International Motorcycle Magazine, Volume 20, Issue 1 January 2010
2010 New Motorcycle Models Preview
By Larry Tate
Aprilia - BMW - Can-Am - Ducati - Harley-Davidson - Honda - Indian - Kawasaki - Suzuki - Triumph - Victory - Yamaha
Aprilia
The Aprilia line (ditto for Moto Guzzi and Vespa) is in a bit of turmoil at the moment, as Piaggio USA (Piaggio is the parent company of all three makes) is taking over distribution from Canadian Scooter Corporation, and some industrial bad feeling means that we'll not be seeing the radical new RSV-4 here for a bit, although Piaggio hopes to have things back under control before riding season.
BMW
The big news here, in terms of flash at least, is the S1000RR superbike. Priced at an amazing $17,300 the machine includes more fancy electronics than any other machine on the planet, pure racers excepted. The Dynamic Control system has four modes, which translate into more or less machine control over what the bike is doing. The fact that the beast makes nearly 200 hp and had a terrific first year on the World Superbike circuit in 2009 doesn't hurt, either.
The other new model, which will no doubt sell a lot more bikes, is the F800R, the "naked" or roadster version of the F800 series. It's dropping into Canada to replace the F800S model. These twin-cylinder bikes have been a great success for BMW and this version certainly won't hurt the record any. Unlike the S model it replaces, it uses chain drive instead of belt, as does the GS version.
Updates to the Boxer twin lineup include using versions of the new(ish) DOHC engine in the RT (touring) and GS (adventure touring) models.
Can-Am
The Spyder three-wheeler, while not exactly a motorcycle, certainly belongs here if traditional trikes do. BRP (Bombardier Recreational Products) has been ecstatic with the reception of their odd-ball beast, and for 2010 introduces the RT model, designed as a touring machine. It has an integrated fairing and luggage system, plus the first factory-offered trailer on the market.
Ducati
The second generation of the adventure touring-styled Multistrada will be in Canada before spring, complete with a version of the 1,198 cc monster sport engine, Ohlins suspension, Marchesini wheels, etc. Not for off-roading, despite the appearance. We can expect to see the Hypermotard 796 as well, which if early press hype is to be believed, is even more fun than its big brother. Should be a gas, then.
Harley-Davidson
H-D is expanding its Custom Vehicle Operations line-up; these are basically bikes hot-rodded by the factory complete with full warranty. The Softail Convertible (quick-detach touring luggage) is one addition to the CVO group, the other is the Street Glide "hot rod bagger." Lots of trick look-at-me appearance items match the new go of the 103 ci engine.That's not all, with The Motor Company claiming 10 new models in '10. Speaking of Street Glides, there's a second version of H-D's production trike. Called the Street Glide trike, this unit is mechanically identical to the Tri Glide Ultra Classic but uses many Street Glide styling bits, plus it's cheaper than its sibling. Changes to the Road Glide Custom, return of the Wide Glide, and various other wheel and appearance options pretty much line up the rest of the new stuff.
Honda
Honda also has a new "halo" model for 2010 in the VFR1200 V-4 machine. It's got a bit of a split personality, since on the one hand it's looking very much like a sport replacement for the CBR1000XX, but on the other hand it's got shaft drive, optional luggage and other touring gear. It also has the option of a fully-or-partially automatic Dual Clutch transmission.Still on the sporting side, the CBF1000 "retro" machine features a completely new chassis (aluminum vs steel), improved suspension, and heavily revised engine. In the same line, we're also getting a CBF600S, which Honda says shares many bits with the best-selling (in Europe) Hornet 600. With its half-fairing it shares the same general semi-retro looks of the CBF1000.
There's also a considerable revamp of the VTX1300 cruiser line. The Fury, Sabre, Stateline, and Interstate not only look quite different, but have significant differences in intended markets, from profiling around town to heading across the country.
Likewise, the 750 cruiser line-up has changed with no fewer than five variations: Shadow Tourer, Phantom, Spirit, Aero, and RS. Honda says great effort has been made to make the models feel as well as look different, from the relaxed, big-fender look of the Aero to the basic sporting (dare we say "Sporterish"?) look of the RS. Honda is also making a big deal about their pricing strategy for 2010, with new lower pricing on most models and excellent incentives on left-over earlier machines.
Indian
Well, they're back and trying again. After a long history of on-again, off-again availability, the Indian name got back into business again last year with new owners and a new location. The company plans to be selling bikes in Canada in 2010, with several versions of the same mechanical package; a typical huge cruiser with a 105 ci V-twin engine. Of course, the Indian namesake huge valenced fenders are common to all.
Kawasaki
The Z1000 "naked" has gotten a complete rework this year, back after an absence from Canada in 2009, looking angular and spacey enough to have escaped from a Japanese Manga comic book – it looks much better in the metal than in photos, but it's definitely a polarizing look.
It's almost completely new mechanically, as well. A considerably modified and hopped-up engine sits in a completely new chassis and suspension system (the rear shock sits horizontally).
The big Concours 1400 tourer has gotten a considerable revamp as well, with revised bodywork, a new linked brake system, and a form of traction control with ABS models. The Versys 650 gets new bodywork and tweaked ergonomics.
Suzuki
More on the sport-touring side of things, as Suzuki introduces a version of its popular Bandit 1250 that comes standard with ABS, a full fairing, and complete set of luggage. The standard version is still available.On the cruiser side, the new M50 (805 cc) gets the look of the huge M109.
Triumph
The only new 2010 model announced so far (although the factory says more models are in the pipeline for later in the year) is the Thunderbird, a monster cruiser with a 1,597 cc parallel twin engine. A big-bore kit is also available for those for whom big is just not big enough.The even more monstrous Rocket III 2.3-litre triple gets just what it needed, a claimed 15% power boost, pushing torque up to 165 ft-lb, more than most small cars. The new Roadster version has sort of a stripped-down "street-fighter" look, while ergos have been tweaked for rider and passenger, and ABS is offered on the bike for the first time.
Victory
The Polaris-owned Victory group, albeit specializing only in gargantuan cruising and touring machinery, seems to be doing very well in spite of the times, thank you very much. The Cross Roads and Cross Country bikes are said to be designed for back-road touring, and come with saddlebags and wind protection; the Cross Roads makes do with a vertical police-style transparent screen while the Cross Country adds a large fork-mounted fairing and 9 kg of weight. Otherwise they are identical.The 8-Ball family of cruisers also has a couple of newbies, the Vision 8-Ball and Hammer 8-Ball. The Hammer is a blacked-out cruiser, while the Vision is basically a less well-featured and lower-price version of the top-line Vision Tour.
Yamaha
The cruiser line gets the Stratoliner Deluxe, powered by a massive 1,854 cc engine and complete with all touring gear including a stereo.Also on the cruiser side of things, the V-Star 1300 Tourer gets a considerably revised seating position, with a new bar and seat (which, of course, is lower).
Other than that, most of the line gets only small mechanical upgrades and cosmetic changes, including an R1 with a Valentino Rossi tribute paint job.
Aprilia - BMW - Can-Am - Ducati - Harley-Davidson - Honda - Indian - Kawasaki - Suzuki - Triumph - Victory - Yamaha
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