2009 Bimota DB7 Oronero

The 164bhp, 164kg Bimota Oronero. Snazzy, even if it does cost US$52,000!

Pics: Motoblog

While they don’t seem to have any new bikes to show at this year’s EICMA, Bimota have unveiled a new version of the DB7 – the DB7 Oronero (Black Gold), which is six kilos lighter than the standard bike. With 164bhp from its Ducati 1098 v-twin, the DB7 Oronero has a 1:1 power-to-weight ratio, which is probably a good thing.

Other new bits on this Bimota include petal-shaped brake discs at the front, fully digital multi-function instrumentation with data logger, and integrated GPS. There are also, of course, various titanium and carbonfibre bits on the bike – only to be expected on a bike that will be built in limited numbers next year, and that will come with a price tag of US$52,000. Rush to your nearest Bimota dealership to book yours now…

Husqvarna SMQ concept shown at EICMA

The Husqvarna SMQ. A bit ugly, a bit funky and proof of the fact that Husqvarna designers and engineers go down to the local pub for a pint or ten every once in a while...

Husqvarna are now showing the all-new SMQ concept bike at the EICMA show in Milan. The SMQ is supposed to be a new kind of streetbike that handles very well and is light, narrow and easy to ride. Hmmm… we can already think of a dozen motorcycles that are all of those things. Still, the SMQ actually looks appealing in a weird, quirky, eccentric kind of way…

From what little details are available, the bike is fitted with 17-inch wire-spoke wheels, a single-cylinder 450cc engine, tubular steel chassis, USD fork, monoshock rear suspension and petal-type single brake disc at front, with radial-mount four-piston calipers.

The Husqvarna SMQ is a wee bit ugly… but strangely enough, we also think it’s quite cool! Wonder if it’ll actually go into production…

2009 KTM 1190 RC8 R

The 2009 KTM 1190 RC8 R. Awesome!

Pics: Moto Caradisiac

The KTM RC8 was already the most impressive all-new litre-class superbike launched in recent years, and for 2009, KTM have upped the ante with a higher performance version – the 1190 RC8 R – which is now being shown at the EICMA in Milan.

With its new Keihin engine management system, the RC8 R’s 1195cc v-twin has been tweaked to produce 165bhp at 10,250rpm and 123Nm of torque at 8,000rpm. And for those who want still more, KTM are offering an optional racing kit that’ll boost power to 180bhp. With its new orange-black-and-white paintjob, high-spec fully adjustable WP suspension, Brembo brakes and lightweight cast aluminium wheels, the RC8 R weighs 183kg dry, and looks flat out fantastic.

With the KTM 1190 RC8 R joining the Ducati 1198, BMW S1000RR and Aprilia RSV4 in World Superbikes next year, things look all set to get very interesting in 2009…!

The KTM RC8 R sure looks like it can take on the Ducati 1198!

2009 Benelli Tre-K 899 Photos

The 2009 Benelli Tre-K 899. Nice!

Pics: Motoblog

Benelli had unveiled the TNT 899 in November last year. And this year, it’s the Benelli Tre-K 899, which uses the same 899cc, DOHC, 12-valve three-cylinder engine. The engine has been retuned for the Tre-K, and while the exact power figure has not been quoted by Benelli, we suppose it would be around 105bhp – about 10-12 horsepower down on the TNT 899.

The Tre-K 899 uses the same chassis as its elder brother – the Tre-K 1130 – with aluminum side plates joined to a steel tube trellis frame. It also gets the same USD fork, Brembo brakes, steel tube swingarm and underseat exhausts.

The new Benelli Tre-K 899 is likely to be in showrooms by March 2009, and will be priced at around US$12,500.

BMW Lo Rider concept unveiled in Milan

The BMW Lo Rider concept. We like it...!


Pics: MotoFlash and Motoblog

After the Husqvarna SMQ and Aprilia Mana X concepts, we have the BMW Lo Rider concept, which… actually looks very cool! Naked and stripped down, the Lo Rider looks quite purposeful. If Mad Max were German, he’d probably ride one of these…

With its flat-twin engine, 17-inch wheels, twin petal-type brake discs at front (with six-piston calipers), USD fork, Paralever single-sided swingarm, Ohlins rear suspension and gnarly styling that’s reminiscent of some 1960s scramblers, the Lo Rider is an engaging mix of old-world simplicity and new-age high-tech.

The bike was designed by a team led by David Robb, Head of Design Development at BMW Motorrad. Well done, Mr Robb, we quite like your motorcycle. Now will you please take an F800R to your lab and see what can be done to improve its styling…

Kawasaki ZX-10R shown at SEMA 2008

This ZX-10R can, apparently, run on petrol and hydrogen!

Pics: K&N

Jason and Jeremy Cantwell, owners of the US-based Derby City Customs, have prepared this unique hybrid Kawasaki ZX-10R, which runs on petrol and hydrogen! The Cantwells claim the bike – a 2008 model ZX-10R – still makes around 170bhp, but now gets double the mileage of the standard bike.

"Simply put, we separated the hydrogen and oxygen molecules from distilled water which propels the hybrid. As a result the gas burns more efficiently and gets better gas mileage as it reduces emissions. The motorcycle's main emissions are water, not carbon deposits," claim the bike's creators. We'll admit we don't understand any of it, and unfortunately, there are no other technical details on how the hydrogen hybrid conversion has been carried out…

The DCC Kawasaki ZX-10R has also been fitted with hand-made carbonfibre bodywork, lightweight wheels from Carrozzeria, and custom vinyl graphics from Digital EFX. The bike is currently on display at the ongoing SEMA show in Las Vegas.

Benelli Due 756 shown at EICMA

The 2009 Benelli Due 756, coming to a showroom near you early next year...
Pics: Moto Caradisiac

First shown at the Intermot in October last year, the Benelli Due 756 – currently being shown at the ongoing EICMA show in Milan – is now ready to go into production. Powered by a 756cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin that makes around 90bhp, the Due 756 seems to have been fitted with high-spec suspension and braking components, and looks quite good. Prices are yet to be announced, but expect the bike to go on sale in Europe early next year.