RIDE-CT.com

New Models for

2008 and 2009!

2009 Moto Guzzi Stelvio

2009 KTM RC8

2008 Honda CBR1000RR

2008 Victory Vision

2008 Buell 1125R 

2008 Kawasaki Versys

 2008 Star Raider

2008 Ducati 848

Photos courtesy of Buell, Ducati, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM (G. Freeman), Moto Guzzi, Star and Victory.

Superbikes Dominate

New Models for 2008

By BUD WILKINSON

     If only money weren’t a consideration. If only garage space weren’t so tight. If only there weren’t too few hours to ride. If only, if only, if only...

  Were it not for these predictable excuses, and others that are more case specific, those of us who only own one motorcycle would probably have two, three or even more.

  Unfortunately, in my case, having recently sprung for a new seat for the V-Rod and having earmarked a chunk of cash for in-progress garage expansion (in anticipation of a future acquisition), all I can do for the moment is dream about getting another bike – and there are numerous new 2008 and, yes, 2009 models on the ever-expanding wish list.

  What RIDE-CT does in this column is provide a look-see at some of the new bikes that will tempt and tease us in the coming months – emphasis on some because there are so many new bikes being introduced. Getting extra attention will be high-power sport bikes, because the “Superbike” category is simply bursting with new entries.

  Some of the new bikes are already out; some aren’t, but all should be available for the 2008 riding season. Here’s a brand-by-brand breakdown of the some of new eye-catching models:

   BMW – BMW’s R 1200 GS enduro gets a smaller sibling in 2008 with the introduction of the F 800 GS, an all-purpose parallel twin machine with spoke wheels, dual-purpose tires and a 4.2-gallon gas tank. Rated at 85 horsepower and weighing 392 pounds before gas is added, the chain-driven F 800 GS won’t require the muscle or the inseam needed to operate its bigger brother.

  Buell – America’s only major sport bike manufacturer marks its 25^th anniversary in 2008 and jolts its lineup with the new 1125R, which features a 146-horsepower, liquid-cooled V-Twin motor that is manufactured in Austria by BRP-Rotax. Weighing in at only 375 pounds, and featuring a six-speed transmission, a 5.2-gallon gas tank and belt drive, this Superbike represents a new third platform for Buell.

  Ducati – Ducati is putting the focus solely on Superbikes. The new 848 replaces the 749 in the middleweight arena, and its 849cc L-Twin motor touts 134 horses. Gas capacity is 4.1 gallons and weight is a mere 370 pounds dry. Ducati also adds to the 1098 lineup with a new 1098R, boasting 180 horsepower, and to the Monster lineup with a Monster 696.

  Harley-Davidson – Harley unveiled its 2008 lineup back in the summer. Check out what's available on the "Harleys Only" page. 

  Honda – Honda revamps its CBR1000RR Superbike, bumping the engine size by 1cc. Yes, 1cc. A 999cc inline four-cylinder engine now powers the chain-driven CBR1000RR. Gas capacity is 4.7 gallons. Honda also introduces a new model to its 1312cc mid-sized cruiser line, the VTX 1300 Tourer, complete with a tall windscreen, leather saddlebags and passenger backrest. 

  Kawasaki – Kawasaki gets naked with the new multi-purpose Versys. Already a hit a Europe, the 649cc parallel twin Versys is being pitched stateside as being a versatile bike for everything from commuting to touring. Available only in bright red, the chain-driven Versys has a dry weight of 399 pounds, a 5.0-gallon gas tank and a 33.1-inch seat height that requires a long inseam. Kawasaki has also remodeled in Ninja models, the ZX-14, ZX-10R and 250R. 

  KTM – KTM comes out with its first Superbike, the 1190 RC8, which boasts a 155-horsepower, 1190cc V-Twin engine and a distinctive profile that puts loads of air between the tail and rear tire. Weighing in at 440 pounds when fully fueled, the 1190 RC8 will be available as a 2009 model in KTM’s trademark orange and black as well as in white and black.   

  Moto Guzzi – Existing models gets tweaked and Moto Guzzi introduces a new Superbike dubbed the Stelvio, which may be sold as a 2009 model when it comes out next year.

  Suzuki – Suzuki’s high-performance Hayabusa sport bike gets redesigned for 2008 with an even more muscular appearance. Its new 1340cc motor offers a 12 percent power increase from last year to nearly 175 horsepower. Suzuki also puts the 1340cc, four-cylinder power plant into the all-new B-King, a naked street-fighting version of the Hayabusa that looks plain mean even as it shows off a lot of tailpipe.

  On the cruiser front, Suzuki aesthetically subdues its M109R power cruiser with the new Boulevard C109R classic cruiser, which also comes in touring form as the C109RT. Both use the 109 cubic inch/1783cc V-Twin engine that provides the M109R with its potency. 

  Triumph – Filling the gaps in its model lineup seems to be Triumph’s goal for 2008, and the biggest hole needing to be plugged is the chasm in its cruiser lineup between the 865cc America and Speedmaster models and the 2300cc Rocket III. However, there’s no word from the factory yet on an expected 1,500cc cruiser. This all-new model will reportedly be water-cooled and shaft driven, and the rumor mill hints at a late spring arrival. What Triumph has announced is a touring version of its monstrous Rocket III, complete with windshield, hard saddlebags and passenger backrest, and the new Street Triple 675, a naked bike based on the popular Daytona 675 but grabbing elements from the Speed Triple.

  Victory – The futuristic Vision luxury-tourer is the centerpiece for Victory in 2008, but its other models get some improvements that result in more options for customers as well. There’s a new Low version of the Vegas. With a reduced seat height of 25.2 inches, pulled back handlebars and a shorter reach to the foot pegs, this new, narrower, solo-seated Vegas will certainly be more comfortable for many potential buyers. There’s also a blacked out, entry level Kingpin 8-Ball.

  Yamaha/Star – The designation “chopper” suggests old school, but Yamaha’s Star cruiser line has come up with a modern-day version that performs. The new chopper-inspired Raider has an air-cooled 1845cc motor, a 210mm rear tire, a 4.1 gallon tank, a 27.3-inch seat and weighs in at 692 pounds.

     That’s nearly two-dozen new models or derivations of existing ones – and that’s not all of them, either. It’s probably a good thing that there isn’t enough money, space or time for most of us to indulge our passion.