ITN - New Speed Triple, V-Max in Leather, CR&S 'DUU'

After the first CR&S motorcycle, the VUN, now the company CR&S (short for Café Racers and Superbikes) is showcasing their second customized bike at the at the 68th International Bicycle and Motorcycle Show to be held November 2 to 7 at the Milan Fair. Named as DUU, you may remember the prototype was first exhibited during the 2009 EICMA.
‘DUU’ in Italain stands for ‘duo’ indicating the two liter (1916 cc) dual engine plus being a two seater. The DUU is a naked premium motorcycle with a typical sporty European styling combined very effectively with a big twin, typical of American muscle bikes. The engine retains the S&S “X-Wedge" engine, its character and high performance. Customers of the DUU can choose his motorcycle through a wide range of technical and aesthetic options offering countless configuration options including styling options like a single or two-seater.
The CR&S DUU, just like the elder sibling VUN, is made with high quality, durable materials using the best components and the motorcycle according to CR&S is aimed at “mature” motorcyclists who demand a little more from their custom bikes. Each motorcycle is hand made by the CR&S team which means they work on only one CR&S DUU at one time. The first batch is expected to roll out early 2011 with a production volume of a few dozen units per year. Price will start from € 22,000 ($30, 500). Unlucikly, the entire 2011 projected lot has been already reserved, in a way, it is sold out even before its release. It is the high quality and less quantity which makes the CR&S brand so sought after. The DUU has already been chosen in the MAD-Moto Art Design as one of the best designs in the last 50 years.
The CR&S website had all the info and loads of photos on the DUU and you may visit the ‘Download’ area for higher resolution images.

That the YAMAHA V-Max is one of the best looking power bikes is beyond anyone’s argument. But then some people just can’t enough of its beauty and now want something more. What you see here is the YAMAHA V-Max Hermes. It has been created so that the V-Max won’t go unnoticed. Yeah, right!, as if it was really hard spotting a V-Max. So wht is the Hernes, as you can see it is almost fully covered in leather giving the V-Max a unique and exotic look and feel.
Hermes, as you are aware is an internationally recognized fashion house. So when it decided to don clothes for the V-Max as a custom made motorcycle, you know it will stand out. Yamaha will be releasing three colour patterns to these limited edition series and each pattern will have a two-tone colour. Available colours are the V-Max "Red Demon", dark red and brown satin sheen magnesium, the V-Max Orange Metallic "orange satin highlighted with a brown band and magnesium V-Max Soft Brown "white and brown magnesium. You have to pre-order to book the custom bikes and more painstakingly, you have to go to France for the same as these are released by the Yamaha France company only for the French market.
Literally, this is a combination of ultimate fashion and power. No doubt, one of the best products coming out from the Japanese giant deservedly needed a more luxurious image for a select few and along with the buffalo leather, the custom bike also gets additional custom made items like brushed aluminum mirrors, meter case and exhaust.These V-Max Limited Edition are priced at € 23, 490 ($32, 850) including VAT.

One of the most celebrated and iconic bikes from the current generation is getting a makeover in a big way. Yes, this is the 2011 Triumph Speed Triple, a bike which finds many favours in Hollywood and also among the Hollywood Superstars. It retains the typical edgy, bare bones brytal styling but as you can see, the headlights get a complete new makeover with (kind of less bug eye and more) cat eyes which is the major difference. Performance figures are better. Actually the Speed triple has been hitting the gym and so not only has it only lost 3 kg/ 5 pound but it has also gained 7bhp and 6lb/ft or additional power and torque. The outgoing model had power and torque figures of 128bhp @ 9,250rpm and 76lb/ft @ 7,550rpm while the 2011 model as such delivers 135bhp of power @ 9,400rpm and 82lb/ft of torque @ 7,750rpm. Weight has reduced from 217kg/477lbs to 214kg/472 (wet). The weight loss program needs to thank the all-new aluminum chassis. The riding position has also shifted a little forward and Triumph believes it will improve handling. Yes, the Speed Triple will also have ABS as optional and has new 43mm USD forks that are fully adjustable (Showa Monoshock with adjustable preload, rebound and compression damping, 130mm rear wheel travel retaining the single sided swingarm). Other new things also include a new pair of dials and clocks. You can choose from three colour variants, Phantom Black, Crystal White and Diablo Red.

Visit the TRIUMPH 2011 Speed Triple website for more information.

In The News - New Custom and Factory Bikes

The Harley Davidson FORTY-EIGHT
If the Sporster was not beautiful enough, HD just had to release a new factory custom range for this bike with drop dead looks. This is the new Harley-Davidson® Forty-Eight™ motorcycle which has the ‘custom’ look to it. What stand out at the very first look are the neatly done stickers on the tank and the high quality finish in black. The looks may be retro inspired but with the rubber-mounted Evolution 1200 cc V-Twin engine assisted with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) and a broad torque curve, this bike has performance under that classic "peanut" fuel tank, low solo seat, under-bar mounted mirrors, clean rear fender and fat balloon tires.
The ‘rebellion’ HD introduced in 1957 retains the classy spoke wheels and the short dual muffler pounds out the distinctive V-Twin sound. With forward foot controls, large mirrors on the handlebars, low profile custom handlebar, a unique dual texture solo seat with accessories like a passenger pillion, foot pegs and backrest, the bike will be available in three colours, Vivid Black, Brilliant Silver and Mirage Orange Pearl at a rate of $ 10, 499.

Link: Moto Caradisiac 1 & 2

Official Pictures of YAMAHA FZ8
Well, the official pictures of the much awaited YAMAHA FZ8 are out and this time it is not leaked, these are company pictures. But you still have to wait for the bike. The net has been having quite an activity with Yamaha lovers setting and doing their own designs as how this naked potential all rounder placed between the FZ6 and FZ1 would or should look like. Yamaha has not disappointed its fan and has made quite a beautiful bike with nothing radical, all in place as expected and a familiar design which looks good. The standout feature would still be the beautiful headlamp with the Yamaha logo on the pilot light.
The bike is seen as a sure fire winner, mainly because it promises to combine all the easiness of the smaller FZ family with the touring capabilities of the bigger sibling. Look wise it carries almost all the FZ characteristics except for the mentioned headlamp and a few other features like a more triangular design exhaust.
Any further information on performance is not yet announced but it is certain that the FZ8 will take on all the 750cc to 800 cc engines whether it is a triple or an in line four. Yamaha has announced March 12, 2010 as the official date of the launch of the FZ8. Both the pictures here are from the official Yamaha Motor Europe website. Whether this is going to reach the shores of U.S is not quite known as there has been no official release from Yamaha.
The official Yamaha Europe FZ8 website asks you to ‘Stay Tuned!’

Tamburi T1 by MV Agusta Corse
How can you improve perfection? Give it to Tamburini, I say… err… not exactly Massimo Tamburini, but you can give it to the same house. What I mean give it to Andrea Tamburini, son of the legendary Massimo Tamburini and you bet he will improve perfection to a new level. Well, by now the pictures of the Tamburini T1 from MV Agusta Corse must have made you realize that the son has inherited the genes from his father in the highest possible way. ‘The meticulous craft of perfecting what already seems perfect,’ says the Tamburini Corse website. The Corse wing is set up by Massiomo’s son Andrea in San Marino and what it offers is not for us mere mortals. Catering only to MV Agusta and Ducati bikes, it is a high quality accessory house for the hallowed bike customers.
I really do not need to emphasize on the quality as you just need to see the pictures of the Tamburi T1 in its original size to let your jaw drop off. It is really not possible to imagine how one can even further improve the MV bikes, at least not until you see the products. For those who have money to spend, they go get a Ducati or an MV and when they have more money to spend, they can just visit the Tamburini Corse studio in San Mariono. This is easy awesome and as awesome as it can get. I bet only God could have imagined a bike like this and somehow he made the Tamburis have a dream.
Visit the Tamburi Corse Store and you must visit the gallery to have a look at the T1. Believe me, it will make your day.

‘Sacred Cow’ by Deues Ex Machina
The hardcore Aussie custom designers Deux Ex Machina has pulled off a brilliant machine once again. Known for their naked metal bikes with very minimal clothing and an edgy distinctive look, you can spot a machine product by the look of it, a typical bare bones bike with extreme detailing, never ever over done but to a point where you just have to admit the brilliance of the team of Jennings, Rod Hunwick and Carby Tuckwell.
Their tag line says ‘Motorcycles for the post modern world’ and you know where there theme lies in. Their new product ‘Sacred Cow’ has probably sacrificed functionality for undeniable style, but look at what a clean product this is. And Mr. Billy Joel is too proud a owner of the donor Kawasaki W650 which he wanted it to be styled in a 60s bobber design and he also wanted a bigger bore, so the ‘Sacred Cow’ has infact a 720cc engine. In fact, Billy wanted a hardtail frame, so the W650 was it and now with 21" front wheel, spring-mounted saddle, handmade tank, Billy is all set to ride the beauty in east end of Long Island which Billy mentions ‘where there's plenty of twisty back roads, beautiful natural scenery and picturesque fishing villages.’
Link: DEUS EX MACHINA

‘Coppa Acerbo’ by Filippo Barbacane
Another beautiful custom bike here is the ‘Coppa Acerbo’ made by master designer Filippo Barbacane. Now we know Mr. Barbacane specializes in Moto Guzzi and this is no different. This beauty is based on the ever beautiful Moto Guzzi V11. The ‘Coppa Acerbo’ name refers to a race that was held in Pescara, Italy, from 1924 to 1961, which was then renamed (Circuito di Pescara) as the creator of the race, Giacomo Acerbo, was a government minister during Italy’s fascist period. The race was more than 25 kg long, and much of it was on a city track. This special edition Moto Guzzi features “Alpine” spoke wheels, hand-built chrome exhaust, aluminium front mud guards, and an Ergal transmission shaft. The seat is wider than that of a classic V11 and the rear lights are also new. This particular Moto Guzzi Coppa Acerbo has a few extra modifications from Rossopuro, specialists in Moto Guzzi accessories.
Link: Filippo Barbabcane

Buell 1125R based Magpul Ronin
And coming to the last custom bike, I really do not know what to make of this bike, but it is bloody fantastic. This is the Magpul Ronin, a very radical looking bike with quite a few futuristic imaging (just look at the headlamp, is it a headlamp? BTW) and the razor sharp cues and all this is mixed with something from the 80s, you know Mad Max style.
According to the official website, The Magpul Ronin is an experimental motorcycle project based on the Buell 1125R sport bike. The project itself represents the first iteration of a design exercise inspired by interests, hobbies, and passions shared by many within Magpul. Taken from the Japanese word for a samurai who lost his master, the name "Ronin" was chosen after the Buell Motorcycle Company ceased production and closed its doors in 2009. The model 1125R was selected due its high level of performance and aesthetic potential that were never fully realized by Buell as a subsidiary of Harley Davidson.” Yes, the engine is from Buell, but you get so caught by the design that you really forget to analyze the machine.Anyway, so, what we get to know is that it is still in the design phase. Oh, by the way, what is interesting is Magpul is a gun and rifle magazine innovator. And if you would like to know if it is only going to be a prototype or will cater to customer feedbacks, on the website, it is written “Due to the experimental nature of the project, it is not yet known if Ronin motorcycles or Magpul-designed components for the Buell 1125R will be made available for purchase. More information about Project Ronin will be released as the design progresses’. So there you go. But you can of course visit the MAGPUL RONIN website to have a look at the bike.

In The News - 2010 Bikes from YAMAHA & DUCATI, RSD Sportster Kit

Starting with the RSD Sporster Kit news, although you do have to wait till mid 2010, good news is that the new Roland Sand Design's kit will make your Sporster even more dashing without burning your pocket. My good friend Chris Hunter, editor of BIKE EXIF has recently posted the news on RSD Harley Cafe Sportster. It seems as not to hurt the Sporster lovers and goeasy on the pocket, Roland Sands Design has put together a step-by-step combination of modifications. The kit will be on sale soon and by 'step-by-step, it means Sportster owners will be able to buy the parts in stages to spread the cost. Chris mentions that "The basics will include pipes (built by Vance and Hines), moto pegs, and a coil and key relocation bracket. Also on the list are wheels, some very slick brake discs, a new pulley and a fork brace. At the moment, the café seat, gauge/headlight relocation kit and velocity stack are still at the prototype stage, but they should be in production by mid 2010."

These are computer generated image of the YAMAHA FZ8 that is going to be launched very soon in Europe. Some time ago, YAMAHA MOTOR EUROPE has posted a picture of a new Yamaha Motorcycle, FZ8 which was supposed to be launched by November or early December, but now, the website says just wait for the updates. Which means the FZ8 is definitely there but just take might take some more time. The website just shows the headlamp of the FZ8 and that is sure that this will carry forward the Fazer/ FZ motto of a street bike. While all the waiting has been done, some moto journalist just couldn't wait any longer has come up with their own versions of what the FZ8 just might look like. Of course it is going to be a in line four, for one and most definitely liquid cooled. The journos have given the bike a mode edate look than the existing series. Where the FZ8 really stands is difficult to say as they have the 600cc and the litre bike. This 800cc bike is probably looking for the crowd who wants a more road bike than a street racer and also that could be used for touring and clearly as the Motarrad website mentions will take on the Aprilia Shiver 750, BMW F 800 R, Triumph Street Triple and the likes. The site also mentions that the FZ6 will be phased out by coming March. The photos here will remind you of the FZ1 for sure. especially the frame, the tail section and tank while the second photo from Motorevue has gone a step further is colouring the bike and giving it a R6 like tail section. They have imagined the bike in purple colour decoration with white superstructure somehwat similar to the R1 which means they expect a more sportier bike.

Well, we have to wait for some time more before we know what actually comes out. Keep updated with the Yamaha Motor Europe website.

And here is the DUCATI Vyper which till now is just a scoop. News has been making the rounds since early March this year of a possible Ducati Cruiser touted as a V-Rod and V-Max killer and Ducati trading into the cruiser category which sources say Ducati boss Claudio Domenicali has revealed the company is looking to branch out into a wider market.

Motociclismo were the first to post the scoop pictures and then Motorevue revealed a clay model which matches the scoop pictures. Later the news appeared in Ducati News Today which does give the scoop more weightage. Ducati has neither confirmed nor denied the news. All in all it has been some time and probably Ducati being Ducati wants to give a cruiser which will be worthy of the brand name and not repeat the Ducati Indiana fiasco (of sorts).
Sources say the bike is already in running form and has started preliminary tests at the Bologna factory and the proposed displacement will be 1400cc which will make it the biggest Ducati. The engine is speculated to feature a stroked version of the company’s Testastretta engine in a V-configuration. The liquid-cooled engine is said to put out in the range of 170 hp. It will feature Ducati’s signature steel trellis frame and its tank and tail section will be angular and aggressive, similar to the styling on the Streetfighter. The Vyper has a meaty 240mm tyre on the rear mounted to an aluminum swingarm with dual exhausts running along the lower right side and by the looks of it this power cruiser looks like it's got a low slung seat and raked forks, a true cruiser styling. Could this be something similar to the DUCATI D66, the custom chopper from Luca Bar of Italy? Well, 2010 has a few surprises up its sleeve.

Roland Sands Designs 4 beauty for the '09 AMD

This year at the 2009 World Championship Of Custom Bike Building that was held at Champions Park, Sturgis, South Dakota, USA between 2nd-5th August, Cook Customs’ Rambler and Kris Krome Customs Inc Re-flex-tion made it a 1 – 2 at both the Freestyle and Metric category with the Rambler bettering the Re-flex-tion by a huge 99 points in the Freestyle category while the Re-flex-tion narrowly beating the Rambler in the Metric class. These two talented teams shared the centre stage during the world championship with their single products and there were lots of new talent too who had more than one product and finishing on the credit list in different categories like Wonder Customs, Radical Kustoms, Beey Motorcycles from Mexico while there was one guy who had an amazing range of 4 products finishing on the credit list of 5 categories. Well, that certain guy is of course Roland Sands. The amazing designer bought 4 bikes to the championship, The Renstar which got mentioned in 2 categories, the Black Beauty, the Bu-Hell and the Kids and Chrome Fat Boy. His bikes made the most impact in the Modified HD category where the beautiful Black Beauty finished second while the monstrous looking Bu-Hell finished fourth. His third entry to the category, the Kids and Chrome Fat Boy also got mentioned in the competing list. The very beautiful futuristic yet very classically modern Renstar finished 29th in the Freestyle class and got mentioned in the Metric class. So let’s see what is it about his bikes that’s the judges love it so much?

The Renstar’s heart belongs to a 2006 Yamaha Roadster. Most of the things in the bike are of course hand built. Starting off from the frame, to the swingarm ending off at the wheels, everything is hand built. Even the front suspension by Ohlins is worked by Roland. So is the beautifully designed short exhaust and the handlebars which are all handmade. And it is also obvious that the long gas tank and oil tank are also hand crafted just as the headlights are.
The front wheel is tall and thin at 21" x 3.5" while the short and massive rear wheel dimension is 18" x 8.5". Both wheels wear Dunlop tyres (front - 120/70 R21 Elite 3, rear - 240/40 R18 Elite 3).
Other details available are that the bike rake has been adjusted at 33 degree and equal if not less credit should also go to Mr. Chris Wood of Airtrix for giving the bike that magnificent two tone paint finish. The golden finish on the front forks really looks good and gives a classy finish and overall the bike does give a streetfighter image.Patrick Racing has provided the major ingredients going inside the heart of the reworked engine, from the heads, valves, pistons, cylinders, camshaft, lifters & pushrods to the polished Mikuni carb. The seat is done by Bitchin' Rich and the Renstar sports Radianz taillights and R1 rearsets.

I fell in love with the Black Beauty which finished a very creditable 2nd in the Modified Harley-Davidson Class. The yellow golden touch on the rims and the naked engine chain and rear sprocket enhances the overall brilliant matt finish of the bike by its contrast. The colour scheme is also applied on the top of the engine and a bit of it on the handlebars which looks just perfect. The angular shaped high handlebars give it a typical chopper look and it has to be mentioned that the tank is really well done with the two tone paint scheme. A job of a through professional. The donor is a 2003 HD Softail and the bike carries the transmission system from the original as does the frame but reworked in the hands of Mr. Sands. Of course the swingarm is the creation of Roland assisted by the renowned custom builder, Gregg’s Customs. The front end has been designed by Roland too. Here too the short straight exhaust, the gas tank and the oil tank has been hand crafted by Mr. Sands. The size 21 front wheel and size 18 rear wheel is PM Assault while the tyres embracing these golden beauties are from Dunlop. If it is the artwork that fascinates you, you again need to credit Mr. Chris Wood. The seat on this bike too is done by Bitchin’ Rich. The front suspension has been a surprise as it is from a Suzuki GSXR. On the Black Beauty, the engine has been reworked by Kuryakyn heads, valves, pistons, cylinder and camshaft.

Then there is the Bu-Hell which finished 4th on the same class, Modified HD category. Well, I didn’t know that Buell bikes could enter this class or probably never thought about it. Surprisingly the sports bike has got almost no resemblance with the original 2003 Buell XB9. The XB9 is definitely not the most beautiful, or rather handsome bike out there, but Roland has made it quite a looker with that Ducati styled frame. This bike looks mean and if the performance figure of the XB9 is anything to boast about, this bike has quite a road presence in terms of performance. Compact with a powerful engine, this will definitely be a city slicker although the fat tyres might decrease the enthusiasm to a degree. But nonetheless, it looks incredibly well for a Buell.
But hold on, the 900cc mill has been bored out to 1200cc, now I wonder why didn’t Roland go for a XB12S engine instead? The transmission has been kept stock while the stock frame has been modified by Roland with a rake of 24 degrees. Of course the swingarm has been hand built complimenting the Ducati style frame. Ducati actually makes its presence here as the front fender is Ducati. I am not a big fan of the Buell radiators as it kind of sticks out, but Roland has done a beautiful job in, let’s say hiding it. Both the front and rear wheel are of the same 17 inch size and so would prove great for city handling. Both the wheels are crafted by Roland and both wear Dunlop tyres, the front 120/17/17 for its 3” width while the rear is 190/55/17 to cover the 6” width. Both the front and rear sports 4 piston calipers to aid braking, of course the front has a double disk. And again here the fine artwork is done by Mr. Chris Wood and the seat by Bitchin’ Rich. The bodywork fabrication is by Rodney Aguiar. I wonder what the numbers indicate, 96 in the Renstar and 14 in the Bu-Hell. The café racer get up headlamp is a Roland creation and there are quite a few in house things like foot controls, tracker grips, taillight and footrests. Suspension is from Ohlins. The work on the heart of the engine (heads, valves, pistons, cylinders, lifters and pushrods) are worked upon by Bennett Performance.

And the fourth entry from RSD, which is Roland Sands Design to the 2009 AMD Championship, is the Kids and Chrome Fat Boy which competed in the Modified HD category, yes the third entrant from RSD in the category. This bike seems to have got a very minimal customizing but the overall gloss is highly desirable, something like getting the maximum output with minimum input. The donor itself is a fresh bike, a 2008 Fat Boy and the engine is stock and so is the transmission. Roland hasn’t really changed anything on the bike as the frame remains stock along with the front end, rake, stretch and swingarm. The suspensions have been worked upon and he has changed the wheels, both in the rear and front with 18 inches (both) Performance Machine Heathen. The wheels wear size 18 Dunlop and the width at front and rear are 130 and 200 respectively. Along with the wheels, the front brakes and rear brakes are also redone courtesy Performance Machine with the front having 6 piston and 4 in the rear. Really no prizes for guessing who did the wonderful paint scheme, cannot really make out if the design is significant with something, but it is looking so cool. RSD has worked his charm on the body fabrication and there have been a lot of in house things to enhance the looks like the solo seat, fender kit, 2x1 exhaust, those straight handlebars and the tail light bracket. Switches and hand controls are also from Performance Machine.

So, do you see a pattern here, you do? Well I couldn’t. Each bike is distinctive of what it has been envisaged by RSD. They have just no relation to one another, I mean usually on customized bikes, you see a similarity, a kind of stamp of the builder’s house. And it is probably a good thing bad thing because you immediately associate the builder with the bike while at the same time not having a similarity means that each bike is individually worked upon for its purpose. While the Renstar and Bu-Hell are pure street bikes but still even between the two, the Bu-Hell has a more roadster image, the Renstar seems more like a Streetfighter. And among the lazy bikes, the Black Beauty is a definite chopper while the Kids and Chrome fat Boy is a show-off bling bling cruiser bike with a impressive presence due to the sheer mass of it. RSD has made a name for himself as one of the world’s premier custom bike builder and it is very easy to see why he has got world wide recognization.
Visit the 2009 AMD Championship to have a look at some of the world's best customized bikes of 2009 and you also should visit the Roland Sands Design website, you will love it!

Bikes from the 41st Tokyo Motor Show

Very nice YAMAHA promotional video at the Tokyo Motor Show & The Official HONDA CB1100 Video

The 41st Tokyo Motor Show held in Makuhari Messe, Chiba City, Tokyo will get underway this Saturday (October 24th) for public till 4th of November (Wednesday). As mentioned earlier Kawasaki will be absent and this time the theme is ‘Green’ or Environment Friendly and HONDA seems to have the biggest say with a large display of models. YAMAHA and SUZUKI are also present with their ‘Green’ models and there are also some other manufacturers like KYMKO. Also present from the North American Continent is HARLEY DAVIDSON and BRP with their Can-Am SPYDER although they are not totally or anyway ‘Green’.

Honda has their anticipated models like the CB series and the DN Touring motorcycle and also the new sports tourer VFR1200F and its variant. The CB Series has the CB1100 as ‘Customize Concept’ in striped Italian red tank coloring, compact bikini cowl solo seat all combine to project a more vivid race-winning image reminiscent of Honda's 1960s World Grand Prix Champion RC racers. It also features the CB1300 SUPER FOUR, which is Honda's flagship Naked road sports model featuring a more upright riding position with new left and right side split grab rails compared to the first model which came out in 1988. Honda’s new technology, Combined-ABS version is also available on this model. The third player of the series is the CB1300 SUPER BOL D'OR, based on the CB1300 SUPER FOUR. The 2010 model features a newly redesigned rear cowl and Combined-ABS version is also available. The final entry in the CB Series is a variant actually and it is the CB1300 SUPER TOURING which gets an upright riding position, windscreen and pannier cases. Combined-ABS is standard equipment on this model.

The VFR series made its debut in 1986 and has won many accolades as a sports touring motorcycle. The all-new VFR1200F has numerous advanced new technologies and of course, its standout most definitely is the aerodynamic high-tech fairing. A Dual Clutch Transmission version of the VFR1200F is also available
There is a new scooter PCX, designed to be a global 125cc standard scooter model, initially focusing on Europe and Asia. It features the ‘Idle-Stop’ system (bike engine stops on idle after a specified amount of time) which will provide enhanced fuel efficiency beside reducing emissions, while its innovative integrated ACG starter (the bike will start again once you increase the throttle).
They also are showcasing another flagship model, the DN-01 Touring Concept with its advanced automatic HFT (Human Friendly Transmission) and the 2010 model has a taller windscreen and large panniers.

Then they have the VT 1300 Series, which has a 1300cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke OHV V-twin engine. Actually it is one motorcycle with 3 variants, the VT1300CS is a street custom version with 21-inch front and 15-inch rear tires and stretch fuel tank. The VT1300CX has long front fork and “high-neck” cruiser styling more of a custom bike look and the third variant is the VT1300CR which has a modern retro custom cruiser feel with long and low proportions.
Honda ‘green’ brigade has the futuristic design EVE-neo which is an EV concept model designed for business use, such as post and delivery services. Joining the brigade is the EV-Cub which is very distinctive of the first-generation Super Cub, featuring electric motor integrated into both its wheels and the batteries mounted in its aluminum frame. Like the Super Cub, its convenience features include a capacious utility space under its seat.

Yamaha will feature the XS Sakura on the show, but in the available sources, there has been no mention of the model. Neither is the new M1, but do expect them surely. Yamaha is bringing back the very much in demand SR model which is one of the most sought after models for customized shops and bike modifiers, especially those into Café Racers and Street trackers. The SR400 was first released in March of 1978, and the reason for its sought after being is that it has a very simple design and a simple air cooled cooled single-cylinder engine. The SR model is still available, but only in Japan and whether Yamaha makes it a worldwide release is not known. The SR has undergone a series of detail improvements and continued to evolve in many ways and the 2010 model which is showcased as ‘Special Exhibition Model’ gets a fuel-injected engine for better emission norms. It features a new retro-modern styled meter panel and newly designed side covers.
One of the concept models that have got the world attention is the new Yamaha EC series, the EC-03, EC-f and EC-fs. Japan has been enjoying the EC series since about 8 years noe and there has been the EC-01 and EC-02. The electric-powered vehicle is designed to serve as a commuter bike for city dwellers and will help the environment and also the rider economically. Constructed using lightweight aluminum, the scooter runs on a lithium-ion battery and can easily be plugged into a normal electrical socket for recharging. It is still unknown whether the concept will take production form, but you would surely take a second glance at the typical design which from afar is difficult to say which way is the front and which is the rear. The size is 3/4th of a (say a 250cc) road motorcycle.

Another concept from Yamaha which has got the motorcycling world by storm is the Yamaha Tenere. You would very well remember and can associate the Tenere from the Paris – Dakar rallies. Weirdly, the concept bike is covered with cloth, though it does give a tantalising glimpse of what the Japanese firm will be bringing to production next year. The concept bike, actualy is made of cloth and it is covered but will give you a fair impression of what lies beneath. It is to go into production next year. Yamaha Europe already has a Yamaha Tenere website. The bike has a Highlights include a 1200cc parallel twin engine with shaft drive, traction control, ABS with three modes, linked brakes, side mounted radiators and a 270 degree crank (like the 1200cc parallel twin engine with shaft drive, traction control, ABS with three modes, linked brakes, side mounted radiators and a 270 degree crank.)
Suzuki doesn’t have anything new as in completely new models in the major bike category. Adorning the Suzuki stands are two (nonetheless) new bikes. These are the Gladius and Boulevard, but both of them sporting 400cc engines. The streetbike Gladius 650 will be joined by its smaller sibling by next year and so will the cruiser Boulevard. The Gladius 400 also gets ABS. There is the big Bandit 1250F ABS. The Burgman scooter gets a new variant and goes the eco-friendly way by having a Fuel Cell.

Moving east of Japan, we get into North American territory and they have HARLEY DAVIDSON from the U.S and BRP from Canada making way to Tokyo. BRP with their Can-Am SPYDER RS is looking at new markets and Japan just seems to be that market as of now. This ‘Trike’ or 3 wheel motor engine cannot be probably called a Trike as the front rather has 2 wheels. The motorcycle comes with ABS and traction control and has a V-twin, 1000cc engine. I didn’t knew this but to ride the Spyder, you need to have a car driving license. HD has their big range of cruisers and touring motorcycles. It actually bought 3 of them. The FLHTCUSE5 really pushes the term “fully loaded” to the edge. From satellite radio and heated handgrips to exclusive custom paint schemes, this bike has it all beside the humongous 1,801cc Screamin Eagle V-Twin engine and is the top of the line machine from HD. Next is the FXDF2-CVO, which has custom details and has a Twincam 96 V-Twin engine while the third model is the FXDWG Dyne Wide Glide, which has a low-down and beefy image with old-school chopper looks with all the comfort of a modem ride. KYMCO has bought a arange of scooters from 50 cc onwards. Among the exhibited models are the Kymco Agility RS Naked 50 (in orange), Kymco Agility City 125 (matt black), Kymco Lite 200i (cream) and Kymco Many 50 (in white). In case, you are interested, here is the full range of showroom scooters from Kymco.

Visit the TOKYO Motor Show virtually if you cannot be there in person and take a look at all the motorcycles that are present.