Nov. 8, 2010 – Motorcycle Digest
Suzuki’s Intermot announcements include new model
Suzuki recently unveiled two updates to its popular sport bike platform and a new model at Germany’s Intermot and to its North American dealer network, according to a company press release.
Here’s a look at those unveilings:
In a press release, Suzuki said more than 1,400 people attended its Vegas dealer meeting. The meeting included a presentation by Chief Economist of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Martin Regalia, who provided perspective on the economy.
New Kawasaki concept trike unveiled
Lehman Trikes recently unveiled the company’s latest concept trike at the Kawasaki dealer meeting in Las Vegas, according to a press release from Lehman.
The company designed its new model based on the Kawasaki Vulcan 900. Lehman put the vehicle on display, so Lehman and Kawasaki could receive feedback from dealers.
“We are thrilled to have this opportunity to solicit feedback from Kawasaki’s dealer network,” Ken Hines, president and CEO of Lehman Trikes, said in the release. “The Vulcan 900 has proven itself as an outstanding motorcycle in the below 1000cc cruiser category and serves as an excellent foundation for a trike that would raise the bar in its class for performance and value.”
The Vulcan trike is being explored as Lehman’s next product.
BMW shows off models with a new power plant
A concept first shown off a year ago by BMW is now headed to U.S. showrooms.
BMW revealed its new K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL at Intermot recently with a new 6-cylinder, in-line power unit. BMW has had such engines for more than seven decades in its cars and has made a number of dramatic changes to those units to prepare them for the motorcycle touring models.
BMW says the 6-cylinder engines provide a “high level of pulling power, especially in the lower and medium engine speed range.” The engines, the company says, also are the lightest and most compact 6-cylinder in-line engines in production.
The two touring models will have three different engine characteristics — “Rain, Road and Dynamic” — available at the press of a button on the handlebar.
The models also come with a factory option for an adaptive headlight, which BMW says “produces significantly improved illumination of the road when cornering and therefore an enormous increase in active riding safety.”
Royal Enfield launches full line in California
Royal Enfield motorcycles are now available at seven dealers in California, Classic Motorworks, importer and distributor of the cycles, announced in a recent press release. The full U.S. line of Royal Enfield will be available at Doug Douglas Motorcycles in San Bernadino, Il Motorino in Soquel, Munroe Motors in San Francisco, NoHo Scooters in North Hollywood, Rocket Motorcycles in San Diego, San Clemente Scooters in San Clemente and South Bay Triumph in Lomita. The motorcycles are being sold in California as demand in the United States has grown since Royal Enfieldß’s unit construction engine was introduced two years ago.
Royal Enfield is looking to establish more dealerships in California over the coming year. PSB
