In a set of recent certification files from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) reveal that the Indian Dark Horse might be making its return after a brief disappearance from the company’s lineup for a few years. According to the documents, the returning Indian motorcycle would be powered by a 1,811 cc V-twin that is capable of producing 138.8 Nm torque, basically the same engine that is found in the Indian Chief Classic, Chief Vintage, Chieftain and Roadmaster. The Dark Horse was built between 2010 to 2013, during which period it used to come painted in black with matte black accents. Indian, apparently is gradually bringing its old models back from the resent and the distant past. The recent introduction by the Polaris Industries owned company was the Indian Scout, a brand revived by the company after a period of more than 50-years. The Scout was one of the most popular motorcycles the company had back in the days, scoring high praise for its time. The recent documents found at CARB also suggest that the upcoming 2016 Indian Chief Dark Horse would weigh about 469 kg, about 10 kg lighter than the current Chief Classic. With the Sturgis rally coming up next during the summers, there is a high probability that Indian might have the Chief Dark Horse readied for display at the rally, and eventually go on sale by late 2015. Also read: 2015 Indian Scout To Reach Dealerships By Weekend
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Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM recently disclosed their greatest sales record ever. For 2014, the company sold 158,760 motorcycles, the fourth consecutive record-setting year for KTM. The company registered a 28.2% increase over its 2013 sales.With this, KTM now claims that it is the world’s fastest-growing motorcycle brand. The record number of sales includes its subsidiary Husqvarna motorcycles that the company acquired in 2013, but still the bulk of the sales come from the parent brand KTM. While KTM has not specified the divide in sales between itself and the Husqvarna brand, its has by far outstretched its lead over the second-highest selling European motorcycle brand BMW Motorrad, which sold 123,495 motorcycles in 2014. In general, 2014 has been a great year for motorcycle sales, with KTM, BMW Motorrad, Triumph and Ducati, all registering record growth in their sales figures. Triumph recently reported their highest sales ever since the company got revived. While these top players have registered incredible growth in 2014, other European brands like MV Agusta and Piaggio group (Vespa, Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Piaggio) are yet to disclose their sales numbers. Seeing the generic trend we would hope that sales have been good for them too. KTM’s new sales record for 2014 has generated €864.6 million ($973.9 million) in revenue for the company which is a 20.7% increase over the 2013’s sales revenue. The company’s earnings pre- taxation and interests are expected to be in the ballpark of €75 million ($84.4 million). Also read: BMW Motorrad Cherishes Another Year Of Brilliant Sales
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Well, when we say ‘mean’, we actually mean radical. Its hard to imagine a ‘mean’ machine without its machine bits in place. Rumbling pistons, throttle bodies, gearshifters, and multiple cylinders with multiple exhausts chucking out unburnt fuel is a more apt definition of ‘mean’. So when going electric, there is no ‘mean’, at least till internal combustion engines are totally obsolete. They can be radical though, and equally awesome to their petrol guzzling siblings. Zero Motorcycles today is one of the most successful commercial electric motorcycle. Its got decent amount of power and is backed up with a solid battery range. As a motorcycle, it has been admired world over, to such extent that the aftermarket tuner culture is embracing their bikes to make custom machines of their own. Now thats always a good thing for the popularity of a manufacturer. There is a certain cyberpunk’ish feel to the whole design, and that’s a good thing The custom motorcycle in question is designed by “Bruno” Bruce Gallardo of Gallardo Designs, who has brought this amazing looking concept motorcycle from sketches to a real life working model. We admire his efforts, and are in some ways, awestruck at the awesome futurism the model exhibits. The absence of moving parts in an EV can result in some spectacularly amazing designs The machine here is a complete departure from Zero’s design language. The body work is angular and ‘skeletal’ from all angles, and has a floating effect to the entire bodywork. The seat specially, feels like its been suspended on thin air, since the suspension has been moved from its stock position and placed horizontally above the batteries. The batteries are exposed and the fairings are see through. Its certainly a machine inspired from the sci-fi movie world. But where the movie gadgetry is generally irrelevant in the real world, this awesome looking cyberpunk motorcycle actually works, and just like a stock Zero Motorcycle. We aren’t very sure how waterproof things are anymore though…
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While most custom builders don’t really have a line drawn between form and function, Michael Woolaway has always been firmly inclined towards the later. This is one of the reasons that his custom machines come out to have a pure mechanical look, while maintaining or improving the dynamics of the original, and we have no reason to complain. For this machine, Woolie wanted to go deep with this passion for retro and mechanical looks, he wanted the machine to look and feel like an old Ferrari or a 60s Chevy, he wanted every bit of the working parts to be visible, and so here it is – The Deus Ex ‘Dreamliner’. While the engine that has been borrowed from a Ducati, is a 750 cc 90-degree V-twin, everything else is almost built ground-up. The air-cooled engine has modified intake maifolds and is now mounted by a pair of larger Keihin FCR flatslide carbs, instead of the 38 mm Mikunis it came stock with. The exhaust headers are custom made and are inspired by a 1970 Desmo racebike, connected at the other end to a pair of Cone Engineering mufflers. The lightweight custom frame is connected to a pair of telescopic Ohlin units which have been re-valved to suit the customer’s weight. This is the incredible level of personalisation that Woolie believes in. The rear shock is a custom build one, by none other than the ex- flat track racer Jimmy Wood at his company Race Tech. To keep the overall weight light, the bodywork, including the tank has been made of out 1100 aluminium alloy while high-grade Kushitani waterproof leather has been used for the seats, with a double tuck stitching. Everything that has been done on this machine looks, feels and sounds exotic, because it is. While everything mentioned above sounds fantastic and looks fantastic, the most intriguing part of the whole machine is its exposed timing belts that stick to the outside of the engine. Just imagining them spring into action instantly at the thumb of the starter would in itself be a make-my-day moment. Custom Ducati-Powered ‘Dreamliner’ by Deus Ex – Image Gallery
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Unveiled at EICMA 2014, the Suzuki V-Strom XT is Suzuki’s sensible middleweight adventure tourer segment. Here the XT badge stands as a statement of its extreme rugged nature. As opposed to the regular 650 ABS, the XT features extra engine guards, tougher bash plates and completely ditches the weak-for-rugger-terrain cast alloy wheels for more reliable spoke ones. The XT ditches the cast alloy wheels of the regular 650 ABS which are weak for off-road purposes The prices for US were unveiled long time back, where the base version of the 650 XT would be sold for $10,399. However, for the European market, the prices have just been unveiled, where the base variant of the 650 XT would be similarly priced at €8,990 ($10,200) The V-Strom 650 XT will be offered with ABS as standard with various trim options, such as the Adventure, which introduces an under-engine protector, a central stand, hand guards, vario windscreen and a 42-liter plastic top case with a passenger backrest. For an extra €900, optional extras such as the aluminium panniers, aluminium bash plate, engine guard, a 12 volt socket and heated grips could be available. The side aluminium panniers, aluminium bash plate, heated grips and other goodies would be available for an extra €900 The 2015 Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT offers an excellent choice for those who commute mostly on urban tarmac roads, but don’t mind hitting light patches of dirt roads to reach out destinations. While the stock tyres that are provided might not be the best choice for all terrain use, Suzuki’s new middle weight could prove to be quite a handy as an overall machine.
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KTM North America has just unveiled their RC 390 Racer. This is the first time that KTM would be running in a one-make series in the MotoAmerica series. While it would not be doing all the races in the series and only partake in select races, it definitely presents as a great opportunity to young riders who are itching to get their hands on some pro-level racing action. These RC 390 Cup bikes can be ordered through any of the KTM North American dealerships for a price of $9,999, 10 grand rounded. The KTM RC Cup Series is aimed at riders between the age of 14-22 years, who hold an AMA Superstock Limited Licence. Of course, only the KTM 390 Cup motorcycles can be used, that means that one cannot just buy the RC 390 off the showroom and mod it to the levels of the cup machines. There is also a 38 bhp limit to ensure competitive parity and the engines would be sealed after inspection and would be allowed to service only by KTM’s trackside partner, HMC racing. So what do you get for $9.999? KTM has included a whole bunch of power parts, 40 to be exact, that make the RC390 Cup a sharper track tool than what it is. These parts include a pair of fully-adjustable WP Racing forks, fully-adjustable WP Racing rear shock, titanium Akrapovic exhaust system, racing windshield, tail fairing and belly pan, RC8 R-Style throttle assembly, CNC-Machined racing foldable leavers, CNC machined racing rear seat and many more. Interested riders must hurry as the RC 390 Cup bikes are available in limited numbers and would be sold on a first come, first serve basis.
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The Suzuki GSX-S1000 and its faired cousin, the GSX-S1000F were unveiled at the 2014 EICMA Show, but there has been no official word on the power figures their GSX-R1000 based engines would churn out. The GSX-S1000 and the GSX-S1000F are both lighter than the GSX-R1000 In a recent website slip-up caught by German website Motorrad, these new 2015 machines would be exactly identical in their cycle parts and power delivery, with only the fairing being the differentiating factor between both. The street and the faired version would both make 145 bhp at 9,500 rpm. Both the 2015 GSX-S1000 and the GSX-S1000F are powered by the same old generation GSX-R1000 engine, while they get more relaxed, upright ergonomics for city and touring purpose. Both the machines would come with ABS and 3-way traction control as standard The GSX-S1000 and the F variant, feature a 999 cc in-line, four-cylinder engine that is liquid cooled and apparently delivers 145 bhp of power that is pushed on to the road via a six-speed gearbox. The front end is supported by beefy 43 mm upside down inverted forks by KYB that feature fully adjustable damping, rebound and compression. For braking, both the bikes employ twin 310 mm radially-mounted Brembo monobloc callipers up front and a single disc at the rear. While both these motorcycles share much of their cycle parts with the GSX-R1000 sportbike, both these bikes are considerably lighter than their supersport counterpart (exact weight yet to be disclosed). Both the machines would be launched with ABS and a variable three-way traction control system as standard.
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The Stugris rally is a matter of pride for cruisers and easy riders from all across the country. In 2015 the event would celebrate its 75th anniversary. On this occasion, Harley-Davidson, who wanted to make the event a more special for themselves, have recently announced a 75-year deal with the City of Sturgis, S.D. With this new deal, Harley-Davison now becomes the official motorcycle of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. To commemorate this achievement, Harley-Davidson would be taking a brick from their Milwaukee headquarters, using a street 750 motorcycle, another one from the Harley-Davidson museum and 73 other bricks from the parking lot at their headquarters to complete a permanent plaza with a stage on the main street of the city which would be used for concerts, weddings and more importantly, major Harley-Davidson events at the Sturgis Rally. “Harley-Davidson riders have attended the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally for decades. This new agreement will help fuel many more years of freedom, independence and rebellion for this iconic gathering,” said Matt Levatich, president and chief operating officer at Harley-Davidson. “Riding is a passion passed down through generations, so it’s important we celebrate the legacy and history of Harley-Davidson in Sturgis, while helping creating new memories.” “For decades, Harley-Davidson has been the motorcycle of choice for Sturgis Motorcycle Rally fans and a great partner to the City of Sturgis,” said Sturgis Mayor Mark Carstensen. “Today it gives me great pleasure to solidify its importance by making it the official motorcycle of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.”
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BMW UK has recently announced prices for its 2015 S 1000 XR adventure motorcycle and the F 800 R roadster. The BMW S 1000 XR will cost £12,400 ($18,800) on road with ABS, traction control and two riding modes as standard. As for the higher-spec variants of the XR, the Sport will be available for £13,645 ($20,700) on road while the Sport SE will be sold for £14,740 ($22,400). All the three XR models are expected to launch by the summer. The BMW F 800 R that features a brand new headlight and a tweaked engine that makes slightly more power than the 2014 version would be sold at £7,595 ($11,500) and would be available at dealerships across the UK starting February 7. The BMW S 1000 XR features the same 999 cc in-line four cylinder engine from the BMW S 1000 RR, in a different state of tune, producing 160 bhp power and 112 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the F 800 R features a tweaked 798 cc twin-cylinder engine that is capable of producing 90 bhp of power and 86 Nm of torque. Another new launch for 2015 is the BMW R 1200 RS, that marks the return of the RS badge to BMW Motorrad’s lineup. The R 1200 RS would be available in the country for a price of £8,733 ($13,250) for the standard version, which would include BMW’s electronic suspensions, DRLs, Gear Shift Assistant Pro, two riding modes, ABS and traction control. Next is the R 1200 RS Sport, at £9,595 ($14,600) which would add the Dynamic Electronic Suspension and additional modes for traction control. Also read: BMW Motorrad USA Announce Prices For The 2015 Models 2015 BMW S 1000 XR at EICMA 2014 – Image Gallery (Unrelated)
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Don’t get your hopes high yet, for 2015, you still would have to travel all the way to the tiny British Isle. But in the near future, the world’s oldest racing championship could spawn into a world series competition with events spread across the globe. The government of the Isle of Man has recently proposed to licence all the aspects of the TT events to an independent promotor who would implement and develop the racing event as a world series that would be held at different places around the world, for which the final race and champion would be crowned at the Isle of Man TT itself. The licensing would include all aspects including, domestic and international broadcasting rights, sponsorship, hospitality, event ticketing, merchandising and retail sales. This development has taken place in the wake of the 2014 TT event that was broadcasted to more than 130 countries and produced a total of 402 hours of global TV coverage. Its audience reached 26 million, delivering a media value of over 13 million. Now imagine the increase in media coverage with the number of races increasing in the TT series, it would be doubled, tripled or even quadrupled. Its a good business proposition. Given the name ‘The Greatest Show On Earth’ the Isle of Man was introduced to the world a 108 years ago. Taking place over a 37 mile (59.5 km) circuit of closed public roads, it features seven bike classes: Superbike, Supersport, Superstock, Senior, Lightweight, Electric and Sidecar. The event is a part of an annual two week festival that takes place in late May and Early June, attracting more than 45,000 visitors every year. Isle of man TT is the wildest, most dangerous races that the world has ever seen. The only place where spectators see riders flying past them at more than 300 kmph on public roads, scraping knees over the sidewalk grass and grazing the roadside hedges. With these speeds on public roads there obviously dangers, fatal ones too, as there are crests, bumps, lamp posts and houses alongside the course. Its one of those events that makes premier class racing look like child play.
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