor engine and chassis refinements aimed mostly at comfort and convenience.
There’s a new 250 supermoto model based on the KLX250S. The KLX250SF wears road-worthy 17-inch radial tires and reduced wheel-travel front and back lowers the centre of gravity for better on-road handling and stability. Suspension is fully adjustable front and rear, and the 43 mm USD fork offers 231 mm (9.1 in) of movement. Dry weight is a claimed 137 kg (302 lb).
Returning in 2009 is the Super Sherpa 250. The 249 cc dual purpose machine is relatively low-tech, but it's a fun little bike and will go nearly anywhere for little money up front and close to zero in running costs.
Keeway
The 49 cc Hurricane 50 and F-Act 50 are both powered by a single cylinder, air-cooled two-stroke developing 3.5 hp.The Arn 150 is a single-cylinder air-cooled four-stroke producing 9.4 hp with a claimed top speed of 88 km/h.
KTM
KTM's RC8-R gets some chassis mods for less weight and sharper steering. An "R" variant to the 990 Adventure is lighter than the base model and more powerful, too. The standard Adventure also sees a hp increase from 98 to 106 hp, along with the immobilizer, clocks and lockable luggage.The popular 690 Enduro dual-sport bike gets an R version. with more race-ready suspension and motor tuning.
Kymco
The Frost 200 (which is called the Dink in Taiwan, but fortunately renamed for Canada) features a 175 cc liquid-cooled single motor with fuel-injection.The Sento 50 takes its styling cues from the retro Vino/Jazz (which in turn get theirs from the Vespa) and is powered by an air-cooled four-stroke 50 cc single.
Suzuki
Suzuki's 2009 GSX-R1000 is a whole new bike. A totally new engine is smaller and lighter while being more powerful. A longer swingarm (to take up the space of the shorter engine) on a new frame should lessen the wheelie tendency.Suspension is upgraded to match the new frame, featuring Showa's trick new Big Piston Forks (BPF) up front. Brakes are the fashionable radials, and equally fashionable monobloc style for more stiffness. The rider-controllable electronics keep last year's three-way power setting, and add a lap timer.
The new M90 is a mini M109R only instead of a whopping 1,783 cc, this 54 degree, V-twin has 1,462 cc or 90 cubic inches (thus the "M90" name).
The brand-new motor shows sport bike influence, with four-valve heads, dual plugs and fuel injection, combined with shaft drive and a five-speed box.
The SFV650 (launched as the Gladius in the U.S. and Europe) is a variant of the SV650, using a steel/aluminum trellis frame holding the latest version of the SV's 90-degree V-twin. Following the addition of a "Canadian Edition" 1250 Bandit (comes with hard bags) last year, there are now Canadian Editions of both the 1000 and 650 V-Stroms, although they also come with a tail trunk as well as hard bags.
The 1250 Bandit CE now also comes with a tail trunk as well as a taller windshield, while the GSX650F now offers ABS as standard.
The Burgman 400 also comes with ABS as standard, while the 650 Burgman gets heatedgrips and seat.
Triumph
The new Street Triple R is a higher-spec version of the existing Street Triple, which in turn is basically a naked version of the Daytona 675.Meanwhile, the Daytona 675 has been revamped A new cylinder head, valves, and injection programing find an additional three horses, with a new max claimed power of 126 hp @ 12,600 rpm. There's also an optional quickshifter.
Suspension is now fully adjustable and the front brakes have been upgraded . Weight has been dropped by a couple of kilos thanks to a new pipe and lighter wheels.
The Thunderbird 1600 cruiser will be designated as a 2010 model but will be released in the summer of 2009. Styling takes some cues from the Bonneville America.
The Thunderbird's 1,594 cc liquid-cooled parallel twin will make about 100 hp and deliver that to the rear wheel via a six speed box and belt final drive.
The Bonneville range received various cosmetic changes, plus they've now all been converted to EFI.
Victory
No new models from Victory this year, but the new 106 Freedom motor first launched in the Vision series of models finds its way into the Vegas Jackpot, both Hammers and all the Visions, as well as the Ness Jackpot and Vision.
Yamaha
The all-new V-Max has arrived The heart of the Max - a liquid-cooled V-4 motor - is still there, but the capacity has been boosted from 1,198 to 1,679 cc.Scads of new-tech features result in a huge torque increase with Yamaha claiming a chunky 123 ft-lb while the old Max could only muster 80. Horsepower is a claimed 197 actual horsepower, coming in at 9,000 rpm.
The all new R1 owes much to the M1 Moto GP racing program. The engine is "an entirely new" 998 cc unit that features a very unusual uneven firing order/crank arrangement, with a "flat-plane" crankshaft. Yamaha says this produces a more more linear production of torque and more direct throttle response.
An all-new chassis and swingarm are intended to "improve rigidity, balance, [and] traction on corner exits." Brakes are 310 mm discs mounted to new five-spoke wheels.
The popular V-Star line adds two 950 cc models. The motor is an all new 942 cc, air-cooled, SOHC, four-valve per cylinder 60° V-twin. Four-valve heads and fuel injection certainly make the technical side good, plus belt drive provides the power transfer to the rear wheel. At only 675. mm (26.6. in) the V Star 950 has one of the lowest seat heights available. It'll offer "Classic" (bare) and touring versions.
The FZ6R is for riders who want to make the jump from cruisers to sport, or new riders who like the sporting look, but don't want to get into the full racer-rep thing. It's powered by a new 600 cc DOHC, four-valve four with EFI in a steel frame with budget suspension, and a 212 kg (466 lb) wet weight.
The T-Max scooter is powered by an inline, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 499 cc four-stroke twin, with a claimed maximum of 42 hp (@7,500 rpm) and a max torque of 34.2 ft-lbs (@6,500 rpm). The T-Max should be capable of highway speeds without strain.
The seat includes a three height lumbar support for the rider, and can hold a full-face helmet beneath it. Wet weight is a claimed 222 kg and seat height is as lofty 800 mm (although the 'step-through' design of the scoot should make that usable to gods and midgets alike.
BW'S fans will be pleased to know that Yamaha have kept the 50's 'rally' styling on the new 125 - complete with bug-eyed lights and bulbous tires. The motor is a 124 cc, air-cooled (with fan assist like Vespas), SOHC, four-stroke single, with four valves and digital closed-loop fuel injection to give it an edge of technology. Transmission is the standard scooter CVT.
Aprilia - BMW - Buell - Can-Am - Ducati - Harley-Davidson - Honda - Hyosung - Kawasaki - Keeway - KTM - Kymco - Suzuki - Triumph - Victory - Yamaha - top
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