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2020 BMW S 1000 XR Unveiled at EICMA 2019

The 2020 BMW S 1000 XR was unveiled at EICMA 2019, as speculated.
The new inline-Four engine was sourced from the S 1000 RR.
Engine power remains the same without ShiftCam but the bike is 10 kg lighter.

The 2020 BMW S 1000 XR was unveiled at EICMA 2019, as widely speculated.

Revised to comply with Euro5 standards, the popular bike is almost completely new.

The engine is the obvious place to start. The biggest news or disappointment, depending on how you look at it, is that it doesn’t receive the BMW ShiftCam variable valve timing and lift head like its S 1000 RR brethren. Euro5’s new regulations would’ve meant a power loss in such as case, but BMW engineers managed to retain the same 163 bhp peak power output.

However, midrange power is higher while 4th, 5th and 6th gears are taller for smooth long-distance riding and fuel economy.

Additionally, there is a new lighter action slip-and-assist clutch, along with new electronics.

Adopting the compact and light engine from the new S 1000 RR means the XR loses some weight, too.

BMW also adopted the aluminium “Flexi Frame” from the superbike to the XR, shaving 2.1 kg. The suspension and subframe are 9% lighter. Overall, the 2020 BMW S 1000 XR is 10 kg lighter than its predecessor.

The new frame allows for a revision in ergonomics. The thinner midsection allows the rider to clamp his inner thighs to the fuel tank better, while seating position is moved forward by 20 mm and the handlebars are 30 mm narrower for a natural feel.

Rider aid includes four ride modes: Dynamic, Road, Standard and Rain. There is an option for Dynamic Pro which includes rider customisable settings.

Cornering ABS is standard, as are LED lighting and the 6.5-inch TFT screen.

2020 KTM 390 Adventure Debuts at EICMA 2019

The 2020 KTM 390 Adventure was launched at EICMA 2019.
It’s been 7 years since it was planned.
It takes on the familial resemblance to the 790 Adventure.

The word “finally” really applies to the 2020 KTM 390 Adventure launched yesterday at EICMA 2019. It’s been 7 years since KTM CEO Stefan Pierer said that the manufacturer will produce an adventure bike based on the 390 Duke platform.

There’ve been spy shots after spy shots, rumours after rumours but the production-ready 390 Adventure never seemed to leave the factory doors. Until now, since Euro5 takes effect next year.

It’s immediately obvious that it’s adopted the 790 Adventure’s design. Missing however, is the 790’s bulbous underslung fuel tank. It also incorporates elements from the 450 Rally.

It’s engine remains the 372cc, liquid-cooled, four-valve, single-cylinder layout. KTM didn’t publish the power figures, but we can expect to produce in the 43 bhp ballpark like the 390 Duke’s. That doesn’t sound much to those weaned on triple digit numbers, of course but it’s now the most powerful lightweight adventure/dual-purpose bike.

Its steel trellis frame looks similar to the 390 Duke’s, but there are differences with exhaust routing, brackets, subframe, and swingarm length in order to accommodate longer suspension travel. Seat height is at a reasonable 853 mm — the same as the 1090 Adventure and 790 Adventure (base model).

Euro5 is about less polution, less noise, lower fuel consumption and the 390 Adventure delivers a frugal 3.62 litre/100 km under good riding conditions. That equates to 400 km from the 14.4-litre tank.

The bike uses WP APEX 43 mm forks and monoshock with 170 mm and 175 mm travel, respectively. Ground clearance is 198 mm. Those figures are not much for off-road but we shall see. The low clearance is contributed by 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels. 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels would raise the bike higher but the 390 Adventure is surely meant for beginners and casual adventure-touring riders.

Up top, the 5-inch TFT screen features the usual trappings these days of Bluetooth connectivity and multimedia functions. KTM’s Quickshifter+ is an option.

The 2020 KTM 390 Adventure is priced at USD 6,199 (RM 25,728.95) for the base model. We’d love to see it at Rimba Raid, too!

2021 Aprilia Tuono 660 Concept Debuts at EICMA 2019 Too!

The 2021 Aprilia Tuono 660 concept was also unveiled at EICMA 2019.
It’s based on the RS 660 platform.
It ought to have the APRC package as well.

Just after the Aprilia RS 660 launch at EICMA 2019 got us wiping our lips, the 2021 Aprilia Tuono 660 concept had us foaming from our mouths.

The Tuono naked sportbike range has always been based on the RSV superbike’s platform. As what the manufacturer had said before, the RS 660 will be the platform for other models.

However, the Tuono V4’s engine has always been tuned for torque (make that insane torque) compared to the RSV4’s. In this case, the Tuono 660’s powerplant is expected to produce 95 bhp, 5 bhp down from the RS 660. 95 bhp doesn’t exactly make a slow bike, but its torque should make it even thrilling to ride.

The Tuono 660 will feature the APRC electronics package, as well. Just like its fully-faired brother, there’s a six-axis IMU-based traction control, ABS, engine brake control. Wheelie control? Should we want that on a Tuono?

Given that the production RS 660 looks almost identical to its concept, the Tuono 660 should look very close to the concept, too. We’re hoping that the cluster of LED-lights are carried into production.

You can also see the aerobody on the fairing’s side panel, which provides downforce, pushes wind around the rider as well as channel engine heat away from the rider’s legs.

Only problem is we have to wait until 2021.

Highly-anticipated 2020 Aprilia RS 660 Debuts

The 2020 Aprilia RS 660 was officially launched at EICMA 2019.
The 660cc, 270-degree crank, parallel-Twin puts out 100 bhp.
It also features the APRC electronic package.

One of the most highly-anticipated bikes, the 2020 Aprilia RS 660, breaks cover at EICMA 2019.

It’s been a full year of waiting for the new middleweight to show, and we can say that it was worth it. Because it will set the class on fire, judging from the spec sheets, just as Aprilia had touted.

Let’s begin with the 660cc parallel-Twin. Based on the RSV4 superbike with only two front cylinders, it will produce 100 bhp. That’s unprecedented for a road going two-cylinder sub-700cc bike. Factor in a dry weight of only 168 kg and you have the class-leading power-to-weight ratio.

The engine shares the RSV4’s architecture, and uses a 270-degree crank to mimic the firing order of a 90-degree V-Twin. The format provides good low-end torque with linear power delivery.

But it isn’t just a powerful engine in a light bike. Aprilia also endowed the RS 660 with their signature APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) electronics suite, fortified with an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). This gives the bike cornering ABS, lean-angle-sensitive traction control, wheelie control, among others. It’s also equipped with a bi-directional quickshifter, cruise control and power modes.

Aprilia touted that the bike will have “active aerodynamics.” Hence the RSV4 fairing design, which provides extra downforce at speed. We feel that the production bike actually looks better than the prototype revealed at last year’s EICMA.

The chassis uses the engine as a fully-stressed member with the swingarm’s pivot located at the back of the crankcase. Front forks are Kayaba although there isn’t word on the rear shock. Braking duty is handled by Brembo brakes front and back.

Lighting is fully-LED including daytime running lights (DRL). A 5-inch TFT instrument panel provides multimedia connectivity.

A notable feature is the classic purple and red paint scheme.

We’ll keep you informed on when it’ll arrive and cost in Malaysia. Fingers crossed that it’s in a reasonable bracket.

2020 MV Agusta Rush 1000 — 209 bhp and Radical to the Extreme

The 2020 MV Agusta Rush 1000 is definitely extreme.
Its unique SC Project exhaust system gives it 209 bhp and 116 Nm.
It beats the Ducati Streetfighter V4 by 1 bhp.

MV Agusta is nothing if not for their radical bikes, but the 2020 MV Agusta Rush 1000 is an extreme.

The manufacturer says that it’s a tribute to the drag racing scene. But without an elongated swingarm and lowered body stance, it’s more of a streetfighter. Even then, it looks like its stylists were given the free hand to go bonkers.

The Rush 1000 is based on the Brutal 1000RR but MV gave specialist exhaust makers SC Project the task of producing a unique system. Instead of being routed out the side, the dual tips exit behind the frame and just above the rear tyre.

Fitted with the pipes, the engine liberates 209 bhp and 116 Nm of torque, placing it well in the hypernaked category. In fact, it is the most powerful against the 208 bhp Ducati Streetfighter V4 and 197 bhp Kawasaki Z H2.

There’s plenty of carbon fibre to bring its weight down to 185 kg, dry. That disc-like rear wheel cover is carbon, hiding a forged-aluminium wheel.

Front brakes are Brembo Stylema 4-piston calipers gripping 320 mm discs. Öhlins electronic suspension is rightfully fitted.

No price yet, but it’s definitely going to be expensive. We wonder if MV Agusta will make a more “regular” version to challenge the Streetfighter V4.

2020 Honda Rebel — More Refinements

The 2020 Honda Rebel is further refined.
More contemporary features are added included LED lighting and slipper clutch.
The engine is tuned for punchy torque but linear power delivery.

The 2020 Honda Rebel was made its European debut, with more refinements aimed to give the rider better comfort, among other things.

In making the 2020 Rebel Euro5 compliant, Honda looked at a great deal of features, also. A higher S-spec version features headlight cowl, all-black fork covers and gaiters, and a diamond-stitch style seat.

Honda aims the Rebel at younger riders who want a more laid-back motorcycle that’s easy to ride, has low maintenance yet with plenty of modern features. But it should also appeal to those who want cruisers that are not of the mainstream with its lean and low stripped, bobber styling, including a 11.2-litre fuel tank.

The 471cc, liquid-cooled, 8-valve, parallel-Twin engine was adapted from the CBR500R and produces strong bottom-end torque and smooth power delivery that’s less intimidating to new and casual riders. It produces 45.6 bhp (34 kW) at 8,500 RPM and 43.3 Nm of torque at 6,000 RPM.

Other features include revised suspension, full-LED lighting including the turnsignals, gear position indicator, more comfortable seat and a slipper clutch.

The passenger seat and footrests can be easily detached for a more custom look (or to convince your other half that you’ll be riding alone).

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Latest News

The 2020 BMW S 1000 XR was unveiled at EICMA 2019, as speculated.

The new inline-Four engine was sourced from the S 1000 RR.

Engine power remains the same without ShiftCam but the bike is 10 kg lighter.

The 2020 KTM 390 Adventure was launched at EICMA 2019.

It’s been 7 years since it was planned.

It takes on the familial resemblance to the 790 Adventure.

The 2021 Aprilia Tuono 660 concept was also unveiled at EICMA 2019.

It’s based on the RS 660 platform.

It ought to have the APRC package as well.

The 2020 Aprilia RS 660 was officially launched at EICMA 2019.

The 660cc, 270-degree crank, parallel-Twin puts out 100 bhp.

It also features the APRC electronic package.

The 2020 MV Agusta Rush 1000 is definitely extreme.

Its unique SC Project exhaust system gives it 209 bhp and 116 Nm.

It beats the Ducati Streetfighter V4 by 1 bhp.

The 2020 Honda Rebel is further refined.

More contemporary features are added included LED lighting and slipper clutch.

The engine is tuned for punchy torque but linear power delivery.

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