Features

3/14/2011-Motorcyle Digest

Gold Wing among new Honda 2012 models
American Honda has announced updated models of the Gold Wing and FourTrax Foreman will be available in its 2012 lineup.
The Gold Wing will feature an updated GPS, a built-in MP3/iPod interface with an SRS CS Auto technology surround-sound system, upgraded styling, increased luggage capacity, greater protection from the wind and weather and revised suspension settings, according to the company. Packages also offer Navi, ABS and an airbag. MSRP will run $23,199-$28,499.
The FourTrax Foreman will have a brand-new liquid-cooled 475cc single-cylinder OHV four-stroke engine, a new fuel injection system with 36 millimeter throttle body, a revised chassis with a new and lighter rear suspension, a single shock, a shorter wheelbase and new body styling. Options will include manual shift or Electronic Shift Program (ESP) and Electric Power Steering (EPS). MSRP is yet to be determined.
“This pair of 2012 new-model releases really illustrates the great diversity we have in styles of machinery for Honda customers,” American Honda Powersports Press Manager Bill Savino said in a press release. “Both the Gold Wing and Foreman serve as the newest extensions of incredibly popular models that have built up large and loyal fan bases in their respective fields over the years.”
Both models will be available in May.
In other Honda news, the company introduced four more motorcycles to its 2011 lineup, increasing the total to 43 models.
“The 2011 new-model rollout has been an exciting time for Honda and all motorcycle enthusiasts,” Savino said in a press release. “We’ve had a big year with many great models, especially the brand-new CBR250R and CB1000R, which have done much to round out our lineup. These 2011 machines will bring considerable depth and variety to our dealers’ showrooms this spring.”
The just-announced 2011 models include:

  • The Stateline, which combines traditional looks and progressive elements. It has a wider seat with more of a lean-back angle, a wider handlebar for upright and relaxed stances and a blacked-out engine. MSRP is $11,799.
  • The Sabre, with an MSRP of $11,899, has a 1,312cc V-twin engine with Honda’s Programmed Fuel Injection. It includes a 21-inch front wheel, a 15-inch rear wheel and a seat and handlebar that yield a forward-leaning riding position.
  • The Shadow Aero, with its classic retro styling, has a low seat height, a V-twin engine with Programmed Fuel Injection and an MSRP of $7,999.
  • The NT700VA ABS touring bike comes with ABS, a fairing, interlinked saddlebags and a V-twin engine. The MSRP is yet to be determined.
    BMW Motorrad USA Announces Prices on new touring models
    BMW Motorrad USA has announced pricing for its 2012 model year K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL tourers.
    The K 1600 GT will have a base MSRP of $20,900; while the K 1600 GTL will have a base MSRP of $23,200. Both new models will be available for purchase through this spring.
    Both base models come equipped with a number of features, including:

  • Xenon headlight with dynamic leveling
  • Heated seat
  • Heated grips
  • Cruise control
  • Multifunction display, on-board computer and multi-controller.
    The base model K 1600 GTL also includes:

  • Bluetooth
  • Audio system with tuner, Sirius satellite radio with one-year complimentary subscription, iPod/USB integration, 3.5mm Aux input, GPS preparation
  • Top case in body color
  • Comfort backrest for top case
  • Third stop light for top case
    NADAguides.com adds buyer resource
    NADAguides.com has added Cyclechex motorcycle history reports as an additional resource for in-market buyers, the companies reported.
    The reports are available under the customer resources on the NADAguides.com website and are provided as a piece of information for consumers.
    “NADAguides is always aiming to provide consumers with a website that is rich with data and resources that can be trusted and relied upon for research and purchasing decisions,” Lenny Sims, vice president of operations for NADAguides, said in a press release. “In-market buyers come to our site to have their questions answered so that they can walk into a dealership with assurance that they are making a smart purchase. Adding motorcycle history reports by Cyclechex is just one more step we have taken to assist consumers with making a purchase they can be sure of.”
    Cyclechex provides motorcycle reports pulled from data from governmental agencies across multiple states on previously registered street bikes, dirt bikes and scooters from 1981 to present. The data includes a variety of information, from title records to odometer readings to recall history and more. Cyclechex’s reports can be purchased through NADAguides.com for $24.95 each or $49.95 for three.
    “Given NADAguides’ dominance and widespread use in the powersports marketplace, we are extremely enthusiastic about this new relationship,” Cyclechex CEO Anthony Havens said in the press release.
    Scooter/ATV OEM KYMCO to sponsor racing team
    KYMCO, the official ATV and scooter sponsor of the NHRA, will support R2B2 Racing and its four professional race teams in 2011.
    The team is headlined by Melanie Troxel’s In-N-Out Burger Funny Car. It also includes three Pro Mod entries that will compete in the Get Screened America Pro Mod Drag Racing Series. R2B2 Racing owner/driver Roger Burgess, Troxel, fellow team driver Brad Personett and their personnel will use KYMCO scooters at 22 NHRA events and 10 Pro Mod races in 2011, according to a report on the NHRA’s website.
    The agreement, which runs for two years, also places KYMCO logos on Troxel’s Funny Car and Pro Mod car, Burgess’ ProCar Rx Pro Mod Camaro and Personett’s turbo-charged R2B2 Racing hot rod.
    “We’re very pleased to welcome KYMCO into our racing family,” Burgess told the NHRA.
    Off-road manufacturer adds former Harley official
    ATK Motorcycles has named a former Harley-Davidson official, Jon Syverson, as its new executive vice president.
    In his new senior management role at ATK, Syverson will be responsible for expanding ATK’s presence in the V-twin market. Already known for its race-ready off-road motorcycles, ATK sees Syverson as a key to pushing into the street bike market.
    “We’re excited to welcome Jon to our expanding group of tried and tested motorcycle people,” ATK President Frank White said in a press release. “At ATK we clearly understand that in order to successfully market our V-twin motorcycles, we must maintain a balanced relationship with both dealer and rider. We must clearly understand our customers’ needs, and act to provide appropriate motorcycles … areas that Jon will be able to help us with greatly.”
    White said Syverson is the ideal person to handle the company’s dealer expansion and sales activities since that is what he did at Harley-Davidson Motor Co. for 30 years.
    “I met Jon some 20 years ago at the Motor Company when he managed a great team who specialized in military, police and related fleet sales,” White added. “Jon has a proven history of performance, which resulted in a commanding market share during his tenure at Harley-Davidson.”
    Harley-Davidson, Ducati issue separate recalls
    Harley-Davidson and Ducati have issued recalls on thousands of motorcycles.
    Harley’s recall affects nearly 7,000 units of the 2011 Softail. The affected motorcycles had security system kits installed as an accessory. The Body Control Modules (BCM) in the kit may not have been properly sealed during production.
    Ducati has recalled nearly 4,000 Multistradas for fuel leakage. Models affected include certain units of the 2003-’04 MTS 1000, 2005 Multistrada 1000 S, 2006 MTS 1000, 2006 MTS 620, 2007-’08 MTS 1100 and 2009 MTS 1100. PSB

  • Related Articles

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Back to top button