Things To Come, Bikes To Watch in 2011 – Part 3

In the final look at some of the motorcycles set to make us want to re-mortgage and head for the showrooms in 2011, we’re covering new bikes from BMW, Horex, Triumph, and Kawasaki, and they all have some stunners ready for launch.

BMW

The Bavarian company just goes from strength to strength and hasn’t really put a foot wrong for a number of years now.  They’ve been the market leaders in high-tech bikes for some time with their top of the range models sporting more buttons and gadgets than the space shuttle.  That lead is now being challenged by Ducati who have integrated more and more innovative rider assistance features into their latest machines.  So BMW has now brought a new motor to market in its new 2011 bikes, and typically its an amazing piece of technology.  BMW is launching two brand new tourers featuring its 6 cylinder engine giving the bikes ridiculous levels of torque and power, but managing to also be economical.  Also what you’d imagine would be a huge block sticking out of the frame, is actually a 6 cylinder no bigger than a four, a feat worthy of TARDIS technology!  They’ve implemented this in two grand tourers, the K1600GT and K1600GTL.

The K1600GT is the base model but not without many many bells and whistles, traction control, electronic ESA II, ride-by-wire, electric screen, etc

The K1600GTL has extra luggage options and both bike benefit from BMW’s adaptive headlight technology, allowing the beam to tilt and move with the lean of the bike to ensure the road ahead is always fully lit, fantastic.  One final detail of these bikes, and a small but wonderfully BMW detail, are the small fins on the panniers that help eleminate wind swirl behind the bike to keep dirt off the rear!  …speechless…

Also worth mentioning from BMW was a concept scooter, the Concept-C (above) that they showcased at the Milan Motorcycle show last November.  It generated a lot of interest and 2011 may see the brand enter the scooter market in a big way.

Horex

Speaking of 6 cylinder bikes 2010 saw the resurrection of the classic Horex brand which died out decades ago, and what a bike they’re returning with.  The original Horex brand was founded in 1923 by glassware company Rex and existed until 1960 when the company was bought up by Daimler-Benz.

The reviatlised company will be launching the Horex VR6 in 2011, a naked beast with a 1218cc triple overhead camshaft supercharged VR6 engine.  The bike also features a belt drive and ABS to partner that big engine and overall looks very nice indeed.  It’ll be a fun one to try to hold onto at autobann speeds.

Triumph

British mark Triumph as been doing very well in recent times and is radically expanding its range of bikes in 2011 and beyond.  Its big hitters for 2011 are its new adventure bikes set to reach showrooms in January.

The Tiger 800 is a road focussed adventure styled bike for those who like the ergonmics and touring potential that comes with such a machine.  The bike is powered by a 799cc liquid-cooled, 12 valve, DOHC, in-line three-cylinder, and has an accessory list to challenge BMW’s.

The bigger brother of the 800 is the Tiger 800 XC which is the heavier off-road machine.  Most specs are the same but with suitable adjustable suspension and a taller ride for avoid rocks in the rough.

Both of these bikes are direct challengers for BMW’s GS 650 and FS800GS and seem more than capable of going the distance.  Triumph have also been seen testing a 1200cc Tiger to take on the GS1200 and Super Tenere 1200 but it’ll most likely be 2012 before it’s available.

Kawasaki

Finally in our round-up we have Kawasaki, a consistent good quality manufacturer with some great bikes due this year.  The one that’s been in the news most recently is the Ninja ZX-10R due to its launch then recall due to a spring valve problem.

However this hasn’t dampened enthusiam for the bike seen as a competitor to superbike class leader the BMW S1000RR.  New from the ground up the 2011 Ninja ZX-10R offers one of  the most advanced traction-control system in all of production motorcycling.  The MotoGP-derived S-KTRC, or Sport-Kawasaki Traction Control system works by processing every data point 200 times per second  and then maximizes performance by subtly reducing power just before the amount of slippage exceeds the optimal traction zone, thus maximizing forward motion.  At the heart of the 10R is an all-new 998cc, 16-valve, DOHC, liquid-cooled inline-four, easily the most advanced engine from Kawasaki.  Emphasis was placed on linear power delivery, to accomplish that; peak torque was moved to a higher rpm range, which allows racers and track-day riders to open the throttle earlier and with more confidence.

With a less aggressive edge, but still a ton of fun Kawasaki has a new sports tourer for highway wanders that want to get places fast.  The Ninja 1000 (above) is based on the Z1000.  The 1,043 cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled, 16-valve inline-four provides instantaneous power, while a slick-shifting six-speed gearbox and no-fuss electronic fuel injection make quick work of the morning commute or the weekend scramble.  A set of hard panniers, generous fuel tank, and three position adjustable screen for shielding the rider from the touring elements makes for a very capable all-round package.

For the relaxed tourer amongst you the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero might be the bike for you.  The Vaquero’s 1,700cc, SOHC, liquid-cooled V-twin, delivers 108 foot-pounds of torque, with a 6-speed transmission allows for relaxed cruising.

Of course with this type of bike luxuries are to the fore so along with cruise control the Vaquero boasts an audio system with FM, AM and WX and is compatible with iPod, XM tuner, or CB radio …breaker, breaker, rubber ducky calling!

Well there’s still a few bikes that could get a mention but Part 1 and Part 2 of our round ups have covered what should be the big sellers.  If you splash out on one or more of them let us know your thoughts on your new pride and joy.  Send an email to info@ridethewildwind.co.uk