Triumph is recalling 2,180 units of its Triumph Tiger Explorer 1200 adventure-bikes, models from 2011 to 2014. The recall comes about because the side-stand pivot bolt may fracture, which could cause the Explorer to fall over, and possibly injure someone nearby.
We were a bit dismayed when Honda didn’t debut its new “Africa Twin” at the 2014 EICMA show, as a proper ADV machine from the Japanese had been well-rumored prior to the show.
To its credit, Honda did show us the “True Adventure” concept, which fit the bill quite nicely, though no technical aspects were made public, and no production date was mentioned.
Looking like a near-production machine though, we had hopes of seeing the Africa Twin / True Adventure / Whatever debuting officially soon, especially since the concept had some intriguing aspects to it (namely, no clutch lever).
Honda seems to be warming up to that release date though, after posting two videos to its European YouTube channel. The first video plays on Honda’s history in the Dakar Rally, an event that is rapidly approaching us; and the second video depicts various long-distance Honda explorers — both key elements to the ADV culture.
Could Big Red be readying its proper ADV for a last-model year release? It’s certainly acting like it.
If you like the Suzuki V-Strom 1000, but have been holding back because they don’t make one in a desert beige, then today we have good news for you.
Released at the Motorcycle Live show in the UK, the 2015 Suzuki V-Strom 1000 Desert Edition is what you might imagine from the name: a khaki-colored ADV bike that looks equally sharp paired with a navy blue blazer or with one of The Desert Fox’s classic pincer movement maneuvers.
Erik Buell Racing’s release of new models has been slow and steady, despite the American company teasing the names of its first three consumer-level machines from day one. EBR gave the world an early look at the 2015 Erik Buell Racing 1190SX, the streetfighter version of the company’s EBR 1190RX superbike, and now we await the company’s third model.
It has long been rumored that the third model from Erik Buell Racing, the EBR 1190AX, would be an adventure-touring model, and Gary Pietruszewski, the Vice President of Global Sales at Erik Buell Racing, confirmed as much while talking to Autoevolution.
Triumph’s other “x” bike at the EICMA show, the 2015 Triumph Tiger 800 XCx is like the Tiger 800 XRx, with more features and refinements than the base Tiger 800 XC.
The biggest additions are an ajustable traction control system, three riding modes, adjustable ABS, and cruise control, all as standard on the off-road slanting ADV bike.
No word yet on pricing from Triumph for North America, but we do know that both the Tiger 800 XCx and the Tiger 800 XRx will be coming to the USA.
Rumors about KTM coming out with a budget-focused, no thrills ADV bike appear to be true, as the 2015 KTM 1050 Adventure has broken cover at the 2014 EICMA show. The 1,050cc v-twin engine makes a modest 95hp, and can be detuned for A2 license uses in Europe.
The European note is important, as the KTM 1050 Adventure won’t be coming to North America anytime soon, as once again KTM leaves American and Canadian riders out in the cold, on the new model front.
For the 2015 model year, the BMW F800R gets a mild re-working. Most noticeable about the 2015 BMW F800R is the revised headlight, which drops the classic BMW “wink” for a more standard light can. Other changes include a peppier motor, which puts out 90hp (up from 87hp on the previous model), while peak torque remains at 63 lbs•ft.
Off-road riders will enjoy the shorter gear ratios for first and second gear, as well as the new suspension components (USD front forks), dual-front brake discs with radial calipers, optimized ergonomics with a lower seat (-10mm), and improved handlebars and rider foot pegs.
The farings, radiator shields, front mudguard, and wheels have also been changed on the 2015 BMW F800R, while BMW Motorrad has added new color options for next year’s bikes.
As with all BMW models, ABS is standard on the F800R, though Automatic Stability Control (ASC) and Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA) are optional items.
For the 2015 model year, Triumph is continuing its new trend of offering more premium “x” variations of existing machines, as we saw with the Triumph Street Triple Rx, last month at the INTERMOT show. Getting the x-treatment at EICMA is the Triumph Tiger 800, and first up is the 2015 Triumph Tiger 800 XRx.
A more refined version of Triumph 800cc road-going adventure bike, the big news is Triumph adding traction control as standard, cruise control as standard, and switchable ABS to the Triumph Tiger 800 XRx.
Confirming the news we broke last month, the Ducati Multistrada 1200 has been reworked for the 2015 model year, getting a major facelift, along with Ducati’s Testastretta DVT engine with variable valve timing.
The new Ducati Multistrada is also fitted with the Bosch MSC “cornering ABS” package, and thanks to its Intertial Measurement Unit (IMU), the Multistrada can brake more effectively and use cornering LED light (DCL) technology.
The IMU also help reduce wheelies, with the Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) system. Like with the Ducati Traction Control (DTC) there are eight-levels of adjustability to the DWC parameters, helping riders dial-in how high they want the front wheel to loft.
Lastly, the IMU helps improve the function of the Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS). Our last acronym is ECC, for the electronic cruise control system, which has also been added to the 2015 Ducati Multistrada 1200.
Yesterday we brought you the first official photo of the Yamaha FJ-09 tourer, which had been accidentally added to the Yamaha FZ-09 gallery on the Yamaha NA press site. Today it seems that leaks in Yamaha continue for the FJ-09, as our Dutch friends at Nieuwsmotor have discovered a bevy of press images, ahead of the 2015 Yamaha FJ-09’s debut at EICMA next month.
Based around the FZ-09/MT-09 platform, the FJ-09 uses a similar three-cylinder engine as the sport nakeds, though looks to have more suspension travel and other touring elements. Picking up where the Yamaha TDM left off as a middleweight sport/adventure-tourer, the Yamaha FJ-09 could be a very interesting addition to Yamaha’s lineup.
With the FZ/MT line showing great value for the performance, Yamaha could be set to release a very adorable machine for ADV and sport-touring riders. With the name trademarked with the USPTO, we can expect to see the Yamaha FJ-09 in the American market. Get excited.
The good times don’t stop rolling with the new Kawasaki Versys 650, as the 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 is confirmed to be coming to the United States as well. We already got a glimpse of the new Kawasaki Versys 1000 from yesterday’s leaked photos, which showed the revised bodywork from Kawasaki.
Getting official details now, we know that the 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 makes relatively minor improvements technically over the previous model. Longer travel suspension has been added, and the 17″ wheels have been beefed up, both in order to aid going on off-road excursions.