BMW F 800 GS wins Best Trailie Bike of the Year

It was another successful evening for BMW Motorrad UK at this year’s Motor Cycle News (MCN) Awards, as Europe’s largest and most successful motorcycle manufacturer scooped a brace of honours. The BMW F 800 GS won Best Trailie Bike of the Year while the marque also received a ‘Special Commendation’ in the Accessories category for its Lowered Suspension Option, available on almost a third of its motorcycle range.
The awards, which took place at the Carole Nash International Motorcycle and Scooter Show at the NEC in Birmingham, are widely considered to be the most prestigious awards for the motorcycle industry, recognising success in all areas of motorcycling.

The all-new all-terrain F 800 GS completely lives up to its illustrious GS (Gelande Strasse) heritage, all at a very affordable price. This recent addition to the BMW range has surpassed the expectations of even the most demanding enduro riders and, not surprisingly, has quickly caught the public’s imagination.The awards, which took place at the Carole Nash International Motorcycle and Scooter Show at the NEC in Birmingham, are widely considered to be the most prestigious awards for the motorcycle industry, recognising success in all areas of motorcycling.

The all-new all-terrain F 800 GS completely lives up to its illustrious GS (Gelande Strasse) heritage, all at a very affordable price. This recent addition to the BMW range has surpassed the expectations of even the most demanding enduro riders and, not surprisingly, has quickly caught the public’s imagination.

Suzuki launch new XC range

Suzuki GB is offering a refreshing alternative for Hare and Hounds and Cross-Country riders this winter, with the introduction of the two-stroke RM XC range.Available in 125 and 250 versions, the new XC models are derived from the hugely popular and established RM range, boasting everything a Hare and Hounds or Cross-Country rider needs, featuring a larger capacity fuel tank, hand guards, O-ring chain and a Relentless Fast Eddy replica graphics kit.

Talking about the introduction of these models was Suzuki GB's George Cheeseman, who commented, "This element of the sport is not only a growing area, but also a discipline that is close to many of us at Suzuki. We appreciate the demand for bikes that are more focussed for this sport, while recognising that many riders do not require full-spec enduro bikes with the additional registration and road fund costs. With the XC range, we are able to offer a proven machine that is a focussed but cost effective alternative to the usual choices."

Available from all authorised off-road Suzuki dealers, with just a £200 increase in retail price over the standard models, the RM125XC has a recommended retail price of £3920 and the 250XC will be £4210 inc VAT.

The RM125 and 250XC models will be used by Relentless Suzuki Enduro rider, Paul Edmondson (Fast Eddy), at various events in the forthcoming season.

Source: Suzuki

Yamaha’s sharp looking XJ6 arrives at Yamaha dealers

Yamaha are delighted to announce the arrival of the XJ6, contender for the middle-weight crown! This all-new Yamaha will entice new customers and experienced riders alike, attracted by its clean and contempory lines, complemented by its strong 600 cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke inline 4-cylinder engine, with all-new internals.
The XJ6 is available now in limited quantities initially at authorised Yamaha dealers, priced at £4499.00 (*not including road fund and first registration fee).

This naked all-rounder delivers a really easy riding experience together with strong all-round performance. A newly designed easy-action clutch makes for smooth gear shifting and the stylish 4-1 exhaust and compact midship muffler give this new 600 a seriously sporty image. The combination of a lightweight tubular diamond-type frame together with 41mm front forks and an efficient Monocross rear suspension system ensure agile handling performance, whether cruising down the motorway or riding spiritedly down your favourite country lane. A low seat height enhances overall controllability at low speeds and an ABS version is available as an option which attracts a retail price* of £4849.00. This version will follow.

Mazda Furai Concept heads for BIMS

The sensational Mazda Furai concept car, which made its world premiere at the Detroit Show in January and performed at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, will head a line-up of 18 Mazda cars on display at the British International Motor Show from 23 July.
Celebrating over 40 years of Mazda’s rotary engine and international motorsports heritage, the two-seater, mid-engined, rear-wheel drive 180mph Furai is the raciest interpretation of the NAGARE design language (the ‘embodiment of motion’) to-date. Joining the Furai on Stand 19 in the South Hall at ExCeL, will be the new Mazda RX-8 R3 four-door sports coupe and the upgraded Mazda BT-50 pickup, making their European premieres.

The Furai (pronounced ‘foo-rye’ – Japanese for ‘sound of wind’) is the sort of car that could only come from a company that incorporates the ‘Soul of a Sports Car’ into everything it builds. Furai was created at Mazda North American Operations’ (MNAO) studio in Irvine, California under the leadership of Franz von Holzhausen, Director of Design. The design team set out to develop a car that blurred the boundaries between road-car and racecar.

The team began by taking a 450ps Mazda rotary-engined Courage C65 carbon-composite racecar chassis (successfully campaigned in the LMP-2 class of the American Le Mans Series), and adding a closed cockpit and Nagare design elements. But while the four previous concept cars explored Nagare’s emerging design aesthetic, every element of the Furai’s textures and details serve a functional purpose.

Channelling, rather than just visually interpreting the flow of air, Furai’s Nagare ‘flow lines’ actually enhance the vehicle’s aerodynamic performance, by directing air under, over and around the body surface. An under-car diffuser below the tail helps to draw the volume of air flowing through the radiators and engine bay, out of the car to ‘exhaust’ between the rear wheels – achieving the goals of improved cooling and generating handling stability through aerodynamic downforce.

New Mazda RX-8 R3

Also at BIMS, Mazda is introducing a new version of its unique rotary-engined, four-seater, four-door coupe – the Mazda RX-8 R3. Powered by an improved version of the 231ps twin-rotor engine, the new R3 will offer drivers a heightened experience with faster steering, chassis and engine responses, more refinement, more equipment and even greater value. On sale from late August, the new Mazda RX-8 R3 will be priced at £24,995 (on-the-road) and, together with the Mazda MX-5, is sure to maintain Mazda’s position as ‘Britain’s favourite sportscar brand’ with a 25 per cent share of that market sector.

Mazda RX-8 has always had the appearance of a classic sportscar. The new R3 version enhances this look with a new front bumper design incorporating a larger five-point grille and oil cooling vents, new headlamps, new front fenders, new twin round LED rear lamps and a redesigned rear bumper with larger 90mm twin exhaust pipes.

Standard in the UK, the new RX-8 R3 comprises a sports front bumper, side skirts and rear wing all finished in body colour. The new model’s more aggressive appearance is complemented by new larger diameter 19-inch alloy wheels with five ‘rotor-shaped’ spokes, finished in dark titanium.

The uniquely high-revving RENESIS engine of the new RX-8 is evolved to deliver sharper responses and even more driving fun, although the outright power (231ps) and torque (211Nm) are unchanged.

Marketed as a single model, the new R3 will be so highly specified that no factory-fitted options are available and each car will be fitted with more than a dozen items of equipment not previously available on a Mazda RX-8, including new Recaro sports front seats, an integrated Bluetooth® system and a BOSE® premium audio system with nine speakers.

New 3-litre diesel for upgraded Mazda BT-50 in the UK

The refined, upgraded Mazda BT-50 making its European debut at BIMS, inherits the athletic looks of the current model, while incorporating a touch of brawny truck toughness into the exterior design. Combined with a broader range of exterior colours, the refreshed look conveys rugged reliability, an individualistic character and strong road presence.

Especially and exclusively for the UK market, the new BT-50 4x4 Double Cab Intrepid, with a 3.0-litre common-rail turbo diesel engine will be available, offering 9 per cent more power and 15 per cent more torque than the 2.5-litre engine. The new 156ps, 380Nm, engine, which makes the BT-50 even more of an ideal companion for an active lifestyle, is matched to a new five-speed automatic transmission with a high fifth ratio for quiet economical cruising.

All other versions of the upgraded BT-50 are powered by the popular 143ps, 330Nm 2.5‑litre turbo diesel engine which is carried over unchanged, together with a five-speed manual gearbox. The Drivetrain is still offered in two versions – a 2WD only version and a 2WD/4WD version that is ideal for commercial use or for more adventurous lifestyles.

Available with a choice of three body styles, the upgraded Mazda BT-50 retains all the technical features and attributes of the current model. The Upgraded BT-50 range, which goes on sale from 1st September priced from £10,629 (commercial vehicle on-the-road), now comes with a new auxiliary (AUX) jack at the base of the centre console to allow users to connect a portable audio player and listen to their favourite music through the vehicle’s audio system with two, four or six speakers – depending on model.

Thrilling Zoom-Zoom Challenge returns to ExCeL following 2006 success

Mazda has confirmed its plans to return to the British International Motor Show, with the thrilling ‘Mazda Zoom-Zoom Challenge’ attraction. A major success at the 2006 Show, the Zoom-Zoom Challenge will allow over 5,000 members of the public to get behind the wheel of Mazda’s cars, at no charge, to experience their spirited handling and entertaining drive.

Competitors will compete against the clock in a technically demanding driving challenge around a specially-constructed test track as they strive to achieve the fastest lap time and demonstrate the most accomplished car control. Professional racing drivers will take each participant around the track for a familiarisation lap followed by a warm-up circuit behind the wheel and a timed circuit in both the iconic Mazda MX-5 sports car and all-new Mazda2 3dr supermini.

Top prize will be the use of a £11,000 plus 1.5-litre Mazda2 3dr Sport for the competitor posting the highest score throughout the two weeks of the Motor Show.

Source: Mazda

Honda Debuts Pioneering Motorcycle Safety Technology

Honda has yesterday debuted a revolutionary new ‘Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication’ system, which – it is anticipated – could reduce road casualties of both motorcyclists and car drivers.
The technology was demonstrated today for the first time, at the CAR 2 CAR Communication Consortium event which takes place over two days at the Opel Test Track in Dudenhofen, Germany. The demonstration exhibits the interoperability of the Honda life-saving system with other systems.

Honda has been a member of the CAR 2 CAR
Communication Consortium since 2005 - part of Honda’s commitment to making the world a safer place for everyone and enhancing the joy of mobility – and has worked together with eight other vehicle manufacturers to enter a new era of road safety and efficiency where vehicle communication systems share vital information to aid safety and increase road-users’ awareness of what’s happening around them.

This work has resulted in the ‘Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication’ system, which utilises wireless LAN technology to link vehicles within a defined radio range and establish an ad-hoc network. Each car or motorcycle can also send information to vehicles farther afield. The system continuously monitors the position, speed, distance and direction of surrounding road users, even in conditions of darkness and poor visibility.

Data on the location of cars and bikes, information on accidents, obstructions or congestion is centralised and then sent to drivers and motorcyclists to warn them of traffic conditions ahead or possible dangers.

Motorcycle riders can view information on a display, and receive safety warnings through advanced interfaces such as an in-helmet audio system. Drivers can view information and receive warnings, for example, on their navigation system display.

In 1999 an EU funded research project investigated the causes of motorcycle accidents. Data was collected on 921 bike accidents across five European countries and it was found that the majority of accidents involving a motorcycle are caused by perception failures. 88% of the accidents were caused by human error, with 37% being caused by the motorcyclist and in 50% of cases, the driver of the other vehicle was responsible. By researching methods of inter-vehicle communication, it is hoped that these rates will be lowered in the future.

The development of inter vehicle communication is part of Honda’s ongoing approach to safety for powered two-wheelers and follows a number of Honda’s previous safety initiatives over the last 60 years, including the use and development of advanced braking systems, the first ever motorcycle airbag system on Honda’s flagship GL1800 Gold Wing, through to the latest developments in advanced braking with the specifically-for-sports-bikes designed Combined ABS, available as an option on the 2009 CBR1000RR Fireblade and CBR600RR. Honda’s Motorcycle Rider Trainer and Rider Simulator are further innovations, both of which are used for hazard perception training.

General Manager of Honda (UK) Motorcycles, Steve Martindale, commented, “Honda is proud to lead the way in the field of motorcycle safety and there’s no doubt that this is an area where other motorcycle manufacturers are increasing their focus as well. The Car 2 Car Consortium’s research and work, coupled with Honda’s latest safety innovation will result in a new era of road safety for all road users, where vehicle communication systems share vital information with the aim of helping to reduce the number of casualties on the roads. Honda fully supports the EU targets for traffic fatality reduction and we’re pleased to be able to further our commitment under the European Road Safety Charter with this latest vehicle communication safety system.”

Source: Honda

Suzuki unveil new Bandit 650 range

Suzuki unveiled a new Bandit 650 range at the Milan Show this week, with both the 650 and 650SA models receiving styling and practical updates, that bring a new sharp and dynamic look to the 2009 middleweight class.
With new edgy styling, the naked Bandit 650 is headlined by sleeker modern headlights, changing the face of the iconic Bandit. With newly styled mirrors, a slimmer tail light, new instrumentation, a black engine finish and newly shaped muffler ends, the Bandit 650 mixes proven reliability with great style.
For those that want added weather protection, the Bandit 650SA offers stylish practicality thanks to a newly designed fairing. Aerodynamically efficient, the new half fairing incorporates stacked high and low beam multi-reflector headlights, in a cowl that offers new storage bays on both sides, along with the styling updates of the naked 650.

Talking about the new models, Suzuki GB's George Cheeseman commented, "The Bandit 650 range is very popular for us in the UK and so we welcome the news of updated versions for 2009. At the same time, I'm pleased to confirm that these models will make their UK debut at the NEC Motorcycle Show later this month."

Source: Suzuki

New BMW Motorrad F 800 R roadster unveiled

BMW Motorrad has unveiled the latest model in its F 800 series, launching the sporting new F 800 R at the EICMA 2008 Milan Motorcycle Show. This highly distinctive new roadster, a naked BMW bike in the mid-market segment, has been designed to deliver uncompromising handling, agility and steering precision, as well as maximum riding enjoyment. Alongside the K 1300 R, this is the second BMW roadster to be launched this year.
The F 800 R is set to be launched in May 2009 at an on-the-road price expected to be sub-£6000. It is fitted with a parallel twin engine with 4-valve technology and a capacity of 798 cc - already familiar to the F 800 S – but with power uprated to 87hp. The in-line 2-cylinder engine is already class-leading, with its strong pulling power, spontaneous response and low fuel consumption.
Closely based on the design of the BMW K 1300 R, the distinctively sporty F 800 R possesses considerable sprinting power. The shorter gear ratios from fourth to sixth gear provide faster acceleration, while the excellent pulling power of the two-cylinder engine delivers agile performance.

The new F 800 R is also fitted with a new double-sided swingarm. Constructed from a light alloy cast, the design of the swingarm highlights the dynamic characteristic of the new F 800 R, especially at the rear. Final drive is by an ‘O’ ring chain.

But the new F 800 R boasts more than just sporting talent: in the very best BMW tradition, it also possesses classic virtues such as outstanding seating comfort for rider and pillion passenger, as well as exemplary levels of safety. For example, the F 800 R is available with an ABS system whose newly developed pressure sensor provides an even finer regulation and therefore even greater safety.

BMW has also paid special attention to quality details in the immediate field of vision of the rider. In addition to re-drawing the faces of the instrument panel, the upper fork bridge with steering stem clamps, milled covering caps and butted handle bars are finished to a very high standard.

Additional accessory parts, including the sport windshield, radiator trim panels, a pillion passenger cover and an engine spoiler, can also be added to further individualise the F 800 R.

Tony Jakeman, BMW Motorrad UK Marketing Manager, said: “BMW Motorrad recently struck out on a new path into medium category motorcycles with the F 800 series, originally launched in 2006. The first model variation was the sporty F 800 S, followed by the F 800 ST with its touring capabilities. The F 800 GS and the F 650 GS, two dynamic enduro models in the very best BMW Motorrad GS tradition, then followed. The F 800 R is a logical expansion of our F 800 series, adding an urban edge to our ever growing range of models.”

Source: BMW

BMW F 800 GS wins Best Trailie Bike of the Year

It was another successful evening for BMW Motorrad UK at this year’s Motor Cycle News (MCN) Awards, as Europe’s largest and most successful motorcycle manufacturer scooped a brace of honours. The BMW F 800 GS won Best Trailie Bike of the Year while the marque also received a ‘Special Commendation’ in the Accessories category for its Lowered Suspension Option, available on almost a third of its motorcycle range.
The awards, which took place at the Carole Nash International Motorcycle and Scooter Show at the NEC in Birmingham, are widely considered to be the most prestigious awards for the motorcycle industry, recognising success in all areas of motorcycling.

The all-new all-terrain F 800 GS completely lives up to its illustrious GS (Gelande Strasse) heritage, all at a very affordable price. This recent addition to the BMW range has surpassed the expectations of even the most demanding enduro riders and, not surprisingly, has quickly caught the public’s imagination.

BMW’s Lowered Suspension Option is also proving to be extremely popular. For many years, riders who prefer a lower seat height have not enjoyed the luxury of choice when it comes to purchasing a motorcycle. However, BMW’s lead in rider ergonomics has enabled the company to develop a number of motorcycles in its range that – along with low seat options – now feature optional lowered suspension.

Adrian Roderick, General Manager for BMW Motorrad UK, commented: “2008 has been a record breaking year for BMW Motorrad and is officially our most successful ever. To win this award for the F 800 GS, and the ‘Special Commendation’ for our Lowered Suspension Option, is the icing on the cake.

“We are welcoming more and more new customers into our dealerships as the number of riders converting to the BMW brand increases. This is testimony to our current range of motorcycles as we continue to embrace new market segments and launch exciting and dynamic new models.

“2008 was ‘Year of the Enduro’ for BMW – a year when we launched the F 650 GS, F 800 GS, updated versions of the R 1200 GS and R 1200 GS Adventure, as well as our most dynamic enduro bike ever, the G 450 X. While remaining committed to these enduro bikes, we will also be releasing five exciting new models in 2009. The F 800 R, K 1300 GT, K 1300 R and K 1300 S – the fastest motorcycle BMW has ever produced – have all been unveiled at this year’s International Motorcycle and Scooter Show. The new S 1000 RR, which Troy Corser and Ruben Xaus will be riding in next year’s World Superbike Championship also made its UK debut at the show. Taking all of the above into account, 2009 promises to be another successful year for BMW Motorrad, both on and off the track.”

BMW’s award winning F 800 GS is currently on display on the BMW Motorrad stand at this year’s International Motorcycle and Scooter Show, being staged at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre until Sunday 07 November. Visitors to the show will also be able to able to test ride a range of BMW motorcycles fitted with the Lowered Suspension Option.

The BMW Motorrad stand is situated in Hall 1 at the NEC, while its interactive Low Seat Demo Zone is located in Hall 3.