Powerful new breeds for 2005

[totalmotorcycle]

Powerful new breeds for 2005

From $20,000 BMW high-performance models to Kawasaki's latest version of the Ninja, there are plenty of new motorcycles at Canadian dealerships to satisfy bike enthusiasts

TIM YIP CanWest News Service Monday, March 14, 2005




Here's a look at some of the all-new-for-2005 motorcycle models that will soon be appearing on showroom floors, as featured at recent Canadian motorcycle shows.

After BMW's hugely successful introduction last year of the widely acclaimed R1200GS adventure-touring bike, the German company has aggressively introduced two all-new models for 2005. Entering the super-high-performance class is the K1200S ($22,500), with the most powerful production engine the company has ever produced - an astonishing 167 horsepower, 1,157 cc four-cylinder, liquid-cooled fuel-injected engine.

The new K1200S engine is an across-the-frame layout (like most Japanese inline-fours) and is tilted forward 55 degrees to lower the machine's centre of gravity. With its six-speed transmission and shaft-drive, the K1200S will appeal to riders seeking a refined, ultra-high-performance GT motorcycle.

For motorcyclists who tour long distances and demand comfort, BMW offers the all-new R1200RT ($23,250) luxury tourer. Totally redesigned for 2005, the R1200RT is 33.5 kilograms lighter and has 15 horsepower more than the model it replaces. The RT has a high output (110 horsepower ) version of the 1,170 cc counter-balanced Boxer-twin engine introduced on the R1200GS in 2004. This luxury tourer's fuel capacity has been increased to 27 litres, and electronic cruise control and GPS are available for the first time on this model.

At Honda, scooters are the big news. The Silver Wing ($10,299) finally makes its Canadian debut, having been sold in Europe and the United States for the past couple of years. Low saddle height, miserly fuel consumption and excellent weather protection make these big scooters extremely popular in Europe.

While the big Silver Wing is undoubtedly a scooter, its 582 cc DOHC liquid-cooled twin-cylinder engine and automatic transmission gives it full-size motorcycle punch. The engine is counter-balanced for increased smoothness and as an added bonus, this scooter is equipped with anti-lock brakes as standard equipment - a rarity even among full-size motorcycles.

If an "edgy" style scooter is what you're looking for, the Big Ruckus ($6,999) will not disappoint. With its exposed bright yellow exoskeleton frame and two fat 12-inch wheels, this scooter has all the style of a two-wheel urban assault vehicle. The 249 cc SOHC liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine and automatic transmission position the Big Ruckus squarely at the "big engine" end of the scooter spectrum. One unusual convenience feature is the convertible passenger saddle that can be repositioned as the rider's backrest.

Kawasaki is renowned for their sport bikes, and this year the company's two mid-displacement machines are redesigned. The race-oriented Ninja ZX-6RR ($12,199) has an all-new 599 cc DOHC fuel-injected engine with a new aerodynamic body and an under-seat muffler that Kawasaki claims gives it the lowest co-efficient of drag of any sport bike it has ever built.

The Ninja ZX-6R ($11,899) has a slightly larger (636 cc) engine and offers more torque than its ZX-6RR race-oriented stablemate, making it more suitable as a day-to-day street bike.

This year, Suzuki is the only major motorcycle manufacturer bold enough to launch a supermotard motorcycle in Canada. Supermotard bikes are essentially motocross motorcycles fitted with street-bike-size 17 inch front and rear wheels, making it possible to use a wider range of high-performance street tires. Suzuki's new DR-Z400SM (MSRP $8,199) has the light weight (134 kg) of a dirt bike, but keeps the long suspension travel of a motocrosser.

This promises to be an affordable, quick-handling, street-oriented bike that can easily handle rough, city pavement.

Triumph continues to hone its lineup, precisely targeting models for the all-important North American (United States) market. The legendary British company recently announced a remarkable 35-per-cent increase in motorcycle sales in the United States for 2004 over the previous year. This increase was attributed to the retro-styled Thruxton 900 and the Rocket III power cruiser, both introduced last year.

The Rocket III is the largest displacement production motorcycle available, boasting an engine as large as the typical compact car - 2,294 ccs producing 140 horsepower from its three-cylinder engine. New for 2005 is the Sprint ST ($15,299) sport tourer, featuring an all-new beam frame and 1,050 cc, 123 horsepower fuel-injected triple-cylinder engine.

Victory is the motorcycle arm of Minnesota-based Polaris Industries Ltd. (manufacturer of snowmobiles, ATVs, personal watercraft, and motorcycles). Big news this year is the 2005 Hammer ($21,949). The Hammer muscles into the custom-cruiser segment of the market with its in-your-face, super-fat (250 mm) rear tire. Victory claims the Hammer has the largest tire ever attached to a production motorcycle.

Many of these new 2005 models are already on dealers' showroom floors while others are expected to arrive soon.