There aren’t many circuits as challenging as the Suzuka International Racing Course. So what’s the key to a quick lap?…
While the current crop of BMW R1200GS model motorcycles are being recalled for issues with their front suspension, the future of the venerable GS line continues to evolve, as Motorrad Magazine is reporting that the boxer-twin engine that powers the R-series will be getting variable valve timing (VVT). Motorrad is also reporting that the engine displacement will also see a bump, up from 1,170cc to 1,250cc for the next-generation of R-series machines, which should mean that the water-cooled motor should get a healthy (and much needed) bump in power, to help compete in this hotly contested segment. This announcement also means that BMW is the second manufacturer to bring VVT technology to its ADV bike offering, hoping to balance low-end and mid-range torque with peak horsepower.
We already broke the news last week about the BMW R1200GS model recall, for issues with the front fork tubes, but today the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) made it official, listing the recall on its public database. The move sees BMW Motorrad USA recalling over 14,000 units in the US market, which is close to one tenth of the total models sold worldwide. This recall affects certain 2014-2017 BMW R1200GS and BMW R1200GS Adventure motorcycles. As we mentioned in our previous reporting, at the center of the recall – which started life as a mere technical bulletin – is the ability for the fixed fork tube to separate from the pressed in seal plug that secures the tube to the upper triple clamp.
MV Agusta has finally closed a very important funding round, getting equity investment from ComSar Invest, which is backed by the Black Ocean Group, which in turn is owned by Russian billionaire Timur Sardarov. The move sees MV Agusta able also to repurchase its stock from Mercedes AMG, which previously owned a 25% stake in the Italian motorcycle manufacturer. The details of the ComSar deal however have not been disclosed, though we do know that the deal includes enough cash to finish MV Agusta’s recapitalization plan with its creditors and to begin its new, more focused, business plan for new models and motorcycle production. According to MV Agusta’s press release, the newly financed recapitalization plan has already been approved by a quorum of the creditors.
At eight years old, the BMW S1000RR has aged remarkably well, due in part to a healthy update for the 2015 model year. But, when compared to the cutting edge bikes in the market right now, the venerable “RR” does seem to be lacking some modern touches, so it shouldn’t surprise us to see the German brand updating its machine for the 2018 model year. Caught testing by the busy lenses at Motorrad Magazine, the 2018 BMW S1000RR appears to be an all-new motorcycle, with several noticeable changes to the chassis, and rumored changes to its four-cylinder engine.
When Glenn Frey released one of the biggest hits of the 80s, the Suzuka 8-Hours was on the verge of…
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