Of the concept models Yamaha announced it would introduce at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, it was the heavy-duty looking XTW250 RYOKU concept that drew the most attention from our readers. Here we have new photographs of Yamaha’s “SUV motorcycle” from the show floor of the Tokyo Motor Show courtesy of Colum Wood, editor of our sister site Autoguide.com, who was in attendance.

Yamaha describes the XTW250 RYOKU concept as an “unrestricted, anytime, anywhere” mobility vehicle offering performance, operability the capacity to carry heavy loads. The fat tires and front suspension appear to be similar to those of the Yamaha TW200 (hence the TW part of its name). The XTW250has a slim gas tank and a large rear carrier that can be swapped for a tandem seat.

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Yamaha is debuting a new heavy-duty utility motorcycle concept at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show.

Described as the “SUV motorcycle”, the Yamaha XTW250 RYOKU was designed to carry heavy loads for both on and off the road. The concept’s name suggests it may share elements of Yamaha’s XT250 and TW200 dual sports. In fact, the fat front tire, wheels and forks look almost identical to those on the TW200 while the shape of the fuel tank resembles that of the XT250. Throw in a bit of the Honda Ruckus voila, the Yamaha XTW250 RYOKU.

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Alongside the Honda NC700S at EICMA comes the NC700X, a “crossover” model with better off-road capability.

Like the NC700S, the 2012 Honda NC700X is powered by Honda’s new 670cc parallel Twin engine. Honda designed the engine to be highly efficient, with optimal performance at speeds up to 87 mph and the engine revving up to 6000 rpm, a range Honda’s research found accounts for 90% of an average commuter’s uses. The NC700X’s engine has been tuned to offer more power and torque than the NC700S, with Honda claiming 51 hp at 6250 rpm 45.7 ft-lb. at 4750 rpm (compared to the NC700S’ 46.9 hp at 6250 rpm and 44.3 ft-lb. at 4750 rpm figures. Like the NC700S, Honda claims the NC700X gets 63.5 mpg, enough for a range of 235 miles.

Like the NC700S, the Honda NC700X will be available with or without a dual clutch transmission system and combined ABS.

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Husqvarna announced it will introduce the worlds’ first anti-lock braking system designed for off-road racing, equipping a BMW-developed off-road ABS to Husqvarna’s flagship TE449.

On paved roads, ABS prevents wheels from locking up, keeping them rotating and providing traction. Off the pavement however, rear wheel lockup is helpful for stopping on loose surfaces such as dirt and gravel. Many off-road riders recommend non-ABS machines, or at least, motorcycles where ABS can be disabled.

Husqvarna’s solution uses an ABS system introduced by BMW in 2007, and similar to the system works similar to the “Slick” mode on the BMW S1000RR. Husqvarna’s system only applies antilock regulation to the front wheel while the rear wheel is allowed to lock.

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Honda announced it will mass produce the Crosstourer adventure tourer unveiled first in concept form at the 2010 EICMA show in Milan, Italy.

The 2012 Honda Crosstourer will use a V4 engine similar to the one used in the VFR1200F and will also be available with Honda’s dual clutch transmission. Long-travel suspension adds to the adventure touring theme, but the Crosstourer is still more suited to paved roads than dirt.

“The Crosstourer offers a high-level fusion of vibrant off-road styling, upright riding position, V4 engine power and Dual Clutch Transmission that offers more direct power transmission and easy operation,” says Yosuke Hasegawa, leader of the Crosstourer’s development team. “We are convinced that we have successfully brought out new value in what can be termed the true Crossover Concept.”
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BMW has unveiled a new more off-road oriented version of the G650GS.

Named for a dry backlands region of northeastern Brazil, the 2012 BMW G650GS Sertão adds longer-travel suspension and wire-spoke wheels to make it a more capable machine for off-road adventure riding.

The Sertão’s 41mm fork offers over 210mm of travel compared to the regular G650GS’ 170mm. The rear suspension also offers 210mm of travel, compared to 165mm of travel on the base G650GS. The Sertão also has a longer wheelbase at 1484mm, compared to the regular model’s 1477mm.

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The Husqvarna Nuda 900R will make its public debut in near-series production form at the 2011 Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung, also known as the Frankfurt Auto Show, Sept. 13 in Frankfurt, Germany.

Described by Husqvarna as a cross between a supermoto and a naked standard, the new Nuda 900R is the product of the partnership between Husqvarna and parent company BMW. Powered by BMW’s F800R parallel Twin motor adapted to a 900cc displacement, power output is said to be over 100hp while torque is said to be near 74 ft-lb. Husqvarna also claims linear power delivery at low revs.

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Husqvarna has announced its 2012 lineup of TE dual-sports. For 2012, all four TE models have been updated with all-black chromoly frames, silver rims and new graphics.

The 2012 Husqvarna TE250 and TE310 both get revised suspension with stiffer 48mm open cartridge forks and rear shock from Kayaba. Exclusive to the U.S. market, the 2012 Husqvarna TE250 (pictured up top) has been lowered through new suspension settings, dropping the seat height by two inches to 35.8 inches. Husqvarna says will the lower height will appeal to shorter riders and help distinguish the TE250 from the TE310 (pictured below).

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Honda’s former joint venture in India has officially rebranded itself as Hero MotoCorp, revealing the company’s new logo and signaling the beginning of a new era for India’s largest motorcycle manufacturer.

Formerly known as Hero Honda, the joint venture claims a share of nearly half of India’s two-wheeled vehicle market. Honda decided in late 2010 to end its 27-year partnership with India’s Hero Motors, buying out its 26% share for $855 million, about half the market price at the time. Hero MotoCorp has a license to continue using Honda technology until 2014.

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The U.S. motorcycle industry saw a 4.6% decrease in year-on-year sales over the first six months of 2011, thanks mostly to a 17.3% drop in ATV sales. Motorcycle and scooter sales however saw a 1.7% bump in the first half .

Unfortunately, most of that gain in two-wheeled vehicle sales was due to a strong first quarter that saw a year-on-year increase of 7.2%. Second quarter motorcycle and scooter sales totaled 156,215 units, down 1.6% compared to 158,686 units sold in the second quarter 2010.

Compiled by the Motorcycle Industry Council, the figures represent sales over the six months ended June 30, 2011, from 19 reporting manufacturers: Aprilia, Arctic Cat, BMW, Buell, Can-Am, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Husaberg, Kawasaki, KTM, Moto Guzzi, Piaggio, Polaris, Suzuki, Triumph, Vespa, Victory and Yamaha.

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