If you’ve been anxious to try the new Moto Guzzi California 1400 Custom ABS, featuring the largest engine Guzzi has ever built, traction control, rider modes, ABS, cruise control, ride-by-wire and impeccable fit and finish, but didn’t know how to actually get your hands on one, you’re in luck. Moto Guzzi dealers across the country are offering free test rides. Continue Reading »
The 2013 BMW R1200GS hasn’t arrived in showrooms yet and it’s already been subjected to its second recall in Canada. Fortunately, this means the problems should be corrected before BMW‘s updated adventure-tourer gets delivered to customers.
Earlier this month, Transport Canada announced a recall for the new R1200GS for a potential transmission oil leak. The Canadian department of transportation has now announced a second recall for the GS’ Automatic Stability Control (i.e. traction control system.) This affects only those models with ASC installed as well as an optional plug-in that unlocks the “Enduro Pro” ride mode.
The “Enduro Pro” mode is specifically calibrated for off-road use and adjusts both ABS and traction control to allow for rear wheel slide. According to Transport Canada, the ASC system may not reactivate following off-road use while in the “Enduro Pro” ride mode. The ASC’s warning light would also not illuminate, which may lead the rider into thinking the traction control system is on and working when in fact it is disengaged. Continue Reading »
Next week, I’ll be headed to the Ascari Circuit in Southern Spain, as Ducati is set to launch the all new 2013 Hypermotard to the world’s motorcycle press. To get everyone excited about the event, the boys from Bologna decided to have a little fun. Together with its factory MotoGP pilot, Nicky Hayden, and a cameo by Ruben Xaus, Ducati has filmed an exciting video to showcase what the bike can do. See it below. Continue Reading »
The Piaggio Group announced it has secured a €60 million (US$77.6 million) financing deal with the European Investment Bank to fund the development of new products.
The seven-year loan will fund research and development projects at Piaggio’s Italian facilities. The loan is in addition to investments Piaggio already budgeted for the period from 2013 to 2015 to develop new products. The new research and development projects will focus on three fields: safety, fuel-efficient combustion engines and alternative fuel technologies.
For safety, Piaggio will be working on active, passive and preventative safety measures. This is especially important in light of recent legislation enacted by the European Parliament to make ABS mandatory for motorcycles and scooters with engines larger than 125cc by 2016. Piaggio has already gotten a start toward that goal, gradually adding ABS to models such as the 2013 Aprilia RSV4 R and RSV4 Factory. Continue Reading »
Today at EICMA 2012, Triumph has taken the wraps off the hotly anticipated Daytona 675 and 675R. We first broke the news of a new Daytona last month, but details were still largely unknown at the time. As we expected from the fresh, updated look of the 2013 model, the 675’s updates are more than just skin deep. Continue Reading »
Photo: Brian J. Nelson
Today, AMA Pro Racing officials announced an open request for proposals from ECU manufacturers interested in supplying a standard ECU for the American Superbike class, starting 2014. The manufacturer would also have the opportunity to become an official partner of AMA Pro Racing. Continue Reading »
After making a bold statement last year as the king of the hyperbike segment, there wasn’t much to complain about with the Ninja ZX-14R. With gobs of power, torque and all-around badassery, we liked the 14R so much we named it our 2012 Motorcycle of the Year. However, that doesn’t mean we didn’t have one minor gripe. Continue Reading »
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 »
Back in 1993 Piaggio had developed the Hexagon, which became the world’s first so called GT scooter. Through the X7 to the all new X10, Piaggio has developed its new flagship scooter, and in Paris I got to sample the 350cc version of the X10.
Piaggio will offer the X10 as a 125, 350 and 500cc version. When I arrived in Paris I was told that the 500cc version wouldn’t hit production until in May 2012, so I had to make do with the 350cc version which proved to be a nippy tool around Paris’s busy streets. Continue Reading »
The Piaggio X10 slipped a little under the radar at the 2011 EICMA show behind other maxi-scooters such as Yamaha’s T-Max, BMW’s C650GT and C600 Sport and Piaggio’s own Aprilia SRV850. But take a look at some of the features Piaggio’s slapped onto the X10 and you’ll soon learn it’s not to be underestimated.
The new flagship of Piaggio’s “Gran Turismo” scooter family, the X10 is equipped with anti-lock brakes anti-slip regulation (i.e. traction control) and electronically adjustable rear suspension.
Piaggio has already introduced ABS and ASR on the Beverly 350 (though the U.S. version, the BV350, won’t have either feature), but electronically adjustable suspension is new. Available on the 500 version of the X10 (Piaggio’s also offering 125 and 350 versions), riders can adjust the preload on the rear suspension with a pair of buttons located on the leg shield near the ignition key. Continue Reading »
