Aprilia announced it will produce a new version of the SRV850 maxi-scooter with an anti-lock braking system and traction control. The Aprilia SRV850 ABS/ATC is the latest scooter from the Piaggio Group to include both technologies, following the Piaggio BV350 and the Piaggio X10.

The Aprilia SRV850 uses a sensors located in both wheels. The sensors detect wheel speed and, when it senses one wheel is decelerating faster than the other, the electronic control unit adjusts the brake hydraulics to prevent the wheels from locking up.

The traction control system works in similar fashion, only it activates when it notices when the rear wheel is rotating faster than the front wheel, indicating rear wheel slip. The control unit then adjusts ignition advance and injection timing to limit torque and prevent the loss of grip. Continue Reading »

The new Aprilia SRV850 V-Twin maxi-scooter is coming to North America, likely slated to arrive later this year as a 2013 model. The Piaggio Group presented the SRV850 alongside the Vespa 946, Aprila Caponord 1200 and Moto Guzzi California 1400 at its North American dealer meeting in Miami, Fla.

Piaggio announced it will bring all four of those models to North America, though as yet only the California has a launch date, set for fall 2012. The SRV850 will likely arrive at the same time, if not earlier, as the scooter has already been launched in Europe. Continue Reading »

Despite the Diavel Carbon weighing in at 207 kg (456 pounds) dry and featuring bulkier dimensions than any other Ducati it still handles very well. This is down to true Ducati know-how where the 162hp 1200cc L-twin and trellis frame are based on the 1198 superbike developments. The engine is in fact the same Testastretta II found on the Multistrada but with a massive exhaust system that boost power over the Strada by 12 horsepower. The midrange of the Diavel engine is very impressive.

Continue Reading »

MV Agusta has revealed the latest iterations of its Brutale naked sportbikes. Although looking much like the previous 989R and 1078RR, these new editions have been full overhauled with revisions to their four-cylinder engines and significant chassis tweaks.

Both versions use a lighter engine crankcase than before, and both have names that suggest a displacement different than what is actually under the tank. The 990R has a 998cc motor, up from the 982cc 989R via a stroke increase and a bore reduction. The larger and more expensive Brutale, the 1090RR, retains the old 1078RR’s 1098cc displacement. According to factory claims, both models have less peak horsepower, but the 989R receives a slight bump in torque. Both models include a traction-control system, and the RR adds features like a slipper clutch, larger brake rotors and forged aluminum wheels.

More info and some early riding impressions from Italy after the jump.

Continue Reading »