For 2009 the Yamaha middleweight line-up is further strengthened with the arrival of the dynamic and agile new XJ6, a naked version of the 2009 XJ6 Diversion.
This all-new 600 is one of the coolest and desirable models in the important naked 600 category, and is powered by an inline 4-cylinder engine that has been tuned to deliver responsive low to mid-range torque for fun riding. With its strong flow of easy-to-handle power, this cool new 600 is a genuine all rounder, designed to make the rider feel at home in town, on twisty back roads, and on the highway.
The lightweight, slim and compact new chassis features a low seat height, making the XJ6 an ideal machine for both new and experienced riders of all ages who want a stylish middleweight that can handle just about any situation. While offering high levels of practicality, the contemporary design of the new chassis and bodywork on the new XJ6 underlines its position as one of the capable and attractive machines in the category.
Its newly-developed FZ6-based engine, combined with the compact, rider-friendly chassis design and agile handling feel ensure that this new naked 600 offers a truly special ride quality. Combined with its high levels of riding enjoyment and outstanding overall performance, the new XJ6 looks set to establish itself as a real favourite with a wide range of new owners in 2009 and beyond.
Technically the XJ6 shares the same bases as the XJ6 Diversion, while its body work gives the XJ6 a cool, light and agile roadster look.
XJ6 Model Overview
• Easy-handling, dynamic and stylish new middleweight • Rider-friendly linear power characteristics • Slim and lightweight handling feel • Ideal balance of controllability and performance • Newly-developed FZ6-based 600cc engine • Plenty of low to mid-range torque • Compact and attractive chassis • Contemporary bodywork design give cool, light and agile roadster look • Outstanding levels of fun, enjoyment and performance • Also available with ABS
Engine Technical Highlights
• 600cc liquid-cooled inline 4-cylinder 4-valve DOHC • Newly-developed high-compression cylinder head • Slimmer inlet ports • Cam profile designed for strong and linear low to mid-range torque • One-piece cylinder and upper crankcase for good rigidity • Bore x stroke 65.5 mm x 44.5 mm • Lightweight forged aluminium pistons • Four-hole two-direction fuel injection system • 4-2-1 exhaust with midship muffler located beneath chassis • 3-way catalyzer and exhaust O2 sensor • New inner-push type clutch for easy action • Redesigned shift mechanism for smooth and easy gearchanging
Chassis Technical Highlights
• Newly-designed high-tensile steel diamond-type frame • Idealised balance of lateral rigidity for strong cornering performance • 1,440mm wheelbase • Easy-handling caster angle of 26 degrees and 103.5mm trail • Hexagonal slimline fuel tank with comfortable knee-grip area • New slimline swingarm with inner bracket design • 41mm diameter conventional front forks • Monocross rear suspension • 17.3 litre fuel tank capacity • Low 785 mm seat height • Lightweight 298 mm front discs and 245 mm rear disc, thickness 4.5mm • 120/70-ZR17 front tyre and 160/60-ZR17 rear tyre • Lightweight, low-drag 520 chain (FZ6 is 530) • Newly-designed lightweight cast wheels • Timeless new styling emphasises concentration of mass • Linear-control ABS available as an option • New multi-function instrumentation • Adjustable handlebar position
Colours both XJ6 and XJ6 ABS
Cloudy White Extreme Yellow Midnight Black
Accessories
Yamaha will offer a range of accessories created specifically for the XJ6, and the line-up will be available from authorized Yamaha Dealers. The accessory range will include:
Aluminium rear carrier Centre stand Engine guard City tank bag Roller protectors Tank pad 46-litre top case Inner bag for top case Back rest for top case
Over 200,000 visitors from 110 countries crowded the Intermot exhibit halls to see new motorcycles like Aprilia's 2009 RSV4 superbike.
The first of the big European Shows, Intermot at Cologne, has now been and gone and we have sight of many of next year's models as well as a few concepts for the future. Even taking into account Japanese models, it has not been a stunning year for new models so far, with few surprises. Hopefully next month's Milan Show may redress the balance.
However, while the manufacturers may be cagey in the current economic climate, show figures prove there is still a potential market available to them. Over 200,000 visitors from 110 countries viewed the exhibits in the massive halls showing that interest in motorcycles remains high.
Among the impressive total were numerous trade visitors from Germany and abroad and they accounted for around 30% of the total , with 35% of the buyers arriving from outside Germany. In total, 1,068 exhibiting companies from 36 countries exhibited their wares. After Germany, the home country, the largest number of exhibitors came from Italy, followed by Taiwan, China, the USA, the UK, Pakistan, the Netherlands and France.
So this month we take a quick look at what was revealed and maybe hint at what we can look forward to at the forth-coming Milan Show next month when the remaining new models will break cover!
Austria Despite a press conference being called at Intermot for KTM to announce new machines, the manufacturer knew nothing about it as they have decided to launch all their new bikes at Milan next month! German show organisers had assumed they would be getting some of the glory; instead it was just red faces. Factory insider's claim up to five new bikes will break cover at the 'official' unveiling.
French manufacturer Scorpa, best known for its trials bikes, is launching an electric moto called E-tricks.
France French manufacturer Scorpa probably best known for their trials machines, has recently launched an electric bike called the E-Tricks. Aimed at those restricted to 50cc by law, it gives a claimed 90 minutes riding time from a fully charged battery.
Germany No real show surprises from BMW really with most new models having appeared at least once here in recent months.
The S1000RR Superbike took pride of place at the launch displayed in team colours, this being the same machine to be ridden by Ruben Xaus and Troy Corser in next year's WSB championship.
What was new was the information that it will provide the basis for a whole new range, including a naked version and a 600cc version in the near future. Rumour has it the naked 1000cc will be on sale in the UK as early as spring next year.
BMW's K-series will benefit from a boost in displacement, with its 1300cc four-cylinder mill now churning out a claimed 175bhp.
BMW also released its latest machine in the K-series with a whole host of innovative ideas. The engine has grown to 1300cc and the large four-cylinder now puts out 175 bhp. A quick-shifter is available for the gear-change as an optional extra, the first to be offered on a mainstream production machine.
The suspension is electronically controlled with the options of 'normal,' 'sports' or 'comfort' being available for the damping, while 'solo', 'solo plus luggage' and ' plus pillion and luggage' take care of the spring rate adjustment. 'ESA II' is the first to offer such a wide range of settings on a production motorcycle. Anti-Spin Control (ASC) and ABS are also standard, while an electronic dash is available as an optional extra.
Italy Ducati launched a new GT 1000 Touring model based on the existing Sport Classic GT1000. The new model has a screen and luggage rack, and lots of additional chromed items. Ducati also announced that every purchaser of one of its bikes in Europe will get a free back protector! Expect the major new models to break cover next month at their home show in Milan with larger engines!
A
Featuring a new black livery, the GT Touring 1000 includes a luggage rack, windscreen, and chrome fenders front and rear.
s well as a world championship, the Bologna company also got something else to celebrate on a global basis. In a recent survey of the Coolest Brands in the world, they have been voted into 14th place, the only motorcycle manufacturer to make the top twenty. (Harley just missed out at 21st place!) However, they still have a way to go to be the top motoring icon as Aston Martin stayed firmly in the number one slot. Piaggio now appears to be courting the car driver who may not want to take a bike test with the latest three-wheel MP3 LT.
The factory has increased the spacing between the front wheels so that it now classifies as a car and to this end they have added a right foot brake lever to allow them to familiarize themselves with it. Two engine sizes are available, a 250 and 400 both being four-stroke single-cylinder items. Aprilia is obviously keen to push the appeal of Mana and its CVT transmission and have launched a touring version called the GT. This comes with a new half fairing with an adjustable windscreen, while the standard model now gets the option of ABS brakes.
Despite rumors that Moto Guzzi's factory at Mandello de Lario is closing, Piaggio owners say it ain't so.
Also new is the half faired version of the Shiver, dubbed the GT. The half fairing is the only change over the existing model, this like the Mana now having the option of ABS.
Despite rumours circulating on various websites about the closure of the Moto Guzzi factory at Mandello de Lario on the shores of Lake Como in Italy, Piaggio's owners have confirmed that no such plans exist and it will stay open. It has been the home of Guzzi since 1921 and is something of a shrine to owners!
Sometime ago we mentioned that Benelli was working on a 600cc in-line four with hub-centre steering. Latest information is that work has stopped until at least 2010 while they work on improving existing models to get a bigger share of the market.
Norway Norway is not normally a country associated with motorcycle manufacture, but a company called Brudeli Tech has now launched a three-wheeler based on a KTM 690. The machine has two wheels at the f
Norwegian-based Brudeli Tech has launched a cool new three-wheeler that allows rider and machine to lean into corners at a claimed 45-degree angle.
ront and will allow the rider to lean the machine to 45 degrees in order to get the same experience as riding a bike, but without the risk of falling off.
Seven years in the making, it has now passed the strict German TUV test and will shortly be on sale as a road legal vehicle for around $30,000.
United Kingdom Recently we mentioned the Norton racing project in these pages and their move back towards mainstream racing. Well it now appears that Stuart Garner, a UK-based businessman and owner of Norton Racing Ltd., has bought back all the trademarks and development work relating to the Norton, Manx, Atlas, Commando and Dominator brands. So after nearly fifteen years of US ownership, Norton, one of the most famous British motorcycle brands, is back in UK ownership.
It would also appear that Norton Racing Ltd., who are pioneering the racing effort with a rotary engine, have plans to introduce a new road bike for 2009 now that the brand name is part of the same company.
In the early nineties the brands were bought by Norton Motorcycles Inc. in the USA with the view of developing a new Commando road bike for the US market. Nearly $10 million was spent on IP, design and development, and this development work has formed part of the new deal.
It appears that UK businessman Stuart Garner has bought back all the trademarks to the Norton name, returning the famed motorcycle marque to British rule after 15 years of US ownership. It's history includes winning the inaugural Isle of Man TT in 1907.
The new company already has a new 15,000 sq-foot factory and office complex based at the Donington Park race circuit in the Midlands where the new bikes will be built. In addition to the hardware the company will pursue a vigorous licensing program through Norton Global Brands to safeguard and develop licensing of all kinds, from spare parts to clothing.
Royal Enfield was of course part of the British motorcycle industry and were based in Redditch. As most people know they became part of the Norton Villiers group in the mid sixties and died a death with them in the seventies. However, 1956 they had set up a subsidiary in Madras, India which has continued to produce the 'Bullet' range of single-cylinder machines.
The machines have since reappeared in the late seventies, remaining faithful to the original styling and engine configuration with a separate engine and gearbox unit. The only real changes to the 50-year- old design have been the introduction of a disc brake at the front, an electric start and electronic ignition.
However, despite continued strong sales, Euro 3 emission regulations have forced the company to introduce a new powerplant to meet the new stringent controls. The new engine is now a unit construction and has hydraulic tappets, a new oil pump and lighter seven plate clutch, not to mention a catalytic converter.
It was actually designed at Cranfield University by Stuart McGuigan with additional work by Ricardo Engineering in the UK. All tooling and production has been done in India and the new bike will be available in early January next year.
Meanwhile, if you want to buy a slice of English motorcycle heritage, Hesketh Motorcycles are up for sale with an asking price of £250,000. The company, founded by English Lord Alexander Hesketh, who was also involved with F1 car racing, is on offer complete with a full order book and plenty of parts in stock. Current owner Mick Broom ,who was part of the original project which started in 1979, has now reached retirement age and wants to slow down as all the bikes are still hand-built!
The 2010 Triumph Thunderbird is powered by a 1599cc DOHC Parallel Twin with a claimed output of over 80 hp and 100 lb-ft of torque.
Triumph showed their new model range for 2009, but also showed the new for 2010 1600cc Thunderbird that bizarrely will be available next summer. A 1700cc big bore kit will also be available to go with for those who want more and there will be an extensive range of bolt on extras to challenge the Harley market in the USA.
In standard trim the bike puts out 100 lb-ft of torque, (more than a Harley) has a 21-litre tank, 702mm seat height, 47mm Showa forks with 310mm front discs gripped by four piston calipers.
Meanwhile rumours are seeping out about a new Trophy 1200 with shaft drive using a three-cylinder engine as opposed to the old four-cylinder powerplant which was used in the last version. We will keep you posted when anything else is known!
We have previously mentioned the UK government's system SHARP helmet test and the problems the well-meaning system is causing. Well, it continues to cause controversy as more of the results are made public. Although the industry is broadly in favour of an NCAP rating system, it claims the new test is unrealistic by testing in areas that are not normally damaged when a rider comes off.
The results have given cheap Chinese manufactured helmets five-star ratings, while helmets costing hundreds from firms who have been in the business for years are not getting anywhere near the same rating, despite all passing the legal 22-05 and BSI tests.
However, the big fear is now that insurance companies will reduce pay-outs if a five-star helmet is not warn, which could put many manufacturers out of business, force riders to buy new helmets just to get insured, or face having insurance declined!
It seems that UK police are now spending thousands of pounds on using Home Office experts in face recognition to identify riders going through forward facing speed cameras at excessive speed. Normally these experts would be used in serious criminal offences such as armed robbery where the suspects use masks, but now they are looking through helmet visors!
Rest of the World
Japan
MotoGP going to a single tire supplier has been grabbing all the headlines, but Dunlop quietly won its 200th consecutive MotoGP 250cc Grand Prix.
Fittingly it was at the famous Motegi circuit in Japan that tire manufacturer Dunlop won its 200th consecutive Moto GP 250cc Grand Prix. Marco Simoncelli was in the hot seat for the historic moment for the tire manufacturer whose run in the quarter litre class was started by Max Biaggi on his Dunlop-shod Aprilia. This too was at the Japanese 250cc Grand Prix in Suzuka in 1996 and since then every race during the past 12 years has been won on Dunlop tires.
Just for the record, Valentino Rossi took the 50th win at the 1999 British GP, Marco Melandri made it one-hundred at Brno in 2002, whilst Casey Stoner delivered the 150th in Malaysia in 2005. In all, thirty-three riders and five constructors have contributed to Dunlop's impressive record.
With the proposed one make tire rule providing plenty of media interest, it should be remembered that Dunlop has supplied the tires for the 250cc World Champion every year since 1993, and a 16th consecutive title is theirs this year. The significance of the 250cc class is underlined by the fact that 12 of the 18 current 2008 Moto GP riders are previous 250cc Dunlop winners.
Despite being robbed, hit by a car and left for dead, and encountering armed insurgents, Jeffrey Polnaja continues his Ride for Peace, attempting to circumnavigate the globe eight times via motorcycle.
Dunlop has also won 1,331 of the 2,561 Grand Prix held in all the solo capacity classes since the World Championship started in 1949 - more, therefore, than all the other tire companies combined. Yamaha has filed a patent for a Motocross bike which has the cylinder head facing the opposite way to normal. This will mean the exhaust will exit in a straight line instead of having to turn through 180 degrees, making exhaust design easier as well as straitening the airflow through the fuel injection system at the front.
Apart from improving engine power characteristics, it means the engine can be moved further forward in the frame which allows for improving the C of G and allows the swing arm pivot to come further forward. This allows for a longer swing-arm which aids traction, very important when talking about loose surface riding!
And finally! Jeffrey Polnaja, an Indonesian motorcyclist, is still on the road in his quest to ride around the world eight times to promote world peace. That is despite being robbed, hit by a car and left for dead, not to mention a meeting with some armed insurgents. Just goes to prove motorcyclists are a tough bunch wherever they hail from!
MotoCzysz has introduced the open architecture E1pc motorcycle. It is an electric motorcycle and is now being entered into the awesome TTXGP race. The bike looks cool with its partial orange colour and I must say it is indeed an interesting concept.
The bike comes with awesome Ohlin linkage and Brembo braking. All this contributes to the bike’s success. It is made from the choicest carbon fibre and aluminium. It runs on lithium ion batteries and can reach a maximum speed of over 150mph. The bike also weighs just 195 kilograms.
This is one of the coolest bikes to be launched this week and I must the lightweight and high-speed design makes this electric bike green, trendy and also functional. There is no information about the price or availability but I am sure since it is being entered into a race, it would also be out in a commercial way. Watch out for this one!
Proclaimed as the only major American motorcycle maker, Harley-Davidson has just unveiled their 2010 product line-up, with nine new motorcycle models in what they refer to as “the most expansive new-product introduction in the history of the company,” spread across six model platforms.
Highlights of the 2010 Harley-Davidson line include:
As the new king of the Harley-Davidson Touring line, the Electra Glide Ultra Limited model delivers the performance upgrade of a Twin Cam 103 engine, and features standard equipment items previously offered only as accessories on regular-production Harley-Davidson Touring models.
The new Road Glide Custom model looks lean and mean, with a slammed suspension, 18-inch front wheel and a new 2-into-1 exhaust system.
The Wide Glide returns as an all-new Dyna model done in old-school chopper style, with black laced wheels, a chopped rear fender, black “wire” sissy bar, 2-1-2 Tommy Gun exhaust and an optional flame paint scheme. Priced starting at US$ 14,499, the Wide Glide is also a great new value.
The new Street Glide Trike brings stripped-down, hot-rod styling to the three-wheel category, and joins the Tri Glide Ultra Classic(R) in an all new Trike family for 2010.
Dressed in satin chrome and denim black, the new Fat Boy(R) Lo presents a darker and lower interpretation of the motorcycle that still defines the fat-custom segment.
The 2010 Street Glide model gets even more hot-rod soul, with updates that include a larger front wheel, slimmed-down exhaust, and a new tail light assembly. Street Glide takes a classic Harley-Davidson Touring profile to a low, light and lean extreme.
No motorcycle on the road today matches the modern street attitude of the three exciting models in the Harley-Davidson VRSCfamily: V-Rod, Night Rod Special and V-Rod Muscle. The explosive performance of the liquid cooled Revolution V-Twin engine keeps VRSC at the top of the power cruiser food chain in 2010.
The American motorcycle legend that is Harley-Davidson Sportster features six models for 2010, including the US$ 7,999 Iron 883 introduced mid-year 2009 and four others priced less than US$ 10,000.
Harley-Davidson Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO), masters of shimmering chrome and bold paint, offers four new limited-production models for 2010. The CVO Softail Convertible is a versatile urban touring motorcycle, while the CVO Street Glide is a high-performance hot-rod bagger. The CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide and CVO Fat Bob models are refreshed for 2010 with new paint schemes and styling details. All CVO models are powered by a Twin Cam 110 engine, the largest displacement V-Twin offered by Harley-Davidson.
Harley-Davidson Motor Company’s traditional heavyweight motorcycles and general merchandise have a growing fan following in the UAE, with clubs springing up in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
2007 Harley-Davidson Motorcycles: New 1600cc 6-Speed Engine for All Big Twins, 50th-Anniversary Sportster, Reloaded Fat Boy, Hotter and Darker Rods, New Softail Custom
Davidson VRSCF V-Rod Muscle is a power cruiser with an overenthusiastic quality. Its engine is rubber-mounted in a hydro-formed steel edge frame. There is a shell that covers airbox located on the top of the engine. The engine has the super-power to produce around 125 hp at 8250 rpm and up to 85 ft-lbs. of touque at 7000 rpm. You will get an Anti-Lock Braking System i.e. ABS installed in your Harley Davidson VRSCF V-Rod Muscle. It is available in Vivid Black, Brilliant Silver, Dark Blue Denim and Red Hot Sunglo. The bodywork of this motorbike surely stands apart from all the rest. Another amazing work of Harley Davidson.
Press Release : With sculpted bodywork stretched taut over a powerful new physique, the 2009 VRSCF V-Rod Muscle rides its way onto the Power Cruiser scene with a broad-shouldered presence. Gaping air scoops, sweeping side-pipe exhaust and a huge rear tire spinning under a clean, clipped fender speak to a contemporary, urban sense of style and performance. The Muscle pushes the Harley-Davidson V-Rod platform into a new turf, where it aims to hold its ground.VRSC Key Features
1250cc Revolution V-Twin: Standard on all 2009 VRSC models, the 60-degree Revolution 1250cc V-Twin is liquid-cooled and features Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), dual overhead cams, four-valve heads, and a five-speed transmission. The engine is rubber-mounted in a hydroformed steel perimeter frame. A shell covers the large-volume airbox located over the engine. A five-gallon fuel tank is located below the seat on all VRSC models. The engine is tuned to produce up to 125 hp at 8250 rpm and up to 85 ft-lbs. of torque at 7000 rpm.
Optional ABS: Each VRSC model is available with optional, factory-installed Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS). Designed to work in conjunction with high-performance Brembo triple-disc brakes, this is the most advanced braking system offered on any power cruiser. ABS is designed to help the rider maintain control during braking events, especially those that happen in less-than-optimal conditions. The components of the Harley-Davidson ABS have been designed and packaged to be virtually invisible, preserving the uncluttered styling of the area around the wheels. Unlike many motorcycle ABS, Harley-Davidson ABS is not a linked system, meaning the rider maintains full, independent control of both front and rear brakes.
New V-Rod Muscle The wide, angular air-box cover and chopped tail section look as solid and smooth as billet and give the new V-Rod Muscle lines that are clean and powerful. The size of the massive 240 mm rear tire is accentuated by the new broad, clipped and clean rear fender. The combination stop/tail/turn LED light is tucked under the edge of the rear fender, and the side-mount license plate leaves the fender surface smooth and uncluttered. Front-end styling balances the rear, with a trimmed fender that’s blacked out behind satin-finished inverted forks and LED turn signals integrated into the mirror stems. The radiator shrouds are restyled and color-matched to the rest of the bodywork, while the new airbox side covers incorporate air scoop inlets covered with woven wire mesh. The silver five-spoke cast aluminum front and rear wheels are a new design for the V-Rod line.
A new deep seat holds the rider firmly in place against the thrust of the Revolution V-Twin engine. The Muscle features forward foot controls, and a new handlebar with internal wiring. The handlebar is 1.5-inch cast aluminum with tubular steel ends and integrated risers. Bold polished forged aluminum triple clamps secure the inverted forks and frame the distinctive V-Rod teardrop reflector optic headlamp, housed in a satin black bucket.
The long profile of a 34-degree fork rake is stretched visually by new “sidepipe” dual exhausts in satin chrome with fat, turn-out mufflers exiting behind the rear axle. The V-Rod Muscle is available in Vivid Black, Brilliant Silver, Dark Blue Denim and Red Hot Sunglo.
2008 Is Going To Be An Amazing Year! The Cross Bones is HERE
The New Harley-Davidson Cross Bones has arrived. It just came off the truck and will be in the showroom later today. Come by Green Mountain Harley-Davidson and check it out.
If you haven’t heard, this is the hottest new machine from the great motor company. A Springer front end, mini ape hangers, an adjustable sprung solo seat on the legendary softail platform. Add a blacked out motor and rims and this thing is ready to rumble.
Check out our website for all the details – stop in to the shop and see it
Big Events! New Ownership! Good Times!
2008 is going to be an amazing year. We just uncrated the new Rocker C bikes and it looks trick. The Motor Company is celebrating its 105th anniversary with a big, bash party in Milwaukee,WI August 28 thru September 1st. And, Green Mountain Harley-Davidson is honored to be an official overnight stop for the North East route. Join us on August 21st for a RIP ROARING celebration.
As for big changes, David and I are excited to announce ourselves as the new owners of Green Mountain Harley-Davidson. We are avid motorcycle riders with over 50 years of riding and racing experience between us. We have traded in the Rocky Mountains for the Green Mountains and look forward to meeting everyone and riding together to explore beautiful Vermont.
David and I are passionate about what we do and we will be working with a fantastic GMHD team to provide the right product, highest level of service and the best dealer experience. We welcome your feed back and encourage you to participate in the numerous rides and group events. See our extensive and up-to-date "Events Calendar" at www.greenmtnharley.com .
To start off the New Year Full Throttle, we are hosting an Open House Celebration Saturday, March 15, 2008. Join us for motorcycles, music, food and fun. Numerous vendors will be present along with entertainment for the whole family. We will also have some of the best prices on bikes and gear to start the year off. Stay tuned for more information and a chance to win big.
