The freethinking motorcycle insurance broker Bikesure, has pulled together some of the hottest new bikes being launched in 2014.
The all-new, entry-level Harley Davidson Street 750/500, was publicly introduced at 2013 EICMA Milan Show. Whilst the 500 is a US-only model, the 750 is destined for Europe and set to hit the UK market in 2015. The bike, an all-new liquid-cooled 60-degree V-twin with classic 1977 XLCR-inspired styling is designed to combine urban practicality with accessibility and appeal for all types of rider. The Street is claimed to be the lightest Harley, weighing in at 221kg when fuelled and ready making it nimble and agile. Set for the big screen, this new Harley features in the new Captain America movie and trailer.
At the EICMA show, Yamaha unveiled three new additions: the MT-07 a ‘Dark Side of Japan’ themed, 689cc twin-cylinder model designed to deliver high agility, exciting torque and an enjoyable riding experience for an affordable price; the retro SR400 which, first launched in 1978, is making a return to front the Sport Heritage range; and the Tricity, a lightweight, 125cc 3-wheeler designed for economical commuting.
All new for 2014, BMW are unveiling the S1000R high-performance roadster and the new R1200RT tourer. The 2014 S1000R is directly derived from the S1000RR superbike, and it shares most of its components, features and technologies, including the same 999cc inline-four engine, but it has been reworked to deliver 160bhp and even more peak torque than the RR. The 2014 BMW R1200RT tourer is powered by a new 125bhp liquid-cooled boxer engine and offers “continent-crossing comfort, dynamic handling and a host of performance and safety-enhancing features as standard”, including ASC traction control, ABS and two riding modes.
Another first sighting in Milan was the new Kawasaki Z1000. The basic engine and chassis are unchanged, but modifications have been made to the powertrain, chassis, equipment and, the bike features new sharper styling referred to as “Sugomi” styling, a Japanese word that means “Someone, or something inspiring awe, leaving an indelible impression, daunting in stature or ability, and commanding respect.” Videos and photos of the 2014 Z1000 can be seen on the Cycle World website.
Triumph has revamped its cruiser line-up with the new Thunderbird Commander and the new Thunderbird LT (Light Touring). The Thunderbird LT shares the Commander’s powerplant which at 1699cc, produces 94PS at 5400rpm and a huge 151Nm of torque at just 3550rpm. Both have a massive 22 litre fuel tank. Triumph has also launched a new 865cc America offering an accessible entry point into its cruiser range, and a new America LT, based on the America, but with factory-fitted extras designed to make long distance riding comfortably. Triumph has also stripped down and laid bare the new Triumph Speedmaster and launched a special edition of the Tiger 800XC.
Ducati’s all-new Monster 1200 was awarded “Most Beautiful Bike of Show” on its debut at EICMA 2013. The Monster 1200 features a new Testastretta 11° DS engine, three riding modes, comfortable adjustable seat, passenger and iconic design.
Honda has launched a host of new models and updates to its existing ranges. First up a new high-spec version of the Fireblade, the CBR1000RR Fireblade SP, a track-focused, yet fully road legal machine. There’s also a new VFR800F based on the existing V4 800cc, with a 782cc liquid cooled 16-valve DHOC 90 engine and features such as a telescopic fork, pro-am swingarm, wheels, bodywork, traction control, ABS and heated grips; a new CBR650F and a naked version of the CBR650F; the new CTX1300, ‘a touring cruiser for the bagger generation’ also available in a deluxe model, and a CBR300R – an updated version of the CBR250R. The Crosstourer has also been upgraded with new features including a selectable torque control system and there are new versions of the Integra, NC700s and NC700X. If that’s not enough, they have brought the 4RT back by popular demand, lighter and more agile than ever, and with a 260cc 4-stroke engine for even better performance.
Suzuki disclosed details of its new V-Strom 1000 adventure bike at the final round of the Le Mans 24-Hour – Suzuki Endurance Racing Team has won the 2013 FIM World Endurance Championship. They announced the final spec for what is set to be Suzuki’s most advanced adventure model ever, featuring a new 1037cc V-Twin engine, new advanced traction control system which analyses information from five sensors on the machine and light-weight chassis which provides impressive manoeuvrability and agility. Along with increased power, the V-Strom returns class-leading 1000cc frugality too, doing 59mpg and a range of 259 miles, from its 20 litre fuel tank. The V-Strom even has its own website www.suzuki-vstrom.com. Other new Suzukis for 2014 can be seen here.