Category: Motorcycles

1. New colours for V-Strom 1050 and V-Strom 1050XT revealed

   Posted on 2:00pm Friday 30th Apr 2021

   Suzuki has shown the colour options available on its 2021 V-Strom 1050 and V-Strom 1050XT, with bikes arriving in dealerships now.

   Launched last year, the range-topping V-Strom 1050XT – which comes complete with three selectable engine maps, traction control with three modes, lean angle-sensitive ABS with two modes, linked brakes with slope and load-dependent control and hill hold, plus cruise control – remains available in the popular orange and white, DR750-inspired livery, but for 2021 it is joined by a classy, steely grey with blue decals and blue and grey seat, completed by blue spoked wheels.

   An updated yellow option also features, unashamedly influenced by the firm’s RM-Z motocross range, with a black tank and gold rims. Gold rims also feature on an otherwise all black version, bar subtle grey and gold decals.

   The V-Strom 1050 – which uses the same 107PS V-twin engine and many of the same electronics features as the XT but swaps the spokes for cast aluminium wheels and loses the standard fit engine bars and hand guards to come in at £9,999 – is available in a bold red and black livery and a more subtle all black option.

   The new-for-2021 colours on the V-Strom 1050XT also apply to the Tour edition, which adds black three piece aluminium luggage as standard with 112 litres of storage space. With an RRP of £12,799 it equates to a saving of £370 over the purchase of the individual items.

   Visit bikes.suzuki.co.uk/bikes/adventure to find out more.

2. Suzuki announces updated Burgman 400

   Posted on 11:00am Friday 30th Apr 2021

   Suzuki has announced details of an updated Burgman 400, with the now Euro 5 compliant version of the original maxi-scooter boasting traction control, Suzuki’s Easy Start System, and updated instrument cluster, plus changes to its 400cc single-cylinder engine including a new twin-plug cylinder head, piston, and injectors.

   Launched in 1998, the Burgman 400 carved out a new market for large displacement scooters, combining comfort, power, style, and practicality. Updated for the 2006 and 2018 model years, the latest iteration further improves on the proven and solid platform.

   A revised engine produces well balanced low-midrange torque with improved throttle control, courtesy of a number of changes.

   A new twin-plug cylinder head – with simultaneous ignition timing – provides strong power delivery, increases combustion efficiency, and aids fuel consumption. As an added bonus, adjusted ignition timing also results in easier engine startup and a more stable idle. The change additionally contributes to high combustion speed and reduces the possibility of engine knocking in the upper speed range. Consequently, ignition timing can be set to a timing at which power is produced more easily, thereby increasing top speed. A new secondary air pathway helps meet Euro 5 emissions standards.

   There are revised cam profiles, and the injectors have changed from 16-hole to 10-hole injectors, resulting in more miniscule fuel droplets and increased air agitation, improving fuel consumption. A new catalytic converter increases the number of catalysts from one to two, further purifying exhaust gases.

   One of the biggest changes to the updated Burgman 400 comes in the form of a traction control system, which benefits riding in slippery conditions and pulling away briskly from a complete stop. Meanwhile stopping is helped with a new ABS unit, which is also 36g lighter than the previous unit.

   Practicality is maintained through 42 litres of underseat storage, plus an additional 6.3 litres of storage thanks to compartments upfront, the right hand side of which also houses a 12V socket for charging electronic devices.

   The addition of Suzuki’s Easy Start System requires just one brush of the starter button to fire the engine, removing the need to hold the button down.

   Cutaway footboards make it easier to get feet flat on the floor, and a plush seat with adjustable lumbar support makes for a comfortable ride. LED running lights, headlights, and taillights provide excellent nighttime visibility, while also enhancing the maxi-scooter’s stylish design.

   Security features come in the form of Suzuki’s Advanced Immobiliser System (SAIS) and a magnetic cover that protects the ignition barrel and opens only for the owner’s key. A chain gate allows the rider to pass a chain lock through the bodywork, around the frame, and then around a pole or other immovable object.

   The updated Burgman 400 will be available from authorised Suzuki dealerships in the summer, and will come in matte silver, matte black, and iron grey, all complete with blue rims.

3. Norton Motorcycles welcomes appointment of Sir Ralf Speth to TVS Motor Co. Board of Directors

   Posted on 4:00pm Thursday 29th Apr 2021

   The Norton Motorcycle Co Ltd is delighted to welcome Sir Ralf Speth to the Board of Directors of its parent company, TVS Motor Company.

4. Motorbikes to Own if You Won the Jackpot

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 7th Apr 2021

   Everybody has a list, usually mental but sometimes physical which details everything they would buy should they come into a position where they have a significant amount of money. It’ll be holidays, cars, boats, houses, investments, businesses, clothes, watches, a piece of memorabilia. and on and on and on. It’s kept as a source of inspiration, as a reminder to keep working, or as a fun exercise. Anything and everything can be on a list. For those reading this, there will no doubt be motorbikes on it.  

   Two bikes that could make that list.

   Curtiss Motorcycle the One

   This is a radical motorcycle. The company who designed and produced it are the same company who made the Confederate FA-13 Combat Bomber – they’ve just had a name-change. The Combat Bomber was an unconventional and uncompromising bike. It’s pride was its cruising brute force, booming and to-the-point. With the new name came a new approach. The One is electric. It’s battery-powered. Notably, it streamlines the riding experience with no shifting and no clutch, reacting to less stimulation. There is no compromising on power, though, as it gets moving quickly. Weighing in at 139kg, it’s on the lighter end of the cruiser class. Handling and manoeuvring are made easier by its lower centre of gravity.

   The One’s engine has tuning potential. Curtiss seem to be keeping it reigned in, currently. However, performance upgrades can be made via cloud-based software, meaning that it can be adjusted without having to be brought into a dealership. It’s the future.

   This future-ness extends to its design. This is where the bulk of the talk will be focused. It is thin, bare, and has the sleek design of a Tron bike. It’s a £60,000 bike which makes currency and the road it's coasting on look archaic.

   Harley-Davidson CVO Limited

   This satisfies a retro need. The Harley-Davidson CVO Limited is based on the classic dresser tourer bikes of the 1960s. This design is a staple of luxury. The Limited version is worth £35,000 and comes with a bigger engine than the standard. Riders could have road trips on this bike, those longer rides on motorways and dual carriageways, but it looks like a bike better suited for cruising between villages, the rural and open roads going steady until the rider wants to turn on the power. Maybe it’s the image of this Harley next to Cotswold stone that feels right and any Harley in general next to Cotswold stone which feels wrong that makes this prospect so exciting. 

    

    

   article supplied

5. KICKBACK Custom + Retro Bike Show

   Posted on 12:00pm Saturday 27th Mar 2021

   Over 100 stunning customs will be on display...
   
   On Sunday 23rd May the beautiful regency Town Hall in Cheltenham will be packed full of top drawer custom and retro bikes from all over the UK. 
   This is a great opportunity for some of the UK's finest bike builders to show us what they have been building in their sheds over lockdown. It's also a fabulous chance for visitors to jump on their bikes and blast through the Cotswolds into Cheltenham for a great day out with their mates.

   The whole show takes place inside and around the wonderful Town Hall and the stunning Imperial Gardens, there is a licensed bar and cafe inside the Hall and outside in the gardens!

   Due to Covid protocols we can only have half capacity in the hall at any one time so we have introduced a morning session and an afternoon session. It's an all ticket event with limited numbers.

   To buy your tickets please visit http://www.ticketsource.co.uk and just enter kickback in search button.

   KICKBACK: The UK's Custom + Retro Bike Show is at the Town Hall in Cheltenham GL50 1NQ on Sunday 23rd May. Open from 10am - 1.30pm and 1.30pm - 5pm.