Etc.
etc.
FOUR-STROKE FEVER
Finally! After months of rumor-dodging, Honda has at long last shown its Yamaha YZ250F-beater, the CRF250R. Problem is, it’s a 2004 model, and not scheduled for release until late next year. Though specs may change, the aluminum-framed kick-start currently has a 78.0 x 52.5mm bore and stroke for 250cc displacement. Same goes for the CRF250X, which gets an electric starter! The super-serious off-roader also has a larger gas tank-2.64 gallons vs. 1.95 gallons—and an 18-inch rear wheel, as opposed to the R-model’s 19-incher. Suspension travel (12.4 inches front and rear), wheelbase (58.2 inches), seat height (37.3 inches), and ground clearance (13.7 inches) are identical. No word yet on prices.
PUMPING UP THE VTX
Yet another ’04 Honda model, the VTX1300C mates the muscled-up stylings of the big-bore VTX1800C with the all-around goodness of the lower-priced VTX1300S. Street-rod styling coupled with cast wheels and slash-cut shorty mufflers set the small-bore C apart from the full-fendered, wire-wheeled S-model.
RAISING A RUCKUS
Talk about your stripper models! What makes the new Honda Ruckus scooter so special? Not its sohc, liquid-cooled, 49cc single-cylinder engine or aluminum frame, both of which come from the similarly small-wheeled Metropolitan. No, what separates the electricstart, drumbraked compact from its competition is a distinct lack of bodywork. Aimed at a “whole new generation of riders,” the Ruckus costs $1899—$200 up on the Metropolitan. Funny, minus the plastic, you’d think it would cost less...
SCOOTERAMA
This year’s most high-tech twowheeler? Surprise, it may be a scooter! Suzuki’s new Burgman 650 is propelled by a fuel-injected liquid-cooled, dohc, 638cc V-Twin and features an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission with-get this-three shift modes!
Intended to enhance versatility, the fingertip-actuated system allows the rider to choose from two automatic modes (normal and power) and a single manual mode. Claimed seat height for the shapely, steelframed machine is a low 29.5 inches, while underseat storage measures a whopping 56 liters-big enough for two full-face helmets, and then some. Suggested retail
price for the 394-pound, triple-hydraulic-disc-braked two-seater is $7699. Suzuki will also offer a sohc, single-cylinder Burgman 400, which is billed as “the perfect blend of comfort, performance and style.” Similar in appearance to its bigger brother and boasting 55 liters of underseat storage, it rolls on 13-inch bias-ply tires as opposed to the 650’s 15/14-inch radiais. Retail price is $5599.
BOOKEND BEEMERS
Has it really been nearly two decades since BMW let loose with its first K-bike, the K100? Indeed, it has. Latest in the long line of laydowns is the $17,990 K1200GT, an even more distancefriendly take on the five-year-old K1200RS. Fairing revi-
sions and fitment of an electrically adjustable windshield result in added protection from the elements, while more relaxed ergonomics emphasize touring. The fuel-injected 1171 cc powerplant is unaltered; BMW claims 130 horsepower and 86 foot-pounds of torque. The partly integrated version of BMW’s linked-brake Integral ABS system is standard. Antithesis of the fully faired GT is the R1150 Roadster Concept. BMW refers to this as “basic,” but there’s much more going on here.
Naked bikes such as this return to the classic duality of a motorcycle-honest machinery down below, with an organic upper to charm and receive the human operator. The sport theme is set off by a tiny flyscreen, which attaches just above dual headlights. The attractive overall shape begins with a
sloping front fender, sweeps up and over the gas tank and integrated oil-cooler ducts (these, unlike some, are real), and drops away to the solo seat and tailsection. The engine is accented by chrome pipe-work. The handlebar is conventional, mounted atop the fork crown. Dry weight is 480 pounds, 25 less than claimed for the racy R1100S BoxerCup Replica.
ELECTRIC-START MINI
When rethinking the popular TT-R125, Yamaha considered everything from a full-blown miniature version of the new YZ450F to bringing back the 2002 model unchanged. What the Boys in Blue decided on was something in between: an electric-start 125L with improved suspension. Pushbutton 10 pounds, but an aluminum swingarm tips the scales in the other direction. A preload-adjustable fork and preload-adjustable, remote-reservoir shock complete the updates. All this, and a $2599 suggested retail price identical to that of the ’02 model. And it doesn’t stop there: Even the small-bore TT-R90 gets the magic button. Interested? Turn to page 80 for the “Funfest on wheels” comparison and a look at the current offerings.
MZ TWIN GOES ON SALE
Casting aside its two-stroke past, MZ is seeking a new four-stroke identity and a place in world markets. The dramatically styled MZ 1000S, with its sharp-edged convexity, balance-shaftequipped 999cc parallel-Twin, sparlike steel-tube frame and conventional aluminum swingarm, is headed stateside early next year in any color of the rainbow-really! You, the consumer, will decide.
