SHARP adds more helmets

SHARP, the UK government’s Safety Helmet Assessment and Rating Programme, has just evaluated a further 28 motorcycle helmets.



That brings the total number of different models assessed to 247, all of which have been subjected to identical impact tests that exceed the compulsory British Standard BS 6658:1985 or ECE Regulation 22.05 checks.



Out of the 247 helmets rated, thirty were awarded the maximum five stars. The good news is that six of those retail for under £100, so it would appear that the correlation between price and protection can be tenuous.



The results also clearly demonstrate that a particular brand name won’t necessarily ensure a certain level of quality, as some manufacturers have very large score variations within their ranges.



That’s not the case for Bell, though. It has had six helmets go through the programme, from the £165 M1 to the £495 M5X Carbon, and all were given five stars. No other manufacturer with more than one SHARP-assessed helmet has achieved such a perfect score.



Conversely, the consistently least successful manufacturer is CMS. Its two tested helmets - the £60 GP4 and the £159 GP5F - each only managed to get one star.



To visit the SHARP website, click here.



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SHARP helmet rating

2012 Triumph Street Triple

Updated versions of the Triumph Street Triple and Street Triple R are on their way.

Changes to the middleweight streetfighter are purely cosmetic, with the most obvious being the new headlights. Aping those already seen on the larger Speed Triple, the move away from circular units is bound to divide opinion.



To go with the new lighting are new handlebar clamps and revised instruments, while various components are now finished in brushed steel to add to a de-chromed look. Both versions will feature aluminium handlebars, which previously were only standard on the R spec bike.

Mechanically things remain unaltered, which means the same 675 cc three-cylinder engine as before producing 105 bhp (78 kW / 106PS) and 68 Nm (50 lb/ft) of torque.



The standard model will be available in white, black or - for the more daring - purple, with a price tag in the UK of £6,649.



Alternatively, the higher specification R is going to cost £7,349, and buyers will get a choice of white, black or red paintwork.



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2011 Triumph Speed Triple

2011 Suzuki GSV-R

The Rizla Suzuki MotoGP team has unveiled its 2011 challenger. Sporting a livery from Troy Lee Designs, the Suzuki GSV-R now produces over 220 bhp (165 kW / 225 PS) from its 800 cc V4 engine.

Combined with a weight of around 150 kg (330 lbs), that should be enough for a top speed of at least 205 mph (330 km/h). But that’s just one part of the performance mix - work has also been done to improve driveability and acceleration out of slow corners, while chassis stiffness has received attention to enhance handling and traction.

Rizla Suzuki will only be fielding one GSV-R this season, for Spanish rider Álvaro Bautista. The new bike will make its debut at this weekend’s MotoGP test session at Qatar, ahead of the first race of the season on 20 March which also takes place at the Losail circuit.

Suzuki’s fuel-cell scooter

Could a production version of the Suzuki Burgman Fuel-Cell Scooter be closer to reality?

The model has just earned European Union Whole Vehicle Type Approval, meaning that each example built for the development programme now no longer needs to go through Single Vehicle Approval to check conformity to safety and environmental standards.



EU approval is important to the project, because the bike’s hydrogen fuel-cell was developed by UK firm Intelligent Energy, and the Burgman’s trials are centred on Loughborough University in Leicestershire, England.

Arguably, electric vehicles that take their charge from a fuel-cell are a much more practical proposition compared to those that use a battery. There’s no recharging time, the only emission is water and range anxiety is an alien concept.



The current downsides, however, are the amount of energy required to obtain the hydrogen in the first place and the lack of a refuelling infrastructure.

Motus MST first view

You could be forgiven for having never heard of Motus. But the American manufacturer, based in Birmingham, Alabama, has been busy developing the MST, its take on what a sports touring motorcycle should be like.



The first images of the brand new bike have just been released - and it’s certainly not a bad looking thing, especially when compared to competitors such as the Honda VFR1200F.

A unique feature is the direct injection V4 engine, known as the KMV4. With a capacity of 1,645 cc (100 cubic inches) and an aluminium block and cylinder heads, the targeted outputs are 161 bhp (120 kW / 163 PS) and 165 Nm (122 lb/ft) of torque.

Curiously though, given its country of origin and the class of bike, drive will be via a chain rather than a shaft or belt. Together with fully adjustable suspension front and rear, that points towards a focus on the sports element of the sports touring mix. Nevertheless, a surprise is that anti-lock brakes don’t appear on the MST’s provisional spec sheet.



When Motus starts production later this year, a premium MST-R version will also be offered in addition the base model. There’s no word yet on price levels.

Multistrada Pikes Peak

At the 2010 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, Greg Tracy took victory in the 1,205 cc motorcycle class aboard his #555 Ducati Multistrada, while team-mate Alexander Smith came in third on the #55 bike.

Now, a little over eight months after the event, Ducati has launched the Multistrada 1200 S Pikes Peak Special Edition to mark their achievements. A case of better late than never, perhaps?

An obvious difference from the standard bike is the eye-catching Ducati Corse inspired colour scheme, which is complemented by red pin-striping on the wheels, a bespoke seat, plus a black anodised finish for the engine guard and pillion foot peg hangers.



Finishing off the package is a Ducati Performance front mudguard, an EU-approved Termignoni silencer and a low screen, all of which are carbon fibre.

Available from May 2011 onwards, the Pikes Peak Special Edition will be priced at £16,750 (excluding on the road charges) in the UK. Considering that the Multistrada 1200 S Sport costs £14,795, that’s quite a premium.

First Rossi Ducati unveiled

That didn’t take long. Ducati has already begun to exploit the marketing potential of having Valentino Rossi riding for its MotoGP team by announcing a couple of special road bikes.



The GP Replica kits are the latest offering from the Monster Art project, which allows owners of Ducati’s naked Monster to quickly and simply change the appearance of their machines.

Comprised of graphics for the tank, pillion seat cover, front mudguard and bikini fairing, the colour schemes are inspired by the GP11 racers of Nicky Hayden and Valentino Rossi. Very smart they look, too.



Perhaps using either the 848 or 1198 Superbikes as the basis for a homage to Ducati’s MotoGP efforts might’ve been more appropriate, but there’ll probably be more similarly-themed models in the future.



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Monster 1100 EVO price

Ducati unveils GP11

K 1600 GT and GTL prices

BMW Motorrad has announced UK prices and specifications for its six-cylinder K 1600 GT and GTL super-tourers, ahead of their showroom launch on 19 March.

The recommended retail prices are shown for each of the four available versions. These include VAT and delivery, but dealer on-the-road charges will be extra.





K 1600 GT - £14,950



Standard specification:

· ABS

· Self-levelling Xenon headlight

· LED indicators and brake light

· Heated grips

· Heated seats

· Optional low seat

· E-Gas with three engine power modes

· Cruise control

· 5.7” high quality LCD dashboard display

· Electronically adjustable screen

· Colour-matched panniers

· Centre stand





K 1600 GT SE - £15,765



Standard specification, in addition to K 1600 GT:

· Adaptive Headlight

· Tyre Pressure Control

· Dynamic Traction Control





K 1600 GTL - £16,515



Standard specification, in addition to K 1600 GT:

· Integrated audio system

· Comfort windshield

· Colour coded top box

· Comfort footrests

· Chrome body kit





BMW K 1600 GTL E - £17,315



Standard specification, in addition to K 1600 GTL:

· Adaptive Headlight

· Tyre Pressure Control

· Dynamic Traction Control





The options list shouldn't be too extensive given the already high equipment levels, but it will include a GPS navigation system and Electronic Suspension Adjustment II.

Drawing up a list of direct competitors for the K 1600 - in terms of specs, price, concept or technology - is pretty much impossible.



An obvious candidate would be the six-cylinder Honda Gold Wing but, at £23,125, it costs way more than the BMW.



The £18,395 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Classic is much closer on price and yes, it is a touring bike. Apart from that though, it’s a very different animal which generally appeals to a totally separate customer base.



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2012 Honda Gold Wing

BMW K 1600 GT and GTL

2012 Honda Gold Wing

A new Gold Wing had been expected, but anyone who was waiting for an all-new bike to challenge the just-released BMW K 1600 GT / GTL is going to be disappointed.



The 2012 Gold Wing, at dealers from May this year, is virtually identical to the model it replaces. Major changes are limited to a partly redesigned fairing with better protection from the elements, slightly larger panniers and revised suspension settings.

Other modifications include an MP3 player interface, clear-coated wheels, a reshaped taillight, urethane seat coverings, updated instruments and an improved satellite navigation system.



Despite Honda’s decision to shift Gold Wing production from Ohio to Japan, the United States will undoubtedly remain an important market. So it’s no surprise that the first public display of the revised version will be at the International Motorcycle Show in Greenville, South Carolina (25 - 27 February 2011), followed by an appearance at the Daytona Bike Week in Daytona Beach, Florida (5 - 12 March 2011).

Pricing for the US has been confirmed at $23,199 to $28,499. Given current exchange rates, UK buyers should therefore have to pay no more than £17,700, right? No, sadly not - the 2011 Gold Wing is currently listed at £23,125, so something similar to that is a more realistic prospect.



The Gold Wing might have an extremely dedicated following, but it seems that the 2012 model is a missed opportunity. Next to the fresh six-cylinder competition from BMW, Honda’s offering is beginning to look overly bulky and old-fashioned.



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BMW K 1600 GT and GTL

Yamaha YZR-M1 livery

Yamaha Factory Racing has unveiled a new colour scheme its MotoGP challenger, the YZR-M1.

The bikes may look smart finished in blue with the signature Yamaha ‘speed block’ motif, but the livery reveals that attempts to find a title sponsor for the 2011 season have failed.



Current World Champion Jorge Lorenzo remains with the team to defend his title, while replacing Valentino Rossi is Ben Spies, who moves up to the works outfit following a year at independents Tech 3.

The 2011 MotoGP championship commences on March 20 with the Grand Prix of Qatar.



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Ducati unveils GP11

New Husqvarna SMR511

BMW subsidiary Husqvarna has unveiled its SMR511 supermoto.



Despite the name, power actually comes from a 478 cc single-cylinder engine connected to a six-speed transmission. A four-stroke unit, it features twin cams, four valves and Keihin digital fuel injection.

The suspension set up includes a rear Sachs damper which is adjustable for pre-load, rebound and compression and gives 290 mm of travel. Up front is a pair of 50 mm Marzocchi upside-down forks, offering 250 mm of travel. Braking is taken care of by Brembo floating discs.



In the UK the SMR511 will cost £7,299, excluding first registration fee and road tax. It’s due in dealers this month.

Monster 1100 EVO price

Ducati has confirmed pricing for its new-for-2011 Monster 1100 EVO.



In the UK both colour schemes - Red with a White stripe or Diamond Black with a Racing Grey stripe - will cost £8,995 excluding first registration fee, number plate and road fund licence.



Meanwhile, buyers in the United States will have to part with $11,995 when the new Ducati goes on sale there in the summer.

On the face of it the 1100 EVO, with its trademark tubular steel trellis frame, looks like typical Monster fare. However, there are several major advances compared to the old bike.



First off is the standard-fit Ducati Safety Pack. This comprises the Ducati Traction Control system, which can be set to four different interference levels, plus anti-lock brakes.



Then there’s the engine. Yes, it’s still air cooled, and it’s still got only two valves for each of its two cylinders. But the EVO’s Desmodue Evoluzione motor has been fettled to provide more power at higher revs, while at the same time giving a more linear torque delivery.



Producing 98 bhp (73 kW / 100 PS) at 7,500 rpm and 103 Nm (75 lb/ft) at 6,000 rpm, it’s now connected to a six-speed gearbox via an APTC wet multiplate clutch.

Handling is taken care of by fully adjustable 43 mm upside-down Marzocchi forks at the front. Partnering that set-up is a Sachs rising-rate rear suspension unit, which features adjustable spring pre-load and rebound damping. Wheels are 17” lightweight aluminium alloy items in a new ten-spoke design.



Competitors for the Monster 1100 EVO in the naked class include the £9,535 Honda CB1000R ABS, the £8,799 Kawasaki Z1000 (for which ABS isn’t available), the £11,699 MV Agusta Brutale 990R and the £9,249 Triumph Speed Triple ABS.



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Ducati 848 EVO unveiled

New Harley 1200 Custom

Harley-Davidson has announced a revised version of its Sportster 1200 Custom.

Characterising the 2011 model are chrome, five-spoke cast aluminium wheels, both of which are 16” in diameter. To accommodate the increased wheel size, the front suspension has had to be retuned and the forks set wider apart. However, it looks like UK spec bikes will be getting 16” chrome lace-spoke wheels instead.



Other changes to the 1200 Custom include a reshaped ‘eyebrow’ over the headlight, pull-back handlebars and a smaller LED tail light. Power continues to come from the air-cooled, fuel injected 1200 cc Evolution V-twin engine, which produces 107 Nm (79 lb/ft) of torque.

Prices for the Sportster 1200 Custom have been confirmed as follows:

Paint finish	US MRSP	UK price
Standard - Vivid Black	$10,299	£8,295
Colour option - Brilliant Silver Pearl	$10,589	£8,495
Two-tone option - Sedona Orange / Vivid Black	$10,799	£8,745

The introduction of the revamped 1200 Custom also sees the launch of Harley-Davidson’s H-D1 factory customisation programme.



With H-D1, buyers of a new 1200 Custom can choose from a range of items that will be fitted as it is being built. The seven option categories involved are wheels, paint, engine finish, handlebars, foot control position, seat and the security system.

Altogether, there are in excess of 2,600 specification combinations, so the chances of ending up with an individual bike should be quite high.



The bad news - for European customers at least - is that H-D1 is currently only available in the US and Canada.

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Harley-Davidson Blackline