Triumph has revealed Special Edition versions of the Bonneville and Speed Triple for 2013, proving once again that nothing delivers a bang for the buck like cosmetic enhancements to popular models.

Most appealing to our eyes is the subtle but sexy Triumph Speed Triple SE (pictured above.) Its Matte Graphite color is beautifully set off by soft blue accents of the frame, swingarm, subframe and wheel pinstriping. Included on the SE are a color-matched fly screen, belly pan and seat cowl.

Carbon fiber jewelry abounds, including the front fender, side pods and fuel tank cover. Other detail refinements consist of racing stripes on the fly screen and tank, with the stripe line continuing over the seat, new mirrors and a rubber tank pad. Restyled clutch, alternator and sprocket covers enhance the distinctive makeover. In addition, exhaust heat shields, handlebars and clamps are now black to complete the stealth appearance. Continue Reading »

Triumph announced a very limited production run of the 2013 Speed Triple R in a special “Dark” livery for the U.K. market.

The British manufacturer teamed up with custom paint shop 8 Ball to produce 30 units of the Triumph Speed Triple R Dark. The livery is predominantly black with red highlights to match the Speed Triple R’s red frame and pinstriped wheels. Finer details include new “R 1050″ logos and air-brushed Union Jack flags on the fuel tank.

The Dark version includes a color-matched flyscreen and belly pan, both of which are usually available as accessories at a total price of £320 (US$495). The Speed Triple R Dark however is only priced £200 over the regular price of £11,349. Continue Reading »

Aprilia is producing a special edition RSV4 for the U.S. and Canada to celebrate Max Biaggi‘s World Superbike Championship-winning 2012 season. The special edition model will only be available in North America, though we’d prefer if Piaggio could come up with a less awkward name than the 2013 Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC ABS SBK SE.

If you can get over its cumbersome name, the special edition receives the same updates as the 2013 Aprilia RSV4 Factory offered elsewhere around the world announced at Intermot. That includes the addition of a three-mode Bosch ABS and an upgraded engine that now claims 181.5 hp and 86.3 ft-lb. at the crank (compared to 177 hp and 84.8 ft-lb. on the 2012 model).

The 2013 version also has a revised fuel tank derived from Aprilia‘s WSBK program that now offers a capacity of 4.8 gallons compared to 4.5 gallons on the previous version. Bearing the Aprilia Performance Ride Control (APRC) designation, the special edition RSV4 also gets three selectable engine maps, traction control, wheelie control, launch control and a quickshifter. Continue Reading »

BMW announced it will introduce an all-new Boxer to celebrate its 90th year of motorcycle production, but you didn’t think the German manufacturer would stop there without a couple of other special edition models, did you?

To mark the anniversary, BMW revealed special edition “90 Jahre BMW Motorrad” versions of its R1200GS adventure bike, R1200R roadster and R1200RT tourer in Milan at the 2012 EICMA Show.

All three models come in a Sapphire Black Metallic color with matte black engines, gold anodized suspension and brakes, and asphalt gray metallic swingarms, trailing arms and rear frames, and granite gray metallic cylinder head covers, and a nickel-plated polished brass plate on the upper fork. Continue Reading »

Another sign of the Audi-Ducati relationship has popped up at the motorcycle manufacturer’s headquarters in Bologna, Italy.

Pictured here is an Audi A1 sports hatchback dressed in paint inspired by the Ducati 1199 Panigale S Tricolore. The special color scheme includes the Ducati logo on the hood, Italian red, white and green striping and red alloy wheels.

It’s not clear at this point if this is merely a promotional concept or if there are plans for a special edition version. If Audi does decide to produce a special edition A1 Ducati, we hope they do away with the large hood logo and go with a more understated look. The Panigale is eye-catching already, moreso in the Tricolore colors, but the badging is at least much more subtle than on this A1. Continue Reading »

We expected more from Ducati at the 2012 Intermot show as the Italian manufacturer makes its first appearance at the Cologne show under its new German owners at Audi and the Volkswagen Group. Instead, Ducati chose to keep its juiciest reveals for its home market at EICMA in November while revealing a number of color updates to returning models at Intermot.

Ordinarily, we’d call this disappointing but one look at the 2013 Ducati 848 EVO Corse changed our minds. Yes, it’s just a color update to the red and white version unveiled last year, but the matte black and matte gray color of what Ducati calls its Test Team livery and red trellis frame really stands out. Look for more pictures of the Corse Edition and the base model after the jump. Continue Reading »

Piaggio Group Americas announced its 2013 Vespa scooter lineup including a pair of new special edition models and the recently revised LX and S models.

Our European correspondent Tor Sagen already reviewed the 2013 Vespa LX and S scooters, reviewing the 125cc and 150cc versions. U.S. consumers will have the option of 50cc and 125cc engines for both the 2013 Vespa LX and Vespa S. Both models are powered by Piaggio‘s new three-valve engines which are designed for improved power and efficiency. Continue Reading »

Zero Motorcycles has announced its first ever limited edition model. Only 30 units of the 2012 Zero S ZF9 Limited Edition will be produced, though at the moment it appears they will only be offered in Europe.

The Limited Edition model was produced to celebrate the Zero S being named eMotorbike of the Year 2012 at Clean Week 2020 this May at Belgium’s Zolder circuit. The Zero S was selected for this honor by a panel of 12 European specialists. The Zero S was also named eMotorbike of the Year in 2011.

The Zero S ZF9 Limited Edition comes in graphite-colored fairing, tail, fenders and battery covers. Add-ons include a Corbin-designed seat, a front cowl with mini windscreen, a 12V accessory outlet, and Zero-branded Pro Grips. Each unit has an individually-numbered brushed aluminum plaque and comes with a certificate of authenticity. Continue Reading »

The partnership between Ducati and Mercedes-AMG has produced some new fruit, this time a Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG inspired by the Ducati Streetfighter 848′s “Fighter Yellow” color.

It’s been over a year since Ducati and Mercedes-Benz’ performance brand AMG signed a cooperation agreement at the 2010 LA Auto Show. Back in September, the two brands came together to produce the special edition Ducati Diavel AMG at the Frankfurt Auto Show.

The Streetfighter Yellow SLK 55 AMG is a one-off color variant which will be displayed alongside the Streetfighter 848 at the 2011 Bologna Motor Show to symbolize the continued relationship between the two brands.

Continue Reading »

Updated with pricing and American availability.

Moto Guzzi unveiled a limited edition California touring motorcycle to mark the Italian manufacturer’s 90th anniversary. The special edition model was presented at the manufacturer’s 2011 Guzzi World Days celebration in Mandello del Lario, Italy.

The limited edition 2012 Moto Guzzi California 90 will be the final version of the California 1100 model, which marks its 40th year anniversary this year. Moto Guzzi will be replacing the California with a new model based on the prototype unveiled this February in Monte Carlo.

Continue Reading »