2012 KTM Freeride 350

KTM has revealed a new lightweight entry-level off-road model with a claimed weight of just 99 kg (218 pounds). Set to debut at the upcoming EICMA show in Milan, Italy, the 2012 KTM Freeride 350 was created as an introductory model for off-road enduro riding. The Freeride 350 offers an easier entry point to off-road riding than the company’s competition-based EXC line.According to KTM, the fuel-injected 350cc Single cylinder engine produces a peak of 24 hp, much lower than the 2012 KTM 350 EXC-F’s claimed 45 hp output. The Freeride 350 is much lighter however, with its claimed weight of 218 pounds. KTM didn’t specified whether that’s including all fluids and ready to ride, but…

Aprilia SRV 850 Maxi-Scooter

Aprilia announced it will present a new 850cc V-Twin engined maxi-scooter with an RSV4-influenced design at the upcoming EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, Italy.The 2012 Aprilia SRV 850 will be the Italian brand’s largest scooter. The SRV will be powered by a fuel injected 850cc four-valve 90-degree V-Twin engine, claiming 75 hp at 7750 rpm and 56 ft-lb. at 6000 rpm. The SRV 850 appears to be a rebranded version of the GP800 scooter from Aprilia’s fellow Piaggio Group stablemate Gilera. The 2010 Gilera GP800 (pictured below) is powered by an 839cc V-Twin boasting similar horsepower figures but only 54 ft-lb. of torque.The two scooters appear to share a similar frame and swingarm, but the…

2012 Star Road Star S

For some riders, the classic hardtail flaunts the most styling. But there are problems with true classic hardtails, including realiabilty and power.Enter the 2012 Star Road Star S. The cruiser has that low-slung, long classic hardtail look, but is powered by a 102 ci (1670cc) modern V-Twin with electronic fuel injection that provides “easy cold starting and flawless fuel delivery at nearly all altitudes and in nearly any conditions.” With this modern engine arrives much modern technology, including ceramic-composite cylinder liners for optimal heat dissipation. Also arriving with this tech-savvy motor is an average of 36 mpg. Regarding the chassis, the 2012 Star Road Star S has a long 66.5-inch wheelbase, providing to the overall…

2012 Honda Fury

Introduced in 2010, the Honda Fury looked like anything but a Honda. From it’s low slung styling to the radically-raked front end, the Fury became the first chopper ever built by the Japanese marquee, a company known for it’s performance CBRs and (LARGE) touring machines, such as the Gold Wing. And for 2012, Honda continues to offer the Fury (VT1300X) as a carry-over model from 2011, with optional ABS; the only thing new about the 2012 Honda Fury is it’s offered in a new aggressive color scheme: Matte Black paint with a red frame. The 2012 Fury is powered by a fuel-injected, 1312cc liquid-cooled 52-degree V-twin with a single-pin crankshaft and dual balancers. This brings…

2012 Honda CBR1000RR Preview

Honda’s CBR1000RR has long been a favorite around the MO offices, especially since the 2008 version tested here. Nearly as light as a 600 but with liter-class-leading midrange power, the big double-R vaulted to the top of its class.Now four years later, the CBR1000RR gets several revisions but stops short of a full overhaul. New bodywork enhances styling, but it’s the suspension that received most of the RD work. The rear suspension is still of the Unit Pro-Link architecture, but a new shock body promises big improvements in responsiveness. The old single-tube shock gets tossed in favor of what Honda calls a Balance-Free damper which incorporates a double-tube design. Instead of the damper piston using…

2012 Harley-Davidson Iron 883

Dark, stripped down and under $8,000. These words are all that’s needed for a quick description of the 2012 Harley-Davidson Iron 883. The “anti-chrome” Harley, the Iron 883 is the rawest Sportster currently available in the 2012 lineup. The Iron 883 takes dark one more step with aggressive styling from the slammed drag-style handbars, dual shorty mufflers, front fork gaiters, chopped rear fender and a solo seat. The 883 is the smallest in Harley’s Dark Custom line of motorcycles, but is not small on features or looks. It’s simply a no-hassle machine, with a no-hassle price point. Following are the highlights, specs, color options and MSRP for the 2012 Harley-Davidson Iron 883 Sportster. 2012 Harley-Davidson…

Ducati Team Aragon GP Preview

This Sunday’s Aragon Grand Prix marks the MotoGP calendar’s fourteenth round and the Grand Prix series’ second visit to the new motorsports facility in central Spain. In 2010, the Ducati Team perfectly understood the circuit, and both of its riders finished on the podium. For Nicky Hayden, it was one of his best results aboard the Desmosedici, as he used a beautiful last-lap pass on Jorge Lorenzo to achieve his third-place finish. The American hopes to continue improving his feeling with the GP11.1 so that he can be consistently fast from the free practice sessions on. Valentino Rossi finished sixth at Aragon last year, but he approaches the Aragon weekend with determination and focus for…

2012 Harley CVO Street Glide

For 2012, Harley-Davidson continues to produce the Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) Street Glide, the motorcycle considered The Motor Company’s hot-rod bagger.Like the previous-year’s model, the FLHXSE3 CVO Street Glide continues to arrive with the Screamin’ Eagle Twin Cam 110 ci, which pushes 118 ft. lbs. of torque at 3750 rpm, and the 19-inch Agitator front wheel, the largest-diameter wheel ever offered on a Harley-Davidson Touring motorcycle. What Harley did different with the 2012 CVO Street Glide was based around aesthetics and sound; three new unique color combos are available for the ’12 Street Glide, and a more powerful audio system, with 100 watts of power per channel (400 watts total) and eight custom speakers.Harley has…

2012 Harley-Davidson Street Bob | Preview

2012 Harley-Davidson Motorcycle The word “naked” has become standard dialect in the motorcycle industry, but not so much in the cruiser segment. But if naked were to define a cruiser from Harley-Davidson, the 2012 FXDB Street Bob would be the optimal choice. Harley redesigned the Street Bob back in 2009, keeping with the “naked” trend, giving the cruiser a no-nonsense style that attracts lovers of the bobber scene. For 2012, Harley continues to offer the Street Bob with the smooth-running, rubber-mounted Twin Cam 96 V-Twin rated at 92 ft. lbs. of torque, mounted to a six-speed Cruise Drive transmission. The Dyna-series Street Bob features all the bobber-influenced items, such as the exposed, rear coil-over shock…

2012 Harley-Davidson Road King | Preview

2012 Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Since its inception on the American motorcycle market in 1994, the Harley-Davidson Road King has remained true to its design – provide a rider with the ultimate downtown cruiser, yet capabale of long-distance touring, all with a iconic flare that dates back to the original 1965 Electra Glide. Harley continues this status for the Road King in 2012, but now offers a bit more power. Instead of the bike arriving with the 96 ci engine, the 2012 FLHR Road King is now powered by the 1690 cc Twin Cam 103 engine with an integrated oil cooler and 6-Speed Cruise Drive transmission. Also new for 2012 are color options and customized laced wheels….