KTM announces M32 engine for Moto3, sports 250 streetbike to follow in 2012

From left: The 2012 KTM Moto3 racebike and the single-cylinder four-stroke 250cc 'M32' engine that will be fitted to this machine. And, yes, Moto3-based streetbike to follow next year!

The two-stroke 125cc class will cease to exist in motorcycle grand prix racing after the end of the 2011 season. But life still goes on – next year, single-cylinder four-stroke ‘Moto3’ 250s will take over from where 125s are signing off. There already seems to be a fair amount of interest in the new class and among others, KTM will also be joining the fray.

The Austrian company recently announced that it has started testing its all-new single-cylinder 250cc four-stroke ‘M32’ engine, which will power its Moto3 racebikes in 2012. ‘This pure bred KTM engine draws on the experience of KTM’s proven research and development expertise and the extensive experience of the KTM racing department,’ says a press release from KTM.

2012 MV Agusta F4 R Corsa Corta busts out

Here's what you need to know about the 2012 F4 R Corsa Corta: 192kg (dry weight), 195 horsepower, 298km/h top speed and 18,800 Euro price tag. Yeah, we want one!

MV Agusta have unveiled their new weapon for 2012 litre-class superbike wars – the F4 R Corsa Corta. And even if it does look like a regular F4, the Corsa Corta is fitted with MV’s revised 998cc inline-four with radial valves, low-inertia crankshaft and super oversquare bore and stroke ratio. Using a bore of 79mm and a stroke of 50.9mm, this engine has a rev limit of 13,700rpm and produces an almighty 195 horsepower at 13,000rpm and 112Nm of torque at 9,100rpm.

The 2012 F4 Corsa Corta’s engine is fitted with titanium valve and the cylinder head uses completely new ports and employs larger valves, both on the inlet and exhaust. And the revised exhaust system is not only significantly more efficient, it also produces all the right, loud noises – the kind you’d expect from a top-of-the-line Italian superbike.

2012 Ducati Multistrada 1200, Hypermotard 1100EVO SP Corse Edition announced

From left: The 2012 Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Touring and Hypermotard 1100EVO SP Corse Edition get new colours and bits like better suspension and higher handlebars

After the 1199 Panigale and the Streetfighter 848, Ducati have announced the 2012 Multistrada range, which includes the Multistrada 1200, 1200 S Sport, 1200 S Sport Pikes Peak Special Edition and 1200 S Touring. For 2012, the Multistrada – which, incidentally, is Ducati’s top selling motorcycle – gets revised seats that are slightly longer and more comfortable. Also, the 2012 Multistrada 1200 S Touring will be available in a new ‘race titanium matte’ colour scheme with ‘racing black’ frame. The current red and arctic white colour scheme will also be available.

The 2012 Ducati Hypermotard 1100EVO SP Corse Edition gets increased ground clearance, higher-spec suspension and high bars. The bike will be available in red, white and black Ducati Corse official colours.

2012 Ducati Streetfighter 848: More details, official high-res pics

The 2012 Ducati Streetfighter 848, an accomplished naked sportsbike...

Ducati have released more details and high-res pics of the 2012 Streetfighter 848. ‘The Streetfighter 848 delivers pure motorcycle enjoyment with the combination of a brand new, brilliantly engineered 848 Testastretta 11° engine and the enhanced geometry of a frame that ensures agility with confidence-inspiring feel,’ claims a press release from Ducati. ‘With user-friendliness now enriched by a smooth and flexible power delivery, revised ergonomics and traction control, Ducati’s unique fighter style is set to create more excitement than ever,’ it adds.

2012 BMW G650GS Sertão breaks cover

New colours, longer-travel suspension, tweaked ergonomics, switchable ABS and a name that sounds a bit exotic - that's new BMW G650GS Sertão!

BMW have announced the latest iteration of their 650cc single-cylinder dual-purpose motorcycle – the G650GS Sertão. ‘With the new Sertão, BMW Motorrad has added a new, sporting chapter to the history of single cylinders in the BMW GS family. Whereas the G650GS thrilled riders with its lean, wiry offroad stature, the G650GS Sertão promises enhanced sporting characteristics, greater offroad capabilities and a stronger desire for adventure,’ claims a press release from the company.