Welcome to the Motorider What's New Page
This page will bring you information on what's new in motorcycling. It will highlight new bikes and other motorcycling products and accessories used by or useful to motorcyclists. If you know of a new or unique product please share with us. Thanks.
Stanley Tripod Flashlight
Stanley MaxLife 369 Tripod Flashlight.
KAWASAKI GTR1400 TOURER
The word from Kawasaki on their new GTR1400 touring version of the ZZR1400.
Kawasaki has their own idea of touring. The result is the 1400 GTR (model year 2008) representing an entirely new genre of high-performance motorcycles: the Transcontinental Supersport. Starting with breathtaking engine performance, impeccable handling and slim riding position, the new GTR adds touring features that make it the most impressive long-distance, high-speed machine on the market today.
As another flagship-level model, it was essential for the 1400 GTR to remain true to the Kawasaki brand. Thanks to first VVT (Variable
Valve Timing) system in its class the GTR's engine performance is just as remarkable. Ultra-low-rpm and mid-range torque output is simply breathtaking, as is the effortless acceleration from any speed. Thanks to the drive-line lash reducing Tetra-Lever shaft drive system power delivery to the rear wheel is so smooth and so direct that it gives the same natural ride quality as a chain.
Like its engine, the GTR's chassis is based on that of the ZZR1400. While modifications were made for touring comfort and equipment, and the riding position has been adjusted, sport riding quality from Kawasaki's unique aluminium monocoque frame remains uncompromised.
The GTR offers a bank angle on par with the ZZR1400, with excellent steering feedback from the rigid chassis, inverted fork and other high-spec running gear. Combined with a high-spec ABS brake package delivering supersport-level braking performance, the world's only "monocoque tourer" delivers handling unrivalled in this class.
In addition to the sporting performance, the new GTR has the functionality of a Grand Tourismo machine. Features include an electrically
adjustable windscreen, standard panniers, tire pressure sensors, KI-PASS, the first smart key ignition system in its class, and an AC power outlet located under the cockpit.
For those riders who cross countries and continents the way others cross the city, the Kawasaki 1400 GTR offers more excitement than anything else in its category.
BUELL INTRODUCES XBRR PRODUCTION RACING MOTORCYCLE
Race-Use-Only Bike Brings Buell Full Circle
EAST TROY, Wis. - Erik Buell and company come full circle with the introduction of the 2007 Buell XBRR, a limited-edition production racing motorcycle designed exclusively for closed course competition. A spiritual successor to Buell's first motorcycle, the 1983 RW750, the XBRR is poised to change the face of privateer racing with a professional-level, race-ready, production-based platform featuring top-shelf racing technology and typical Buell innovation.
"The XBRR combines the current culmination of Buell's leading edge chassis technology and Harley-Davidson's air-cooled V-Twin powertrain development in a platform designed by and developed for dedicated racers," said Erik Buell, Chairman and Chief Technical Officer, Buell Motorcycle Company.
For Erik Buell, the XBRR marks a return to his racing roots. As a successful privateer road racer early in his career, Buell eventually built his own race bikes for the AMA's then-premier Formula 1 class. The RW750 was a hand-built race bike, and it became the first official Buell motorcycle. Two were produced before the AMA discontinued the class after 1985. Buell then translated his race-bred design principles into a line of successful street bikes leading up to the current XB platform.
The Buell XBRR features a modified XB Thunderstorm 1339cc (103.6mm bore x 79.4mm stroke) air/oil-cooled V-Twin motor rated at 150-hp (measured at the crankshaft). The engine is fed by a dual-downdraft 62mm throttle-body electronic fuel injection system and a ram-air intake system integrated with a new wind-tunnel developed carbon fiber fairing.
The XBRR is the first production Buell since the 1988-89 RR1200 to feature a full fairing. Its lightweight carbon design integrates ducts for cooling of the engine and oil cooler. The fairing was extensively wind tunnel tested to improve aerodynamics and reduce drag.
The XBRR chassis is the revolutionary XB design with fuel-in-the-frame and oil-in-the-swingarm, modified with a billet axle adjustment system and chain-drive to allow gearing changes for different race tracks. Suspension travel is managed by fully adjustable Ohlins units, with 43mm front forks and a remote-reservoir rear shock.
A new ZTL2 (Zero Torsional Load) eight-piston front caliper grabs a standard XB front rotor providing outstanding braking performance, but with less weight than conventional designs. New XBRR six-spoke magnesium wheels weigh 33 percent less than standard XB wheels.
Instruments include tachometer, indicator lamps for shift, power on and low oil pressure. The XBRR features a unique Buell Racing paint scheme.
Buell XBRR features:
1339cc (81.7 cid) Thunderstorm Powertrain:
To accommodate eligibility in a wide variety of racing classes, an engine modification kit will be available to help conform the XBRR to a wide range of class regulations.
Buell will produce 50 XBRR motorcycles with a short initial run in late February and the balance made in April. U.S. MSRP is $30,995.
It is illegal for anyone to ride this motorcycle on public roads. The Buell XBRR motorcycle does not meet NHTSA or EPA regulations for on road use. This motorcycle may only be used on closed courses. We reserve the right to discontinue models or change specifications at any time without incurring obligations. Vehicle and accessory specifications may vary from country to country depending on local laws. Some features and accessories are not available in certain countries. Be aware that many countries prohibit the importation, registration and/or use of vehicles and accessories not built to their countries specifications. Check with your local dealer for details.
Confederate Motor Company, Inc. Announces Relocation to Birmingham, Alabama
Confederate Motor Company, Inc. of New Orleans, maker of the breathtakingly beautiful and incredibly expensive Hellcat and Wraith motorcycles, is moving its corporate headquarters and sole assembly plant to Birmingham's Southside, just across Fifth Avenue
South from another trendsetter known as WorkPlay, where some of Birmingham's most creative talents work, hang out, and thrive. Coupled with the recent announcement of a loft condominium development in the same block - to be called "LivWorkPlay" - this announcement comes as more welcome news proclaiming that, to the "cool creative class" coveted by cities everywhere, Birmingham is hotter than ever as an urban destination for young, forward-thinking individuals and progressive companies.
The motivation for Confederate's move is an unusual blend of misfortune and good fortune. Tracing its roots to 1991, the company operated in an historic New Orleans warehouse from 2002 until August 29th of this year, when Hurricane Katrina smashed that building to the
ground. Instead of looking for a temporary location where they could quickly recommence operations, the company's management decided to take advantage of the unfortunate situation and rethink the company's future as well as its growth plans. Thus began a disciplined tour of more than a dozen cities around the country - including Atlanta, Austin, Birmingham, Boulder, Chicago, Dallas, Jackson, Pittsburgh, Shreveport and Santa Fe - to see what potential each might offer.
For more information about Confederate motorcycles, visit the company's website at www.confederate.com.
Kawasaki introduces the 2006 Ninja ZX-14
Kawasaki introduces the 2006 Ninja ZX-14. Sleek aerodynamics, unmatched power, acceleration, and stability combine to provide balance to company's latest flagship.
If ever a brand of motorcycles was defined by the sheer power emanating from its long history of record-breaking sportbikes, Kawasaki would hold that mantel. If ever a brand would be expected to rightfully incorporate the meaning of the word "ultimate" into its newest
flagship street carver, Kawasaki fits the bill. That's just what the company has done with the Ninja ZX-14, a 1352cc motorcycle that is its most powerful ever, and succeeds in setting the performance standards for others to follow.
Kawasaki engineers and designers have created a motorcycle that turns its Ram Air and fuel-injected engine into the core of a powerful, torque-producing, aerodynamic stunner that will draw attention from onlookers whether on the road, or parked on the roadside. Wrapped in
a choice of Passion Red, Ebony, or Candy Thunder Blue, the new ZX-14 makes blending into the scenery nearly impossible. It accelerates with ease, handles with assurance, and exudes an aura unmatched by anything else on the street.
Kawasaki introduces the 2006 Vulcan 900 Classic
Kawasaki introduces a new cruiser to the market. Styled to match the heavyweights, yet with all of the features that make the growing mid-size market so popular.
Cruising motorcycle enthusiasts, whether experienced or new to the fold, find themselves seeking that perfect combination of power, torque, styling, and comfort. For those just joining the mid-size cruising "family" prior choices have been short on many attributes that
signify the rider's perception of "why" they found motorcycles so appealing. And, for the experienced "big bike" riders, the inclination to seek a better balanced mid-size with the look and feel of the larger V-twins hasn't been an option. Kawasaki evens the playing field for 2006, with the introduction of the Vulcan 900 Classic, a motorcycle that will find a quick home with both of these groups.
Highlighted by styling that is drawn from the long, low look of Kawasaki's Vulcan 2000 Classic, this entry in the mid-size cruising category is a sure winner. Both entry-level riders and those who have never been able to tap the feeling that goes with a heavyweight ride, will enjoy this maneuverable mid-size package.
Its 903 cc engine-delivering exceptional roll-on acceleration-places this Vulcan firmly at the top of its class. With a style and physical presence that were previously unavailable in this displacement arena, it will not only fit in with many larger cruisers, it will do so while offering a better value, easier maneuverability, and better performance than some. The Vulcan 900 lays claim to the highest power and torque in its class.
Designers matched the "extra" displacement of the Vulcan 900 power plant with "extra" physical charisma and class-leading ergonomics. The freshly styled fenders and fuel tank add a slight curve to the traditional cruiser shapes. Its polished chrome-accented air cleaner and chrome headlight design keep it connected to its cruiser roots. Adding to the stylistic "eye-candy" are a very modern flair emanating from its new bodywork, an LED taillight, and new low-slung seat height.
Curved engine fins add visual interest to the traditional look of the big, fuel-injected V-twin, while the four valves per cylinder, liquid-cooled reliability, and smooth highway cruising aided by the engine's counter balancer make this a worthy new entry in Kawasaki's Vulcan stable.
The Vulcan 900 Classic features a belt drive that not only keeps the overall weight down, but also improves rear-end styling and provides the rider with additional customizing opportunities. Any mention of rear-end styling has to include this unit's use of a large, 180mm wide rear tire, largest in the category. The beefy, "big bike" look inherent with the larger tire adds to the guttural, classic V-twin sound that is produced by the use of a single-pin crankshaft. Both look and sound evoke the feel of a much larger motorcycle.
But the larger look and feel need not exclude any potential rider. The low seat height makes the Vulcan 900 accessible to shorter riders and its tapered seat flows comfortably into the large capacity fuel tank and lower chassis rails and provide a narrowed shape, which makes it comfortable for all riders.
At home around town or when the open road calls it, this motorcycle is built for hour upon hour of riding pleasure. The wide handlebars offer an ideal relationship between the seat, and footboards, making for an extremely comfortable mount. The ergonomically designed front bucket seat is comfortable enough for any distance, and the pillion pad make sharing the two-wheeled experience with a friend effortless.
Suzuki Debuts New M109R Boulevard Power Cruiser
BREA, Calif. (October 3, 2005) - American Suzuki Motor Corp. (ASMC) unveils the newest, most highly anticipated addition to its Boulevard cruiser line - the 2006 M109R. The new cruiser is the ultimate in high performance with Suzuki's race-proven technology, awesome power, unique styling and plenty of well-deserved bragging rights.
"We're very proud to introduce this new flagship to the '06 Suzuki Boulevard lineup," said Glenn Hansen, ASMC's advertising and press relations manager. "The all-new M109R is our most powerful cruiser yet and marks our ongoing commitment to the new Boulevard line."
The heart of the M109R is an all-new 109-cubic-inch, liquid-cooled, V-twin powerplant with dual overhead cams and four valves per cylinder. The engine makes massive torque, from idle all the way up to redline, for an exhilarating riding experience. At the same time, its championship-winning GSX-R-derived electronic fuel injection makes for improved throttle response and a smooth ride all around. It's designed to satisfy those owners whose current power cruisers aren't powerful enough.
With a beefy steel frame, the bike's chassis can handle all the power and torque of the M109R V-twin engine while also providing a comfortable riding position. The wheelbase measures 67.5 inches and the seat height is a low 27.6 inches, allowing riders to feel more confident at slow speeds and find it easier to touch their feet to the ground.
The chassis also is designed for agility and ease of use. From the inverted front fork all the way back to the link-type rear suspension setup, the chassis is built to perform with controlled handling at any speed. And with radial-mount front brakes, the rider can be confident in the ability to control speed, too.
Designed with an aggressive look, the M109R defines a new generation for Suzuki cruising machines. From the GSX-R-inspired front brakes to the long, low fuel tank, the M109R is decked out in deep, rich paint that's complemented by mirror-like chrome. Best of all, the meaty 240mm rear tire makes a statement whether you're on the bike, or behind it.
Chrome slash-cut mufflers complete the fashionably sleek look of the M109R. And they're engineered to produce a raucous sound that will leave you remembered.
History of Boulevard
In June 2004, Suzuki introduced the Boulevard cruiser line - a whole new cruiser brand designed and manufactured exclusively for the U.S. cruising market. With more than 40 years of experience selling high-performance, cutting-edge motorcycles, Suzuki established brand equity in the U.S. cruiser segment by creating the specially branded Boulevard cruiser line that was engineered, developed and built with "Suzuki DNA" - a blend of advanced technology, uncompromising power and performance, nimble handling and outstanding value.
For 2006, Suzuki introduces the long-awaited all-new M109R along with eight returning 2005 models: C90, C90T, C50, C50T, M50, plus the S83, S50, and S40. The specific product names reflect not only engine size in cubic-inch displacement, but also the style of the bike as well - the stylish "S" series, the "C" series featuring classic cruiser styling and the more-muscular "M" bikes.
Yamaha introduces the Roadliner
Roadliner combines classic style, modern features