Nov. 29, 2010 – Motorcycle Digest
Triumph Expands Lineup to Include Adventure Touring
Triumph’s 2011 lineup — its largest new product offering in the company’s 109-year history — will include two off-road offerings.
Triumph held a global unveiling of two adventure touring models recently at the EICMA show in Milan, Italy. The unveilings follow the global introductions of the new Thunderbird Storm, America and Speedmaster at last month’s Intermot show in Cologne, Germany.
“Entering the adventure touring segment is big news for everyone at Triumph, and we know from customer comments that they’re just as excited,” Satu Mehta, vice president of sales for Triumph North America, said in a press release. “Triumph’s new adventure motorcycles give us a strong offering in every motorcycle category and a great platform to build on in the coming years.”
The all-new Tiger 800s represent Triumph’s first entry into the mid-capacity adventure touring sector. Powered by a 94 hp long-stroke, 799cc three-cylinder engine, the two models share the same steel frame, but have their own distinct personalities.
The Tiger 800 offers cast alloy wheels and thanks to an adjustable seat that’s on both models, a seat height as low as 32 inches to make it, as Triumph said, “an adventure bike for the masses.” The taller Tiger 800XC, meanwhile, delivers true off-road capability thanks to its longer-travel suspension and 21-inch spoke front wheel.
Honda Releases CB1000R to the United States
American Honda Motor Co. announced during Italy’s EICMA that it’s releasing the CB1000R in the United States in the spring of 2011.
The naked cycle features a liquid-cooled, fuel-injected inline four-cylinder 998cc powerplant. It has a mono-backbone aluminum frame with lightweight thin-wall construction. The 43 mm fork is fully adjustable, and there are 310 mm disc brakes in front. The single-sided aluminum swingarm has a single rear shock with spring preload and rebound-damping adjustability. The CB1000R has been available in Europe for several years, said a Honda spokesperson, but the 2011 model in both regions will have a new handlebar and revised headlight.
“The CB1000R fills a great position in today’s market as we now bring a very capable sport machine packed with high-performance features to riders who focus on street use — wherever and whatever their destination may be,” said American Honda Powersports Press Manager Bill Savino.
KTM North America Announces its 2011 On-Road Model Line
KTM North America will be releasing eight new motorcycles as part of its 2011 street model line, the company announced.
The 530 EXC and 450 EXC are available now, with the 530 model coming with an MSRP of $9,499, and the 450 selling at $9,299. The other six 2011 models will be available beginning in January.
The 1190 RC8 R has an 1195cc V-twin EFI with 175 hp.
It includes a new crankshaft, dual sparkplug ignition, anti-hopping clutch, shifter linkage and rear linkage. The suspension has been updated for improved performance, and riders can switch between two fuel grade options. The MSRP of the cycle, which comes in orange and black or orange and white, has yet to be determined.
The 990 SM T, with an MSRP of $13,999, has a new two-channel Bosch ABS brake system and a radially mounted front master cylinder with front and rear steel braided brake lines. The 990 SMR has an MSRP of $13,999, while the 990 Adventure will be available at $14,899, and the 990 Adventure R will go for $14,999. The 690 Enduro R, with revised triple clamps for tighter turning, will be $10,299.
Martin Racing Performance Acquires United Motors of America Assets
Martin Racing Performance President Joel Martin says the company has obtained the assets of United Motors, including “the largest private label Hyosung OEM parts cache in North America as well as the complete lineup of accessories and parts.”
United Motors, formerly Jincheng USA (1996-1999), opened its first U.S. office in Miami as United Motors of America. The company expanded to 400 dealerships by 2003 and began importing the Hyosung private label motorcycles in 2006. The company imported and distributed ATVs, scooters and motorcycles up to 650cc.
Privately held United Motors of America ceased its U.S. operations in February, according to a press release. The company continues to operate in Colombia and other parts of Central and South America. MRP purchased the inventory and assets from the banking institutions that held the liens on the company.
Despite Rain, Italian Show EICMA Sets Attendance Record
Neither rain nor the lack of bicycling manufacturers could keep visitors away from Milan, Italy’s EICMA show this year.
The event saw record-setting attendance with more than 500,000 spectators through four public days of the international bicycle and motorcycle exhibition, according to a press release from EICMA. Organizers had targeted to reach 450,000 guests, the number that showed in 2009. However attendance was up each day over last year. PSB
