Motorcycle Minute is a summary of recent motorcycle news about bikes, gear, parts and builds. Plus product announcements and stories from around the motoverse — delivered at irresponsible speeds. Brought to you by Rumblist Moto Market.
Today’s motorcycle news:
Isle of Man TT: Cummins Re-signs with Milenco By Padgetts
Conor Cummins is set to race in the 2024 Isle of Man TT Races with the Milenco by Padgett’s Motorcycles team for an eighth consecutive year.
Alongside teammate Ian Hutchinson, Cummins will ride Honda machinery in various races. With 12 Isle of Man TT podiums to his name, Cummins aims for his first victory. Despite illness affecting his 2023 campaign, he secured impressive results. Cummins expresses determination for success, citing a desire to win races, particularly the TT.
The addition of Hutchinson as a teammate brings further motivation. Team Principal Clive Padgett praises Cummins’ talent and resilience, expressing excitement for the upcoming season. Pre-season tests and participation in British Championship rounds and the North West 200 are planned before the Isle of Main TT Races. Source
Honda CBR650R – progressive power at low and high speeds
The CBR650F has been updated and renamed as the CBR650R, offering improved performance and new features. It comes with a racing-inspired design, a 5-inch TFT display with connectivity, and a simplified control system. The engine remains unchanged, delivering over 95 hp of power and 63 N-m of torque, with an option for A2 license compatibility.
The CBR650R also introduces Honda E-Clutch, allowing for automatic clutch operation. It features a Showa SFF-BP USD fork, radial four-piston front calipers, and tires measuring 120/70-ZR17 at the front and 180/55-ZR17 at the rear. In terms of fuel consumption, it offers 20.4 km/l (4.90 l/100 km) in WMTC mode, providing a range of over 300 km per 15.4-liter tank.
The bike is EURO5 compliant with improved environmental efficiency, thanks to updates in the ECU, catalytic converter, and the addition of an OBD2-2 sensor. Source
CF MOTO MT-X prototype ready for production
CFMOTO is set to release a production version of its MT-X adventure bike, following the unveiling of prototype models at the EICMA trade fair in Milan.
The MT-X is based on the LC8c twin-cylinder engine designed by KTM, with CFMOTO manufacturing engines for use in KTM motorcycles as part of their partnership. The production version of the MT-X appears to be a direct competitor to the KTM 790 Adventure, with similarities in frame design and fuel tank layout.
The production bike also features slight changes to the exhaust silencer, fairing, and seat compared to the concept version. The design of the production version has been registered, indicating that its release may be imminent. Source
Buyers’ Guide: Benelli’s 2024 Offerings In The US Market
Benelli has announced its lineup for the 2024 model-year in the US market.
The TRK 702 series offers a middleweight adventure bike option with two models: the more off-road-focused TRK 702X and the touring-oriented TRK 702 Street. Both models feature a 698cc parallel-twin engine and tech features like a full-color TFT display and Bluetooth smartphone pairing.
The TRK 502X, known for its popularity in Europe, will continue to be available in the US. The Benelli Imperiale 400 is a classic-inspired machine that aims to compete with the Royal Enfield Classic 350. The lineup also includes the lightweight naked streetfighter 302S and the affordable mini-bike TNT135.
Benelli’s recent EICMA showcase featured sportbikes and the BKX300 adventure bike, but these models may not be available in the US until the 2025 model-year. Source
BMW patents active aerodynamic wings on the S 1000 RR
BMW has filed a patent for an aerodynamic system that aims to create downforce when cornering on motorcycles. The patent proposes using winglets that would remain parallel to the ground, even when the rest of the bike tilts.
While such active aerodynamic devices are prohibited in MotoGP, they would be legal in the World Superbike Championship (WSBK), BMW’s racing series of choice. The WSBK regulations state that active aerodynamics would be allowed as long as the same equipment is fitted as standard on the production model.
The patent does not provide detailed information on the mechanical or electrical systems needed to operate the winglets, but it could likely be achieved through the use of instantaneous measurement units (IMU) that monitor the angle of inclination on modern superbikes. Source
CFMoto Ibex 450 Ventures Into The US Market
CFMoto has released its Ibex 450 adventure motorcycle in the US market. The lightweight, off-road-capable ADV bike was unveiled at EICMA 2023 and is now available internationally.
The Ibex 450 features CFMoto’s new 449cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, parallel-twin engine, producing 43.6 horsepower and 32.5 pound-feet of torque. It has a chromoly steel tube frame, fully adjustable KYB front fork, and multi-link KYB monoshock with eight inches of suspension travel.
The bike has a seat height of 31.5 to 32.3 inches, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and a 17.5-liter fuel tank. It also comes with a five-inch TFT display, Over-The-Air functionality, MotoPlay, and a USB-C charging port.
CFMoto claims a dry weight of 385 pounds and an MSRP starting at $6,499 USD. The Ibex 450 is available in Tundra Grey and Zephyr Blue and is expected to be released in the fall of 2024. Source
MV Agusta is preparing to launch the Superveloce 1000?
MV Agusta is potentially preparing to launch the Superveloce 1000, a retro-themed model based on the Brutale 1000. Australian homologation documents suggest a full production model is in the works.
The Superveloce 1000 would be the only retro-inspired supersport bike on the market, offering a blend of retro style and cutting-edge technology. The bike would fuse elements from MV Agusta’s discontinued F4 superbike and its naked offerings, the Brutale and Rush 1000.
With a 998 cc in-line four engine producing 205 hp, the Superveloce 1000 would offer impressive performance. The bike shares similarities with the Superveloce 800, featuring an elegant full fairing, single circular headlight, and retro-racer aesthetics.
While there is no official confirmation from MV Agusta regarding the launch, the appearance of homologation documents suggests the bike is ready for production. Source
Anti-Noise Crusaders In Paris Want A Partial Motorcycle Ban
The city council of Paris is considering a ban on combustion-powered motorcycles and scooters due to noise concerns. The proposed ban would restrict their operation between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. every night, but it has not yet been enacted.
The ban would be an experimental period lasting for one year. Electric motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds would not be affected. To enforce the ban, more sound radars would be installed, and financial assistance programs would be doubled to encourage riders to switch to quieter forms of transport.
The proposal has raised concerns among professions that operate during overnight hours, such as bread bakers, who start work early to prepare fresh bread. The French Federation of Angry Bikers has criticized the ban, pointing out the potential conflict of interest of a campaigner against motorcycles being employed by an e-bike and cargo bike company.
The noise issue is a common problem in cities, but the question remains whether individuals should expect a place to adapt to their needs or if they should accommodate the existing conditions. Source
The Revenant: Macco Motors’ Harley XR1200 Street Scrambler
The Harley XR1200 was discontinued too soon by Harley-Davidson due to poor showings in sales, but Macco Motors in Spain has created a custom version of the bike called “The Revenant” that showcases its potential.
The customer wanted a tough-looking city bike with scrambler style and the ability to seat two people, so Macco Motors made modifications to the tail section and added a split-level seat. They also cleaned up the bike by removing the oversized mufflers, adding new lights and controls, and installing spoked wheels with off-road tires.
The suspension and brakes were upgraded for improved performance, and the bodywork was given a unique paint job. Though the original Harley XR1200 may never return, Macco Motors’ creation serves as a reminder of what could have been. Source
How Much Power Does the 2023 Suzuki GSX-8S Make?
Suzuki has introduced a new parallel twin engine, the 776cc DOHC liquid-cooled parallel twin with a 270-degree crank, in its middleweight lineup. This engine is being used in various models including the V-Strom 800DE, GSX-8S, and GSX-8R.
Yamaha and Honda have also been successful with this strategy of using one engine for multiple models. The 2023 Suzuki GSX-8S is equipped with this new engine and features a six-speed transmission, steel frame, nonadjustable suspension, dual Nissin radial-mount four-piston calipers, and a 5-inch color TFT display for electronics.
On the dyno, the GSX-8S produced 74 hp and 52.3 lb.-ft. of torque, showcasing its strong performance. It has been praised for its direct response and abundant torque.
Overall, the addition of the new parallel twin engine has enhanced Suzuki’s middleweight lineup. Source
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