Jan. 17, 2011 – Motorcycle Digest

Kawasaki slated to lift Ninja hold in January

Kawasaki Motors Corp. U.S.A. has announced the technical hold placed on the 2011 Ninja ZX-10R will be lifted in late January. Sales are expected to resume as normal at that time.
The hold, which was issued in mid-December, was a proactive move after a finding that “indicated possible surging of the intake valve spring when the unit is operated under unique riding conditions, such as on a race track,” according to a press release from Kawasaki.
The valve springs, spring retainers and camshaft are being replaced to prevent valve surging. Kawasaki says the improvements will not affect engine performance.
When the hold was issued, unsold units were ordered returned to Kawasaki warehouses, and owners who had taken delivery were instructed to return the units to the dealership for a full refund. Those customers who returned already purchased Ninjas will have the option to receive a new unit at the end of January.

BMW to include SIRIUS with 2011 touring cycles

BMW Motorcycles will offer SIRIUS satellite radio equipment standard on 2011 touring models produced beginning in January, the companies announced.
BMW also will include a one-year subscription to the “SIRIUS Everything” package for all radio-equipped 2011 R 1200 RT, K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL touring bikes. The package includes more than 135 channels of sports, news talk, entertainment, weather, traffic and commercial-free music.
“BMW Motorcycle owners expect exceptional performance, and our customers seek out the best riding experiences,” BMW Motorcycles Vice President Pieter de Waal said in the release. “Audio entertainment is one of the pleasures of riding a touring motorcycle, and we are very excited to have SIRIUS become standard equipment on our new touring motorcycles, providing the perfect soundtrack for the perfect ride.”
After the one-year subscription expires, users will have to pay standard SIRIUS rates to continue the service.

Piaggio announces pricing for 2011 Vespa, Aprilia models

Piaggio Group Americas has announced pricing for its 2011 North American models.
The Piaggio MP3 Hybrid, a three-wheel scooter with a 278cc motor, will be available for $8,499 during the last half of 2011. The Piaggio BV 300 Tourer, which was set for later distribution, will be available during the first half of the year for $4,999. The Typhoon 125, back after a four-year hiatus, will be released in the middle of 2011 for $2,699.
The Aprilia RSV4 Factory SE, derived from the RSV4 and including the exclusive Aprilia Performance Ride Control package (APRC), will sell for $22,499. The RSV4 R will be priced at $15,000. Aprilia’s Dorsoduro 1200, with a twin-cylinder motard, will sell for $11,999. All three models will be available in mid-2011. Not included on the price sheet were the RS4 125 and Tuono V4R. It was announced at EICMA in November that the models would be available in North America by the end of 2011.
Moto Guzzi’s new Stelvio 1200 4V and Norge GT8V will both retail for $15,990 and will be available during the first half of 2011. All eight 2011 Vespas are available now and sell for $3,199-$6,199. Piaggio listed 29 different 2011 models on its latest pricing sheet.

Two new cross-country models introduced

KTM North America Inc. has introduced two new cross-country motorcycles into its 2011 lineup.
The 250 XC-F and 350 XC-F will be available in dealerships in January. The two models are based off the 250 and 350 SX-F models, with SX-F style frames and the SX-F engine. However, the XC-Fs are modified for cross-country racing. They have 2.51 gallon off-road tanks, rather than the 1.98 on the SX-Fs. Each also has a six-speed transmission, an 18-inch rear wheel, open hand guards and a side stand.
The new models were introduced on Dec. 17 at Cahuilla Creek MX Park in front of KTM fans and press. The Factory FMF/KTM GNCC Team of Kailub Russell, Cory Buttrick and Charlie Mullins introduced the bikes. All three will be racing the 350 XC-F in the 2011 GNCC Series.

Avon Motorcycle partners with Paul Jr. Designs

Avon Motorcycle Tyres North America has partnered with Paul Jr. Designs to provide motorcycle tires for 13-15 custom built motorcycles to be featured on this season’s “American Chopper: Senior vs. Junior,” according to a press release.
The show, previously broadcast by TLC network, is now on the Discovery Channel. These new episodes feature the rivalry between father and son and include custom choppers built by Paul Jr. Designs.
“The Avon team is really excited to work with Paul Jr. Designs on this season’s ‘American Chopper,’” said Sukoshi Fahey, sales and marketing manager for Avon Motorcycle Tyres North America. “Paul Jr. is exceptionally well known … and we are all looking forward to seeing the amazing custom choppers that he and his team create.”

Triumph recalls Sprints for short dipsticks

Triumph Motorcycles America has recalled about 216 Sprint motorcycles because of short dipsticks.The company reported the recall, which affects 2010 Sprint GT and ST models, to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Because the dipstick is short, it may not adequately measure the bike’s oil levels. Dealers will be replacing the dipsticks this month. PSB