Awaiting all the big announcements in November at EICA - we look back at the news of October 2021.
Honda introduces their all new NT1100
Big H calls it their touring crossover - the NT1100 was born to travel, it has a 102 horsepower twin-cylinder engine, 17inch wheels and an optional DCT gearbox.
And no, it's not an Africa Twin, but it shares a lot of components, combined with looks of their scooterlike X-ADV model.
The new Honda NT1100 winks at long-time Honda riders , who still regret unique bikes like the Deauville and Pan European. But it also aims to conquer all motorcyclists who love motorcycle tourism. Available in three color variants - Matte Iridium Gray Metallic, Pearl Glare White and Graphite Black - it shows an elegant, sober line, with a lot of care dedicated to protection from the air. The windshield is adjustable in 5 positions and the presence of deflectors on the fairing and on the fairing improves the shelter.
On a technical level there is a strong connection with her majesty, the Africa Twin 1100. The semi-double cradle steel frame, with aluminum seat post, uses suspension with greater travel than a pure road, with Showa SFF-BP fork and shock absorber both adjustable in spring preload.
Powerful brakes, with radial-mount 4-piston calipers on 310 mm discs at the front. The tires measure 120 / 70-17 "and 180 / 55-17" and underline the road vocation of the NT1100.
The engine, derived from that of the Honda Africa Twin 1100, develops a maximum power of 102 HP and a maximum torque of 104 Nm, with a specific tuning of the intake and exhaust.
The declared consumption, equal to 20 km / l in the medium cycle, gives a range of 400 km thanks to the 20-liter tank. A DCT version could not be missing also for the new NT1100, a solution suitable for the type of use of the new Japanese tourer.
Complete and avant-garde electronic package. The dashboard features a 6.5 ”color TFT touch screen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth connectivity.
The throttle control is by wire and the engine management offers 3 preset riding modes (TOUR, URBAN, RAIN) and 2 fully customizable, including HSTC traction control and anti wheelie levels.
BMW K1600 2002 line-up
The four BMW K1600 models are unveiled - GT, GTL, Bagger and Grand America. Even better delivery and more modern electronics for the queen of tourers.
From the K1600 GT to the K 1600 GTL , up to the more luxurious and relaxed K 1600 Bagger and the K 1600 Grand America , the six cylinders have been renewed while maintaining the propensity for long distances without forgetting the traditional dynamics of the "K".
The six-cylinder of the K1600 gains Euro-5 homologation , with the arrival of a new BMS-O electronic management equipped with two knock sensors and two additional lambda sensors.
The declared power remains at 160 horsepower, but delivered well 1000 rpm under the previous engine, at 6,750 rpm. And the torque also improves, which goes from 175 to 180 Nm in its maximum value at 5,250 rpm.
Then, on the new six-cylinder platform - which BMW confidentially calls Platform 2.0 in this new version - the MSR system for the management of the engine drag torque which avoids loss of stability when the engine brake assumes excessive values as a result of a sudden closing of the accelerator or an abrupt climb on slippery surfaces.
The K1600 2022 also comes with the Dynamic ESA Next Generation self-leveling (therefore active) electronic suspensions , together with new Full-LED headlights with daytime running light and even more performing adaptive headlights. The picture is completed by a new 10.25 "color TFT display with cartographic navigation and integrated connectivity functions.
And on the K 1600 GTL and Grand America there is also a new audio system as an ex-works option .
K 1600 GT
The K1600 GT represents the most dynamic proposal among the four, which winks at those who love sporty driving. It is no coincidence that in 2022 it arrives with the unprecedented (on the six-cylinder platform) Motorsport livery in white / red / blue.
K1600 GTL
More comfortable and luxurious, the K 1600 GTL is more refined in ergonomics, with a more relaxed driving position and the standard top box, which also acts as a backrest for the passenger.
K 1600 B
The K 1600 B instead moves towards a more American taste . As a good "bagger" she offers the characteristic streamlining, with a low rear section and sybaritic welcome but with a slightly less traditional look.
K 1600 Grand America
Based on the K 1600 B, the K 1600 Grand America goes even further into the American spirit, with exclusive equipment that makes it the pinnacle of comfort in the BMW range for rider and passenger.
The Aprilia Tuareg 660 on sale from December
The new Tuareg 660 road enduro will arrive in Aprilia dealerships in December.
It will be available in dealerships in December and mbre and from November 3 open reservations on the official website .
The twin-cylinder adventure, with 21-inch front end , was born on the basis of the mechanics of the RS660 and Tuono 660.
It has a claimed dry weight of 187 kg and the engine offers 80 horsepower compared to 95 of the Tuono version. The output has therefore been optimized according to the use of this model and there is also a version with a reduced power of 35 kW .
The riding ergonomics have been fine-tuned for off-roading, with wide and high handlebars and a slim tank to facilitate movement in the saddle. The suspensions have high excursion, while the equipment includes the full LED lighting system with perimeter DRL and the 5-inch color TFT instrumentation.
The color range includes Acid Gold and Martian Red, dominated by red and black and the initially introduced color scheme Indaco Tagelmust.
Kawasaki future plans
Kawasaki is the first of the Big Four – which includes Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki – to unfold its plan for a future where the conventional combustion engine will be phased out and replaced by alternative power sources, mainly electric, but also hydrogen.
While purists frown at the prospect of a motorcycle drinking from a plug instead of a pump, Kawasaki is formulating a plan to bridge the gap with the launch of a hybrid sports bike that combines a conventional combustion engine with a small electric motor. While hybrid solutions have been common in automobiles for over a decade, in the past they have been shunned by motorcycle manufacturers because fuel savings on what is already a relatively economical mode of transportation would be negated by installing a relatively heavy self-charging battery in a cramped frame.
Kawasaki does that by adding to the existing parallel twin – the 250 or 400cc – a small electric motor in a frame that appears to be from a Kawasaki Ninja 400. It's not yet clear whether Kawasaki plans to offer the technology as a standalone model or as an option on one of its existing motorcycles. It doesn't stop with this piece of innovative technology. The bike also includes the semi-automatic transmission that Kawasaki worked on with its all-electric prototype, the Endeavour. While electric motors have linear torque, meaning a gear ratio gearbox is basically unnecessary, clicking the accelerator pedal up and down is considered a primary part of motorcycling. Kawasaki is developing a system that will re-engage the gearbox as soon as the fuel engine kicks in at higher speeds, albeit with a button sequential shift function.
Hybrid technology has been shunned in the past because the disadvantages outweigh the advantages. Motorcyclists are simply less concerned about fuel consumption and fluctuating fuel prices. But Kawasaki is counting on an increase in the number of cities that have zero-emission zones. While this hybrid is not classified as zero-emissions in average consumption, the fact that the motorcycle can be ridden in EV mode at lower speeds would allow it to be used where the vast majority of other motorcycles cannot.
