BMW reveals Junior GS: Good news for those lusting after a BMW R1200 GS but who can't quite afford one. BMW has unveiled a new GS, the F800GS.
It gets a tubular steel frame to cope with the stresses of off-road use, as well as a repositioned engine, new front and rear suspensions, a double-strut rear swingarm, greater steering lock, increased ground clearance, solid wire spoke wheels and chain drive rather than belt drive. It can reach 100km/h in just 4.1 seconds with a top speed of over 200km/h.
The brakes are double 300mm discs with two-piston callipers at the front and a single 265mm disc and single piston calliper at the rear (with optional ABS, of course), and it weighs in at just 178kg dry.
BMW'S HARDCORE G450 X
BMW has unveiled the new G450X, boasting some unusual features including a reverse-rotating crank which allows for a shorter gearbox and longer swingarm. The twin-cam, single-cylinder 450cc engine has an output of 50hp and is positioned to improve packaging, weight distribution and efficiency. It also has the latest fuel injection system and its computer-controlled three-way catalytic converter is Euro III homologated to meet vehicle emissions standards. The riding position has been carefully honed for competition riding and overall the G450X weighs 120kg, including its 8.5-litre fuel tank filled with unleaded. It goes on sale in mid-2008, but no prices have been announced yet.
HONDA'S NAKED CB BOASTS REAL MUSCLE
Honda has based its new CB1000R streetfighter around a sportbike engine. It mates the CB600F Hornet's aluminium backbone frame with a slightly detuned 2007 FireBlade engine making it a very different animal to its predecessors. The 998cc in-line four-cylinder engine has a fatter mid-range and smoother delivery. Peak power is expected to be around 126hp with 98Nm of torque available quite low in the rev range.
The new CB1000R is designed to be a sportier, more aggressive ride than the softer and friendlier Hornet 600 and the Hornet name has been dropped to further differentiate it from its more budget-oriented siblings. The forks are shared with the 2008 FireBlade while four-piston Tokico radial callipers and 310mm discs are standard (ABS is optional, but uses three-piston Nissin callipers).
KTM'S SUPERBIKE ARRIVES
KTM has unveiled its new RC8 superbike, some four years after first teasing us with an early prototype. Although hidden behind typically bright orange (and unconventional) bodywork, the RC8's frame comprises a steel trellis with a cast aluminium subframe while its sophisticated 1190 engine (actually a 1149cc V-twin) produces 155hp and 120Nm, enough go to propel the 200kg (wet) bike from 0-100km/h in just three seconds. WP supplies the suspension, while the RC8 uses four-piston Brembo radial callipers with 320mm front discs.
The swingarm is an all-alloy, twin-spar set-up while the MotoGP-style LCD screen has displays which can be chosen by the rider on the move.