New Models

Triumph’s 2014 Thunderbird Commander and Thunderbird LT

Triumph has two new Thunderbird models for 2014 – the Commander (above) and the LT (below).

The Commander has a new more comfortable seat design and revised steering geometry to accommodate wide 17-inch tires. It is powered by 1,699cc parallel twin motor that has 93 horsepower.

The LT is embellished with chrome, has a single front headlamp, spoke wheels, removable leather saddlebags and one-off tank badges.

Both bikes will be on showroom floors in spring.

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Kawasaki Unveils 2014 Z1000 Streetfighter

By Bud Wilkinson of RIDE-CT.com

Kawasaki is proclaiming that its new 2014 Z1000 has “Sugomi” styling. Not sure what that means, but this streetfighter model with an inline four, 1,043cc engine and “crouching predator” looks does appear to be capable of to shredding some pavement.

The press release for the Z1000 lists more than two-dozen new or improved components or features, beginning with the new look and upgraded powerplant. No word on the horsepower.

The chain-driven bike does feature a six-speed transmission and weighs in at 287.3 pounds. The gallon tanks ha been upsized to 4.5 gallons. The Z1000 will come in green and gray and has an MSRP of $11,999.

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BMW Announces S 1000 R and Redesigned R 1200 RT

 By Bud Wilkinson of  RIDE-CT.com

BMW’s calling it a “sports roadster” instead of a flat-out superbike, but the new 2014 naked S 1000 R that was announced today – derived from the S 1000 RR – still boasts a max of 160 horsepower with a weight of only 456 pounds.

What’s new? BMW promises a “punchy response all the way through the rpm range.” The engineers have “significantly increased the low and mid-range power and torque” of the inline, four-cylinder engine, the company said.

Race ABS, Automatic Stability Control and two ride modes (“Rain” and “Road) are standard. Dynamic Traction Control with two additional modes (“Dynamic” and “Dynamic Pro”) is an option from the factory as is Dynamic Damping Control.

BMW calls the S 1000 R the “next logical step.” It comes five years after the debut of the S 1000 RR.

RT models, though, have been around seemingly forever, and the newest version of the R1200 RT (above and below) is designed for comfortable touring. With a more powerful boxer engine (peak output of 125 horsepower) lifted from the R 1200 GS, the 2014 RT promises “greater refinement and smoothness.”

BMW reported “the centrifugal masses off both the crankshaft and the alternator were increased, resulting in an even smoother engine. Riding comfort has been improved by using a longer secondary transmission ratio to keep the engine rpm lower.”

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Harley Unveils New Street 750 and Street 500 Models for 2014

By Bud Wilkinson of RIDE-CT.com

As expected, Harley-Davidson is coming out with some smaller models. Two, in fact – the Street 750 (shown above and below) and the Street 500 – that will be built on the first all-new platform in 13 years.

“These are the newest motorcycles to join our Dark Custom lineup, which helped make us the number-one selling brand to young adults in the U.S. for the past five years,” said Matt Levatich, president and chief operating officer of Harley-Davidson.

“Both the Street 750 and Street 500 were designed with thousands of hours of input from young adults in cities around the world. This input guided both the attitude and capabilities of these motorcycles. They are proof that being customer-led continues to be a core driver of our product development process.”

Designed for urban use, the Street 750 and Street 500 will be powered by an all-new, liquid-cooled Revolution X engine that, according to Harley, “will be housed in a new, narrow and lean chassis built for agility, with a super-low seat height, new suspension and broader handlebar sweep that provides confidence and maneuverability when managing tight turns and fast moves.”

With V-twin engines (749cc and 494cc, respectively), the Street models have six-speed transmissions, belt drive, two-into-one exhausts, mid-mount controls and single caliper disc brakes. The fenders and tanks are made of metal. Both the Street 750 and Street 500 weigh 480 pounds (wet).

“These new bikes are leaner, yet still have a mean streak – they’re the real deal, made of real steel,” said Mark-Hans Richer, Harley’s chief marketing officer. “They’re designed to handle the abuses of urban environments and provide authentic opportunities to customize.”

The two new models will roll into dealerships in select markets in 2014, with a second quarter target for the U.S., Italy, Spain, Portugal and India. No mention was made in the press release issued from the EICMA show in Milan on where they will be built, but the presumed location isn’t in the U.S. – rather India. The starting MSRP for the bikes ranges from $6,700 to $7,500.

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Honda Shows Off New 2014 CTX1300

Honda is describing its new CTX1300 model as “a machine for people who care more about riding than fitting in. It’s a motorcycle that loves short commutes or longer travels; a bike for people who want bags without all the baggage.”

Powered by the V-4 motor already employed in the ST1300, the CTX1300 boasts “moderate weight, low center of gravity, nimble handling and relaxed riding position.” No prices yet. Besides the base version, there will be a Deluxe model with an audio package, ABS, traction control and self-cancelling turn signals.

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Ducati Unveils New Monster 1200 and Monster 1200 S for 2014

By Bud Wilkinson of RIDE-CT.com

The Leonardo da Vinci Science and Technology Museum in Milan provided the setting today when Ducati unveiled its two new Monster models – the Monster 1200 (pictured above) and the Monster 1200 S (pictured below). The company introduced its Monster line more than two decades ago and has sold more than 270,000 copies during that the time.

Ducati had this to say about the two new Monster models:

The Monster 1200 S (pictured above) will have an MSRP of $15,995, while the Monster 1200 (pictured below) will be $13,395.