New documents released by the California Air Resources Board reveal the existence of a new model from Triumph to be called the America Horizon for the 2014 model year.

As its name implies, the 2014 Triumph America Horizon will likely be based on the existing Triumph America (the 2012 America is pictured above with touring accessories as an illustration.) The CARB documents confirm it will use the same 865cc parallel-Twin engine as the America as well as the Bonneville, Scrambler, Thruxton and the Speedmaster. We predict a claimed output of 60hp at 6800rpm and 53 ft-lb. at 3300 rpm as found on the Triumph America.

The documents reveal little other details about the new Triumph America Horizon though we can make some conjectures based on how it will likely fit into Triumph’s lineup. Continue Reading »

Triumph has updated its Rocket III cruiser for 2013, adding more blacked-out components and a new seat, but perhaps the most significant change is what Triumph took away: the electronic torque limiter.

Previous versions of the Triumph Rocket III and the Rocket III Touring variant had its power and torque neutered in the first three gears. The reins are off for 2013 however, with the Rocket III’s 2294cc engine delivering full power in all gears. According to Triumph, the 2013 Rocket III offers 146 hp at 5750 rpm and 163 ft-lb. at 2750 rpm, the same specifications as the 2012 model, but without the restrictions in lower gears.

Previously, power was reduced by 2 hp in the first three gears while torque was reduced by a more dramatic 15.5 ft-lb.

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Suzuki unveiled a new 1462cc touring cruiser at the  2012 Intermot show in Cologne, Germany. The Intruder C1500T comes with broad windscreen, footboards and ABS plastic saddlebags.

The 2013 Suzuki Intruder C1500T is powered by a 1462cc liquid-cooled 54-degree V-Twin engine Suzuki claims is the most powerful engine in the 1000cc-1600cc cruiser class. No specific numbers were released but the engine is likely the same as the powerplant used in the Boulevard M90. We’ll have to see for ourselves when we get our mitts on the Intruder.

Gear shifting on the C1500T’s five-speed transmission is aided by a slipper clutch and the Suzuki Clutch Assist System which reduces the force needed to pull the clutch lever. Power is transferred to the 200mm rear tire through a shaft drive. Continue Reading »

Yamaha has introduced a new 1304cc bagger to its Star Motorcycles lineup. The new 2013 Star V-Star 1300 Deluxe comes with hard luggage, batwing fairing and audio and navigation system but at a impressively low $13,690 price.

Powering the Deluxe is the same 80 ci liquid-cooled V-Twin engine with computer-controlled twin-barrel fuel injection used in the base V-Star 1300 and V-Star Tourer. Power is delivered to the rear wheel through a five-speed transmission and a belt final drive.

The Deluxe model adds a fully-integrated dash and audio system with XM satellite radio, iPod and iPhone connectivity and a Garmin Zumo 665 GPS navigation system. The media system is controlled by a panel located on the left handlebar. Continue Reading »

Honda is issuing a recall for the 2001-2010 and 2012 Gold Wing due to a problem with the combined braking system. The recall campaign affects 126,000 units sold in the U.S. over the past decade.

According to Honda, the Gold Wing may experience rear brake drag even after the rider releases the brake. The problem is caused by secondary master cylinder of the combined braking system.

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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.

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A new era has begun as the first Indian Motorcycle under the ownership of Polaris Industries has been produced at the company’s Spirit Lake, Iowa, factory.

The landmark first Polaris-owned Indian won’t be heading right to the showroom floor however; instead, it will undergo extensive testing and evaluation by Polaris. As such, this particular Indian Chief Vintage, and the rest of the 2012 Indian line, will be fairly similar to Indian’s previous offerings, save for some minor updates to catch any issues Polaris already discovered.

The 2012 Indian models will be equiped with air-cooled, fuel injected 105ci (1720cc) engines, six speed transmissions, chrome laced wheels, 5.5 gallon fuel tanks, Brembo brakes, long fenders and an array of color options.

The 2013 lineup will likely see more substantial updates, including perhaps a switch to the 106ci engine used on Victory models.

[Source: Polaris]

Related Reading
Polaris Acquires Indian Motorcycle
Two Recall Campaigns for 2009-2011 Indian Motorcycles

Kawasaki is issuing a recall on the 2011 Vulcan Classic LT tourer due to a risk of damage to the tires’ inner tubes.

According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the inner tubes on some Kawasaki Vulcan Classic LT models may become pinched near the valve stem during mounting. In some cases, this may result in a loss of air pressure.

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Yamaha revealed the first 2012 models from its Star Motorcycles brand of cruisers, the V Star 950 and V Star 950 Tourer.

The 2012 V Star 950 (and the more touring-oriented V Star 950 Tourer) is powered by a fuel-injected air-cooled 942cc 60 degree V-Twin engine with a five-speed transmission. Yamaha estimates fuel economy at 47 mpg from the 4.5 gallon tank.

Billed as entry-level cruiser, the V Star 950 offers a low 26.6-inch seat height. Front suspension is provided by 41mm forks while the rear uses a bottom-link-type monocross shock. Brakes consist of a 320mm front and a 298mm rear disc.

The 2012 V Star 950 has a claimed weight of 613 pounds. Available in Liquid Silver and Candy Red, it retails at $8490. The V Star Tourer adds a windshield, leather-wrapped hard saddlebags and a passenger backrest. With a claimed weight of 657 pounds, the 2012 V Star Tourer is available for $9,490 in Raven and Impact Blue.

Visit our 2012 V Star 950 and V Star 950 Tourer gallery for more pictures.

Press release after the jump.

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