November 4 should be highlighted on your calendar because several interesting new motorcycles will be introduced on that date at the EICMA show in Milan. Perhaps the most anticipated is the street legal version of the Kawasaki H2, already shown in closed-course H2R guise.
Perhaps beyond the rumor stage, and closing in on confirmed fact, Ducati is expected to introduce a new Multistrada with variable valve timing, as well as a Panigale with a 1299 cc v-twin. Considering the fact that v-twins are still limited to 1200 cc by WSB regulations, this latter “rumor” has caused some confusion. Apparently, all the new Panigales will carry the 1299 moniker, but the “1299R” will displace 1199cc and continue to serve homoligation duty for WSB racing purposes. We are also anxious to see the Ducati/Desmo VVT configuration in the new Multistrada.
Also expected on November 4 is an announcement from Triumph regarding modifications to the Tiger 800. Although touted as six distinct models, including three road-biased and three off-road-biased, expect essentially two versions, one road and one off-road, with different equipment levels available in each category. Functionally, there should be some improvement, as well, including improved fuel economy from revised engine settings.
I’m really looking forward to this updated Triumph Tiger 800! I hope they can keep the prices reasonable on them!
I’d look pretty good on that thing – if I looked like the Tin Man in Wizard of Oz.
Why is everyone so surprised about the beak on the Multi in that pic? This is a pic of the CURRENT Multistrada which has been around for 4-5 years!
Not like we see them everyday.
There is no Duc dealer within 100 miles of me and I have never seen a Multistrada in the flesh. My son has a Monster but it doesn’t have a beak.
It’s funny reading comments about the Multistrada, like people have never seen it before. ProTip: It’s been around for 4 years, can’t you guys come up with something other than “nice beak” or just let it go already?
Hahahaha! They said it…”v-twin” Put a stake in “L-twin’s” heart; it’s done.
“They” is the writer of this article, not Ducati (though I agree with you).
Doh!
Unlike most of the posters I really like the looks of this bike. The cost will probably have me waiting for a used market to develop, but should I win the lottery….
The beak is evolving. I see that “nostrils” are appearing. Good thing, how else would a duck breath without them?
Looks fun, comfortable and fast.
I like everything about this bike, from the proboscis to the jock strap rear fender. When I do a fairly complex project, I often say, “What if it all works out”? I wonder if the Duc will prove to be polished gem because it sure looks like one.
Wow, a whole new level of beak.
hmm, not exactly new is it? been on the Multistrada since its redesign.
Ok Multistrada, it’s been five years…how about a Cruise Control now?
I just laugh, every time I look at one of these, or anything with a “beak”. Sorry, all fans of adventure-styled bikes….I don’t find them even remotely attractive.
Please Yamaha, give us the FJR-09 already! I am not going off-roading and I don’t think it’s cool to look like I do. I like smooth lines and show me a little motor. Let me put my feet flat on the ground, give me hard bags and a reasonable passenger seat. make it as light as economically possible (say 550 lbs.) and I’ll get in line.
So far, nothing out there inspires me to trade-in my FJR-1300.
soulmate? I have been searching for a replacement for my FJR since I bought it 10 years ago… nothing is good enough.. all sportTourers have gotten too heavy….all adventure touring bikes are compromised in luggage with exhausts cutting into them on one side and too tall seating….the bmw R1200S seems like decent option but is a bit boring looking.. the new Multi and upcoming BMW S1000XF multi-fighter could be the ticket.
I want all
– the gizmos of modern bikes (electronics like my rsv4, cruise, dynamic suspension etc)
– the touring capability, luggage and torque like my FJR
– lightweight and handling of the Multi
Count me in, same list here.
I just want to see what Yamaha has done with there triple 900 this time. Does it replace the TDM900 and do i want one.
Or by a Tenere 700.
All of this could be eclipsed by the EBR 1190AX.
“but the “1299R” will displace 1199cc and continue to serve homoligation duty for WSB racing purposes.”
Same thing goes with various European car companies who normally use numbers for model designations based on engine displacement, but then (inexplicably, marketing, etc) choose others – WTF.
I’m confused. AIMExpo and Kawasaki have said for a month that the H2 will be at AIMExpo 2014 this weekend in Orlando FL. None of my online cycle mags have mentioned this. What gives?
re: “Kawasaki have said for a month that the H2 will be at AIMExpo”
full stop.
re: “None of my online cycle mags have mentioned this. What gives?”
last I checked, e-zines (like Dorna) don’t manufacture tangible goods of any sort, so a better question might be, why do you feel you need a 3rd party to corroborate information you believe has come direct from the horse’s mouth…?
or do you not believe the horse…?
Having this serviced with both desmo and VVT will undoubtedly leave you with a large BILL.
A motorcycle gal I know once was at a shop/dealership to pick up some random thing like oil or something. A guy was there to pick up his Ducati from regular service. He was about to cry and she felt really sorry for him.
“I just wanted to say, ‘Good luck, we’re all counting on you.'”
re: “she felt really sorry for him.”
she shouldn’t (I don’t). those failing to PLAN are those planning to FAIL.
if this comes as a revelation to someone in the year 2014…? oh boy.
Ha, I don’t think he realized his various failures of anticipation until shortly before that moment…and it was a few years ago when they were even worse!
re: “Having this serviced with both desmo and VVT will undoubtedly leave you with a large BILL”
right then, looks like we’re all out of excuses. one has 15,000 miles to save for this eventuality. should they “choose” to NOT to make these preparations…? then the failure rests with THEM and nobody else.
That’s a lot of month to save in one month during riding season.
D’oh. Error. Should read:
That’s a lot of money to save in one month during riding season.
re: “That’s a lot of money to save in one month during riding season.”
it is. better get started.
Surely thats a typo you mean 1 week??? 🙂
I don’t see where the DVT cams will require any more maintenance than the standard 4V desmo valvetrain. Also, the website shows the valve clearance check frequency to now be 18K instead of 15K.
Just had the valves checked and belts replaced on my 2011 Multi…..$610
Checked the valves and replaced the belts on my Monster, $70 and about an hour…
Its also something rarely mentioned in articles.
“as well as a Panigale with a 1299 cc v-twin. Considering the fact that v-twins are still limited to 1200”
There goes the L twin argument lol
There has to be a new concours. It BETTER have cruise control
Wonder if we’ll see a Guzzi V7 Scrambler. Didn’t the prototype generate a lot of attention?
I’d love to see a V7 Scrambler!
I’d love to see a couple of new bikes from Guzzi – such as a 940cc Standard and Cafe called the V9 Classic. Classic Scrambler. And in total fantasyland a new engine for the V7 line based on an upgraded “Aero” engine for those in the know….
I would be happy just to see Guzzi add ABS to the Griso, the only model left in their line without it. Count me as very, VERY happy if they also add a larger fuel cell at the same time.
OMG. Look at the closeness between the passenger peg and the exposed sproket.
That’s what the Brits call “recipe for disaster”. Someone’s gonna lose a toe.
Why on Earth does this thing have a single sided swingarm? Seems out of place.
There’s another “recipe for disaster”: Ducati + VVT .
One word only please ! Awesome !
Love the Beak
Love the beak, not the bike
Looks like an angry Cardinal
With the way they’ve been kicking the ball around the yard, the Cardinals have every right to be angry.
🙂