Triumph’s popular Tiger 1050 and Tiger 1050SE have been given a sporty new look for the 2012 model year with improved specifications, new colours and graphics. Both Tiger 1050s feature upgraded suspension consisting of redesigned internals and new damping characteristics front and rear, with a stiffer spring at the rear. The result is a more controlled ride, both solo and with a passenger, with reduced dive under braking. The rear suspension unit spring rate has gone up from 108 to 139 N/mm, a 29 per cent increase, to improve body control and two-up handling.
First MV Agusta F3s arrive at the UK dealer network The first delivery batch of MV Agusta F3 middleweight sports machines has now arrived at UK importer MotoGB and is now being delivered to the dealer network. These first 30 machines – both standard F3 and Series Oro – have just arrived at MotoGB in Adlington, near Chorley in Lancashire and both this and the second batch, due in two weeks, are already sold out. Another shipment of the sleek F3s is due around early May. This third batch will allow MotoGB to honour all current back orders.
Triumph Motorcycles, the UK’s biggest selling manufacturer of +500cc bikes, has unveiled ambitious plans to kick off 2012 with three new bikes; the Tiger Explorer, the Speed Triple R and a Steve McQueen-inspired version of the classic Bonneville T100. While the new ride-by-wire, 1200cc Explorer signals the Hinckley firm’s clear intention to capitalize on the fast growing adventure bike market, the all-new Steed Triple R shows further radical evolution of the class-defining naked sports bike.
The performance all-rounder comes fitted with luggage in 2012 KTM has fitted as standard its PowerParts Side Bags as part of changes to the 2012 990 SM T. The popular long-distance Supermoto combines sports components and capability with endurance, comfort and suitability for everyday use and now offers increased levels of practicality by being supplied with official KTM twin panniers. Specifically developed for the SM T, the PowerPart Side Bags mount easily and quickly to the bikes existing luggage rack and are designed to not disrupt the lines and the colour of the Austrian bike.
Harley-Davidson offers more Big Twin performance for 2012 as its Twin Cam 103™ powertrain becomes standard equipment on most Softail® and Touring motorcycles. Harley-Davidson will offer two new models for 2012. The V-Rod® 10th Anniversary Edition celebrates a decade of power-cruiser performance, while the new Dyna® Switchback is a convertible custom-touring motorcycle with detachable hard saddlebags and windshield. In addition, the Night Rod Special has significant updates for 2012 with refreshed bodywork and optimised rider ergonomics.
A glittering firework-fuelled celebration will mark the first of two new Harley-Davidson dealer showrooms next weekend as the legendary Motor Company adds to its UK network. The Stratstone group, which already has two Harley dealerships in Birmingham and Wolverhampton, will strengthen its hold on the Midlands with the official opening of Stoke Harley-Davidson on Friday 4 November. One day later, bonfire night will be marked by the official launch of Maidstone Harley-Davidson by Laguna motorcycles – a family-run company with a strong heritage of successfully owning and operating showrooms for prestige motorcycle brands in the Kent region.
