With the new Concours, Kawi created its first traction control system. Unlike the ABS, the rider can disable or enable KTRC, and can do so on the fly. The new TC system isn’t level selectable, like, say, Ducati’s DTC, and it isn’t intended to allow a rider to go faster on their Connie. It is largely a safety feature. Click here for the full review.

Hit the jump and see how the new traction control system (KTRC) works.

It should be obvious, but one of the perks of being in the business of evaluating motorcycles is the opportunity to see and ride a huge variety of bikes.

Recently, while returning a CRF230M to American Honda’s main offices I spotted the new-to-the-U.S. NT700V sitting amongst the gaggle of bikes set aside for the moto media.

Since the bike has yet to be formally introduced to all media, I certainly wasn’t able to ride, but I did saddle up to it and fiddle around, so I thought I’d pass on a few firsthand quick-take notes.

Based on the concept model unveiled last October at Intermot 2008, the new motorcycle is expected to be a sport-tourer powered by a 1200cc V-4 engine with variable cylinder technology which can allow it to run on only two cylinders to conserve fuel.  There are also rumors that the motorcycle will have a semi-auto gear box which will give the rider the option of going manual or automatic.

Honda has a dedicated website for the V4 where you can enter for a chance to win a spot to be one of the first to test drive the new bike, unfortunately, the contest is only open to Europeans.

Hit the jump to see the new promo video (you can hear what the motorcycle sounds like!) and an interview with design project leader, Teofilo Plaza.

The Can-Am Spyder is an interesting beast (arachnid?).  A snowmobile for the road, one might say.  In any case, it’s automotive spectacle that is hard to ignore.

Do you love it, or do you hate it?

If you are at all curious about this beast, head over to the Can-Am Spyder Forums and have a look around.  People have already been posting their pictures, reviews, questions and rants about their Spyders.

If you’re an interested buyer, or just plain curious as to how much you could snag one of these things, why not get a free price quote?

Price quotes for:

2009 Can-Am Spyder Roadster SM5 (Specs)

2009 Can-Am Spyder Roadster SE5 (Specs)

Check out the rest of the article for Motorcycle.com’s video review of this … thing!  Head over to Motorcycle.com for a full written review.

Machineart Industrial Design, Slims down and smooths out the most popular adventure touring bike on the market today, the BMW R1200 GS. The R1200GSM (M for Machineart) is designed to be a sleeker, sexier version of the stock GS. The GSM was built to promote the MachineartMoto brand of aftermarket parts for the current GS. Machnieart-moto products are sold through www.machineartmoto.com or dealers.

If contemporary society has taught us anything, it is that few things are held as sacred. Shameless film and television remakes are rampant while musicians sample (steal) any beats or mixes they deem suitable that will gain their crumby creation attention. In regards to motorcycles, there are times when retro-inspired modern engineered creations work, like the Triumph Thruxton for instance. Then there are times when they don’t, such as the case with the Confederate B120 Wraith.

BRP has a new contest ongoing (you may have seen the ads running on Motorcycle.com) to win a new 2009 Can-Am Spyder valued at $16,199. The contest is pretty simple and you are only required to answer four questions, and provide your personal information. The contest is only open to US residents.

If you are interested, you can enter the contest mini-site here. Or you can read our 2009 Can-Am Spyder SE5 Review. When you’re all done that, check out the Specs on the 2008 model and leave your own review.

Discuss it on the Can-Am Spyder forum.