Honda VFR1200F gets a mild update for 2012

The Honda VFR1200F gets new colours, a slightly tweaked engine, revised ride-by-wire throttle and traction control with C-ABS for 2012...

Honda have announced some minor updates for the 2012 VFR1200F. ‘The engine now offers even greater performance, with significantly more refined torque between 2,000-4,000rpm. Changes to the PGM-FI fuel injection system, combined with increased tank capacity, mean the VFR1200F can now travel more than 300km on a single tank of petrol. A more comfortable seat and the adoption of traction control [which works in conjunction with the bike’s C-ABS] further enhance the bike’s all-round capabilities,’ says a press note from Honda.

2012 KTM 690 Duke: Official pics, specs, video

Cool, stylish and capable - the 2012 KTM 690 Duke hits all the right notes

For 2012, KTM have completely revamped the 690 Duke, a motorcycle that still defies conventional categorisation. The 690 Duke will be whatever you want it to be – a midsize supersports machine, a streetfighter, supermoto or whatever else you fancy. Fitted with KTM’s high-tech LC4 single-cylinder engine, which has been extensively revised for the 2012 bike, the 690 Duke packs 70 horsepower and has 10,000km service intervals which is admirable. It’s nimble, agile, stylish, adequately fast and is perfectly suited to being ridden hard around twisty mountain roads.

Honda RC-E electric sportsbike concept to be unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show

The Honda RC-E electric sports bike concept looks hot!

Honda have announced the highlights of their display at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show, which will take place from 3rd to 110th December this year. Among others, Honda’s display will also include various electric vehicle concepts, including two- and three-wheelers. While most of these seem to be terribly dull, the one bike that truly stands out is the RC-E concept, which looks super-hot in Mike Hailwood colours.

According to Honda, the RC-E is ‘an EV version of a super sports bike that pursues the joy of riding. A powerful and smooth ride unique to an EV model is achieved with the 250cc-class compact body.’ Unfortunately, Honda aren’t saying anything more about the RC-E for now. But from what little we can make out from the pics, the single-seat bike seems to be quite race-ready, with high-spec Brembo brakes, Ohlins fork and shock and chunky aluminium swingarm.

We aren’t really sold on electric bikes, but if the RC-E is any indication of Honda’s vision for the future of electric motorcycles, there just might be a glimmer of hope yet...

2012 Triumph Tiger Explorer: High-res pics, specs

The all-new Triumph Tiger Explorer looks good and should be quite capable of handling the rough stuff with ease. Another good one from Triumph...

Triumph have a brand-new adventure touring bike in their 2012 line-up – the Tiger Explorer – which is fitted with a new, 1215cc three-cylinder engine that produces 137 horsepower and 121Nm of torque. This is a high-tech machine, with ride-by-wire throttle control, switchable anti-lock brakes and traction control.

‘A tough shaft drive system has been developed for the Tiger Explorer, allowing virtually maintenance free touring. The Tiger Explorer has also been designed to go 16,000km between servicing – ideal for those long distance adventures,’ claim Triumph. ‘Having been designed for day long, mile crunching capability, rider and pillion comfort are at the heart of the Tiger Explorer’s philosophy. The rider position is easily adjustable, while accessory high and low seat options are also available. Both the screen and handlebar positions are also highly adjustable to suit individual rider preferences,’ they add.

2012 Triumph Speed Triple R: High-res pics, specs

The 2012 Triumph Speed Triple R is rocking. We love it!

For 2012, Triumph have added an ‘R’ badge to their legendary streetfighter, the Speed Triple, which also gets Öhlins suspension (43mm NIX30 forks, TTX36 shock), track-oriented Pirelli Supercorsa SP tyres, lightweight five-spoke forged aluminium wheels from PVM and uprated Brembo brakes with radial monobloc callipers at the front. ABS is also available as an option.

Powering the 2012 Speed Triple R is Triumph’s proven 1050cc three-cylinder engine, which produces 135 horsepower and 111Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a completely new six-speed gearbox that’s been optimised for more positive and refined shifting action. Other new bits include alloy handlebars, carbonfibre radiator, mudguard and tank covers, unique decals and red coloured subframe. Available accessories include flyscreens, belly pans, seat cowls, security and luggage solutions, slip-on silencers and a three-into-one ‘low boy’ exhaust, developed in collaboration with Arrow.

2012 Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200, Shiver 750 shown at EICMA

The Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200 gets new colours and revised electronics for 2012

Aprilia are now showing the 2012 Dorsoduro 1200 and Shiver 750 at the currently ongoing EICMA motorcycle show in Milan. ‘The Dorsoduro 1200 is the benchmark in the maxi-motard class. An all-new 1200cc V-twin powerplant producing an astonishing 130 horsepower and 115Nm of torque, in an incredibly light and nimble chassis – this motorcycle represents the zenith of the twin-cylinder maxi-motard class,’ claims a press release from Aprilia.

The Italian company claims the Dorsoduro 1200 is ‘an explosive cocktail of horsepower, agility and precision that takes the concept of fun riding to the next level.’ For 2012, the bike gets new colour schemes, high-spec Brembo brakes with radial-mount callipers, improved hydraulic clutch, ride-by-wire technology, three different engine maps (which alter power delivery to suit riding conditions) and a ‘Matrix’ instrument panel with on board computer. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) and Aprilia Traction Control (ATC) are optional extras.

2012 Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC unveiled at the EICMA

New colours, revised engine management and tweaked electronics mean that the 180-horsepower Aprilia RSV4 Factory should have no trouble staying on top...

Aprilia are now showing the 2012 RSV4 Factory APRC at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan. The RSV4, currently one of the hottest, fastest superbikes on the planet, gets new colours for 2012 as well as revised engine management and a tweaked, optimised Aprilia Performance Ride Control (APRC) package with eight-level traction control, launch control, quick shift system and wheelie control.

Other changes on the 2012 RSV4 Factory APRC include improved lubrication for its 65° V4 engine, closer spaced gears for better acceleration, and a new, lighter exhaust system featuring an advanced butterfly valve management system to suit the bike’s ride-by-wire mapping, for improved ‘breathing’ and efficiency throughout the engine’s rev range.

Piaggio Group at the 2011 EICMA: High-res picture gallery

Piaggio are currently showing various new bikes (and new variants of existing machines) at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan. Here's a selection of high-res images of their displays. More details of their new machines coming soon...