It’s that time of the year when motorcycle manufacturers begin releasing new model information. We couldn’t delay to see if any stragglers arrived in our inbox, as we were just too excited to let you know what we know. Here’s some of what is new for 2013.
BMW
It has been long rumoured that the company’s R1200GS – the benchmark by which all other big-bore adventure bikes are measured – would be getting liquid cooling to help it meet increasingly stringent emissions regulations. The German bike maker has completely redesigned the machine, and, yes, it now has radiators.
The new GS engine’s cylinders will still have cooling fins; however, coolant will flow through the most thermally stressed components in a system the company calls “precision cooling.” Engine displacement remains at 1170 cc, while output has increased to 125 hp, up 15 hp from the outgoing, air-cooled model. Peak torque is also up by 3.7 ft-lb to 92.2.
An entirely new crankcase is now vertically split and incorporates the six-speed gearbox – the previous engine used a separate transmission. A wet, multi-plate slipper clutch replaces the dry, single-plate item, and the drive shaft has moved from the right side of the bike to the left.
Ride-by-wire throttle control is used for the first time on a GS model, and traction control, as well as selectable ride modes, will be optional. A rider will be able to choose from five ride modes – Rain, Road, Dynamic, Enduro and Enduro Pro – and traction control will include an off-road mode.
Surrounding the engine is a new, torsionally stiffer frame, and the GS will also have an optional semi-active suspension system. Suspension damping will alter electronically to match changing road conditions as you ride, based on data gathered by sensors.
There are several other improvements, including an added optional LED headlight, the first time one will be used on a motorcycle. The new R1200GS will be launched in the spring of 2013, with Canadian pricing announced closer to its launch date.
Also new is a lightweight sport tourer based on the F800 twin-cylinder engine. The $12,550 F800ST uses the same 85-horsepower, 798 cc, parallel-twin and basic frame architecture as used in the F800R roadster. It has a full, frame-mounted fairing and standard heated grips and luggage rack. Available options include ABS, an on-board computer, luggage brackets and other convenience items. A touring package includes the on-board computer, luggage brackets, side cases and ABS for $1,000, a real bargain when you consider that the ABS option alone costs $925.
CAN-AM
Can-Am has added the new ST model to the Spyder line-up, slotting nicely in between the sporty RS and luxury-touring RT models both in features and in price. See our detailed review of the new Spyder ST in this issue on page 24.
DUCATI
Ducati has a few new models for 2013. The most unusual is the Diavel Strada. The Diavel muscle bike was a new departure for Ducati when it was introduced, offering a brutish engine and radical, drag-strip styling. For 2013, the Italian firm has added a touring seat with passenger sissy bar (on a Ducati?), semi-rigid 41-litre saddlebags, heated grips, power outlets and a tall windscreen. It has all the features of the Diavel, including the 1198 cc, 162 hp, Testastretta 11° engine, adjustable traction control and ABS. All of the extras add just $500 to the standard Diavel’s base price, with the Strada retailing for $20,495.
The Hypermotard is fully revised for 2013, with the biggest news being a new, liquid-cooled, 110 hp, 821 cc, Testastretta 11° V-twin that now breathes through a low-mounted exhaust. The standard Hypermotard costs $12,995, while the higher-spec SP model lists for $15,695.
Also based on the Hypermotard is the more tour-oriented Hyperstrada. The $13,995 Hyperstrada comes with a small bug screen, power outlets, a large passenger grab handle, 50-litre, semi-rigid saddlebags and a centre stand.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
It’s Harley-Davidson’s 110th anniversary this year, and to commemorate the occasion, the Milwaukee motorcycle maker will offer several 110th anniversary models for 2013. Produced in limited quantities, these numbered anniversary editions will have exclusive, solid bronze gas-tank badges, special paint, and depending on the model, various factory-installed options. Ten models throughout Harley’s line-up will be available as special-edition versions. Only the V-Rods will not feature 110th anniversary livery.
Aside from the commemorative bikes, two new CVO models have been introduced for 2013: the CVO Breakout, a slammed, stretched and bobbed Softail, and the CVO Road King, with a 200-watt, four-speaker sound system and lots of chrome accessories.
HONDA
Topping the list of Honda’s new models are the CB500F naked bike, the fully faired CBR500R, and the CB500X adventure-tourer. They are all based around a 471 cc, liquid-cooled, twin-cam parallel-twin cradled in a diamond-shaped steel frame. The fuel-injected engine has a 180-degree crankshaft and uses a counterbalancer to smooth vibration. Output is a modest 47 hp (claimed) and a fuel consumption claim of 3.7L/100 km (76 mpg). A 15.7-litre fuel tank should offer up to 420 kilometres of range.
Suspension is comprised of a conventional, non-adjustable telescopic fork, and a single rear shock adjustable for preload. Seat height is a modest 785 mm (30.9 in.) for the 500F and 500R, while the 500X sits at 810 mm (31.9 in.), and wheels are 17-inchers. Claimed wet weight varies from 193 to 197 kg between the three bikes. ABS will be available. Pricing starts at $6,299 for the CB500F and CBR500R (ABS is standard on the CB500F and a $500 option on the CBR500R), and $6,799 for the CB500X, also with standard ABS.
Available in Japan and Australia since 2010, the CB1100 features design cues that take us back to Honda’s twin-cam CB inline-fours of the late ’70s and early ’80s. It’s powered by an air-cooled, 1140 cc inline four that produces a modest 88 hp, with torque peaking at 69 ft-lb. The $13,199 retro bike has a twin-shock frame and conventional fork, an upright riding position and 18-inch wheels – a refreshing break from the ultra-focused and uncomfortable supersport bikes of late. Brakes are linked and ABS is standard.
Finally, probably the most unexpected new Honda is the Gold Wing F6B. It’s Honda’s take on the bagger concept and is based on the granddaddy of all touring bikes, the Gold Wing. Designers chopped off the top case, stripped off the trim, blacked out the shiny bits, swapped out the billboard-sized windshield with a sliver of transparent plastic, and trimmed down the fairing. A low-slung saddle replaces the Gold Wing’s La-Z-Boy–like perch.
To give the F6B a “back-to-basics” feel, also gone is the navigation system, cruise control, illuminated switchgear, self-cancelling turn signals, passenger footboards (now footpegs), heated seat and electric reverse gear. All of this luxury-liner liposuction has shaved 28 kilos off the Gold Wing’s wet weight, the F6B tipping the scales at 385 kg (848 lb.) wet. Not all conveniences have been jettisoned; there is still an iPod-ready, four-speaker sound system.
The F6B uses the same electric-smooth, 116 hp, 1832 cc flat six that propels the Wing, and it still drives a five-speed transmission. It retails for $22,999 and is available only in black, with linked ABS as standard.
Honda has enjoyed a measure of success with the CBR250R, and part of that success is due to its torquey, 249 cc single. The company now offers the same engine in an entirely new motorcycle, aimed at a different type of rider. The all-new CRF250L is a lightweight dual-sport machine that replaces the CRF230L (last offered as a 2011 model) as Honda’s introduction to dual-sport riding.
The CRF250L is leagues ahead of the air-cooled 230L in technological advancements, starting with its 249 cc, liquid-cooled engine featuring fuel injection. The engine is also counterbalanced to reduce vibration.
A beefier steel perimeter frame replaces the steel-tube frame of the 230L, and upgraded suspension components include a sturdy, 43 mm inverted fork. Best of all, these improvements on the CRF250L come at a reduced price of just $4,999, significantly less than the CRF230L.
Honda will also add an all-new midsize scooter to its line-up, the Forza 300. This sporty scooter is coming later in 2013 and will be a 2014 model. It has angular lines and uses an abbreviated windscreen, giving it a nose-down profile. Under its bodywork is a liquid-cooled, 279 cc single that makes 24 hp and is coupled to an automatic CVT.
A low, 716 mm (28.2 in.) seat height should make its hefty 194 kg (428 lb.) wet weight easier to manage around town. There are two forward storage compartments, underseat storage good for two full-face helmets, and a 12-volt power socket. The Forza rolls on a 14-inch front and 13-inch rear wheel. Fuel capacity is 11.6 litres and linked ABS is standard. Price is not yet available.
Also new is the Giorno 50 cc scooter. It replaces the Jazz and has modern fuel injection instead of a carburetor, while costing $700 less at just $2,299.
KAWASAKI
Aside from the new Ninja 300 (see Motorcycle Mojo, December 2012), Kawasaki has also reworked another of its sportbikes, and like the baby Ninja, it gets an increase in engine displacement. The 2013 ZX-6R gains 37 cc, now displacing 636 cc. You’ll remember Kawasaki did the same thing in 2003, when it offered the 636 cc ZX-6R alongside the 599 cc ZX-6RR. This time around, only the ZX-6R will be in the line-up.
It gets several other upgrades, including a mechanically assisted clutch, which reduces lever effort by 20 percent; it also incorporates a slipper feature. Inside the gearbox is a shorter first gear to ease launching from a stop. Suspension settings have been revised to provide a more compliant ride on the street, and chassis geometry has been altered for slightly quicker steering.
A comprehensive electronics package is also part of the new ZX-6R, with three-mode adjustable KTRC (Kawasaki Traction Control) as well as two ride modes: full power and 80 percent power for slippery conditions or when riding around town. Also available is KIBS (Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System), an advanced sport ABS system.
Styling is more aggressive, in keeping with the rest of the Ninja line. Three colour schemes will be available between the ABS and non-ABS models. Prices are $12,499 for the non-ABS model, and $13,199 for ABS.
SUZUKI
Suzuki brings back the Boulevard C90T touring cruiser for 2013 – with some major changes. The C90 was last available in 2009, but this new version uses a 54-degree, 1462 cc, liquid-cooled V-twin engine as opposed to the 45-degree, air-cooled twin in the previous version, though bore and stroke measurements remain the same.
Standard features include a windshield, hard saddlebags and rider footboards. It is available in red/black and white/grey, and there’s also an all-black version with a blackout treatment on the engine, exhaust, wheels and trim. The C90T has gained some weight over the years, now at 363 kg (was 345 kg), but the good news is that the price is $1,000 lower than it was 2009, now at $13,999.
Suzuki has also confirmed that the GW250, known as the Inazuma in other markets, will be coming to Canada. It uses a 24-horsepower, liquid-cooled parallel-twin with a six-speed transmission. It has a modest 780 mm (30.7 in.) seat height and claimed curb weight of 182 kg (401 lb.). Pricing has not yet been determined.
TRIUMPH
Triumph also gets serious about touring with the all-new 2013 Trophy SE. The Trophy SE offers big power (132 hp) from its 1215 cc inline-triple, and includes all of the touring amenities you’d expect from a premium, long-distance road bike. Electronically adjustable suspension, cruise control, traction control and linked ABS are standard, as is an iPod-ready, Bluetooth-equipped sound system. Options include heated handgrips and seat. All of this might sound familiar, as you’ll find all of these features on the BMW R1200RT, which the Trophy is clearly aimed at. At $19,999, it’s priced about $500 lower than the R1200RT, which will probably get the attention of at least a few potential BMW customers.
Triumph has updated the Street Triple with a new frame and more aggressive styling. It uses the same 675 cc inline-triple, with slightly revised throttle mapping to improve fuel consumption by as much as 30 percent. It retails for a very reasonable $9,999 for the standard model and $11,199 for the R, which adds higher-spec brakes and fully adjustable suspension. You can read the full review in the April issue of Motorcycle Mojo.
The Daytona 675 has received a more thorough makeover for 2013, and has an all-new engine that uses a 2 mm wider bore (now 76 mm) and a 2.7 mm shorter stoke, allowing for a higher redline. It produces two more horsepower, now at 126, and 1.5 more foot-pounds of torque at 55.3, and it gets a slipper clutch, a first for the Daytona.
Like the new Street Triple, the Daytona’s muffler has moved under the bike, and it also gets a new frame made of fewer pieces. The 2013 Daytona 675 retails for $12,599, and as before, a higher-spec R version with Ohlins suspension and a standard-equipment quick shifter is available for $14,599.
VICTORY
Something you won’t see in Victory’s 2013 line-up is the Kingpin, which has been discontinued. What you will see is the new Boardwalk. This all-new cruiser, starting at $16,899, uses Victory’s Freedom 106/6 drivetrain. The 1731 cc V-twin produces a substantial 110 ft-lb of torque and drives a six-speed transmission.
Classic styling features include 16-inch spoke wheels, full wraparound fenders, whitewall tires, footboards and two basic colours, black or pearl white.
Other changes for Victory include new colour schemes throughout the 2013 line-up.
YAMAHA
Yamaha adds the V-Star 1300 Deluxe touring cruiser to its line-up for 2013. The Deluxe is a dressed-up version of the V-Star 1300, featuring the same 60-degree, 1304 cc, liquid-cooled V-twin. The engine is fuel injected and breathes through a two-into-one exhaust system.
Chassis geometry is the same as the V-Star 1300, with a 1690 mm (66.5 in.) wheelbase and 690 mm (27.2 in.) seat height. Touring amenities include 28.5-litre, colour-matched hard saddlebags, a fork-mounted fairing and a sound system that features iPod connectivity. Yamaha claims an approximate wet weight of 331 kg (729.7 lb.). Only one colour is available, purplish-blue metallic, and the price is $14,499.
Yamaha has also revised the FJR1300. It has new bodywork, and the fairing incorporates a redesigned, electrically adjustable windscreen with a 130 mm range. The engine has been massaged to produce more torque, now peaking at 102 ft-lb (previously 99). It also incorporates YCC-T, ride-by-wire throttle control, traction control, two power modes (Sport and Touring) and cruise control.
Chassis dimensions and steering geometry are identical to the previous FJR, but a new, fully adjustable fork has revised spring settings, and compression and rebound damping are now separate between the fork legs. As on the preceding FJR, seat height is adjustable over a 20 mm range, and handlebars are adjustable in three positions, fore and aft. A new centre stand is 30 percent easier to operate. Linked ABS brakes and a coded key are standard. Wet weight is down by two kilos, now at 289 kg (637 lb.). It is available in only one colour, metallic grey, and the price has increased by $500 to $17,499.
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