Etc.

etc.

MUNICH SHOW-STOPPER

BMW shocked show-goers at last September's lntermot Show with a sneak peak of its forthcoming naked bike, the K1200R. Basically a K1200S minus the fairing, the R shares the S-model's Duolever front suspension, aluminum frame and forward-canted 1157cc inlineFour. More than 160 horsepower and a top speed in excess of 155 mph are claimed.

Bodywork is minimal. A small fly screen bolts to the white-faced instruments, while asymmetrical headlights and an oil-cooler are flanked by new air intakes that double as mounting points for the front turnsignals. A plastic radiator surround and frame bumpers guard against crash damage.

With more aggressive steering geometry and a wide, crossbar-equipped handlebar, the R reportedly handles even better than the S. With revised final gearing, it may be quicker, too. Claimed dry weiqht without ABS is 485 pounds.

Look for the bike in dealerships late next year as an early-release 2006 model. Price has not been finalized.

VENOMOUS KTM

KTM unveiled the stunning RC8 Venom in Munich, a concept bike based on the V-Twin RC8 Superbike introduced last fall . in Tokyo. Cloaked in white, origami-like bodywork, the Venom attracted a lot of attention, but won't go on sale anytime soon. Also shown was a production version of the Super Duke and a supermoto-style 950 Adventure.

ANOTHER DEUTSCH NUDE

German bike-maker MZ used the Munich show to unveil its new 1000 SF naked bike. Derived from the fully faired 1000 S, it sports a gold-anodized tubular handlebar, color-matched bikini fairing and sharply contoured aluminum pieces jutting from atop the radiator and beneath the engine. Peak power from the 998cc, liquid-cooled parallel-Twin is said to be down slightly, but torque is up. Look for it in dealerships next spring.

TITANIUM TNT

Reborn Italian marque Benelli recently debuted three new versions of its TnT naked bike, most visually stimulating of which is the TnT Titanium. Boasting a Ti exhaust, dry clutch, carbon-fiber bodywork and a smattering of other eye-candy, it is being considered for production at a price in excess of $20,000. Also shown were the TnT Sport with a fully adjustable fork and radial brakes, plus the swoopy TnT Café Racer, which adds a higher windscreen and lower handlebars. An interesting feature on all `05 TnT models is a twoposition switch that lets the rider choose between "free" and `con trolled" power settings from the 137horsepower Triple depending on his mood and road conditions. Word on the street is former Bimota importers Moto Point will be bringing Benellis into the U.S. next year.