2012 BMW R1200GS ABS

Available only for Luthi’s native Switzerland, the BMW R1200GS Tom Luthi Edition will be presented at the 2012 Swiss Moto show, Feb. 16 in Zurich. Switzerland is obviously an important market for BMW, being adjacent to the German manufacturer’s home. The R1200GS is also BMW’s best-selling model, worldwide but also in Switzerland where it has topped the sales charts seven years running.The Luthi edition GS features an a black color scheme accented by BMW’s brand colors include a blue brake caliper.

2012 Yamaha YZF-R1

Besides the new traction control system, however, the new R1 is largely the same machine we’ve had since 2009. It’s still powered by the same 998cc inline-Four cylinder engine, using crossplane crankshaft technology derived from MotoGP. Power output remains the same which, according to our 2009 Literbike Shootout, means 146.1 horsepower to the rear wheel at 11,800 rpm. That number was the lowest of the quartet back then, and with new models today knocking on the door of 200 (crankshaft) horsepower, it’s interesting to think Yamaha may have missed the boat in adding more power for this 2012 redesign.

2012 Yamaha YZF-R15

Look closer and finer changes are apparent; the still compact R15 looking longer than its predecessor, as its wheelbase has extended 55mm (nearly 2 inches), thanks to a new alloy swingarm, rare for this class of motorcycle. A larger 130/70 section radial rear tire completes the muscular looking rear. The front disc brake enjoys a larger carrier, while the rear disc is now slightly bigger at 220mm.

2012 Aprilia Racing

For 2012, Biaggi will be joined by the 25-year-old Laverty, who joined World Superbike in 2011 after three years in World Supersport. During the 2009 and 2010 World Supersport championships, Laverty finished second overall both years. Laverty, who runs the number 58, then joined Melandri for 2011 on the now-defunct Yamaha World Superbike team.

2012 Ducati Monster 796

2012 Ducati Monster 796 Specs:

Engine Type: L-Twin cylinder, 2 valve per cylinder Desmodromic, air cooled
Displacement: 803cc
Bore x Stroke: 88 x 66mm
Compression Ratio: 11:1
Power: 87 hp (64kW) @ 8250rpm
Torque: 58lb-ft (8.0kgm) @ 6250rpm
Fuel injection: Siemens electronic fuel injection, 45mm throttle body

2012 Aprilia Mana 850 GT

The words "automatic transmission" are often enough to send a motorcyclist running in the opposite direction. In the case of the Mana 850 GT ABS, though, that would be a mistake.

A sporty bike with a fully automatic continuously variable transmission, the Mana has excellent handling to go along with its ease of use. Switchable power modes make it easy to ride the Mana at anything from a casual to an aggressive pace.

2011 Aprilia RS4 125

tested the RS4 125 in a learner-legal version that generates 15 horsepower at 10,500 rpm. Peak torque of 8.1 ft-lb occurs at 8500 rpm. Its 75-mph top speed enables safe riding on motorways, and the engine isn’t going to blow up after long runs on the highway. The four-stroke torque curve enables cruising from 8,500 rpm and a very decent fuel range.

2011 Aprilia RS4 125

The 300mm disc up front offers sharp response.

I, however, tested on a race track, so I spent pretty much all the time testing in the range between 10,000 and 11,000 rpm where the engine pulls much better than anywhere else in the power range. It’s a narrow range for riding fast, and I quickly found out that losing revs must be avoided at all cost. Compared to a 2-stroke, though, there’s plenty of midrange. I had lots of fun slipstreaming the other journalists on the circuit just like they do in the 125 GP championship, but it got slightly boring as soon as I found myself without anybody to chase down.

Honda CBR250R

It’s powered by a fuel-injected 249.4cc single-cylinder engine with double overhead cams actuating four valves. A gear-driven counterbalancer should keep it smooth up to its 10,500-rpm redline. Peak power of 26 horses is said to come in at just 8500 rpm, with 17 ft-lb of torque arriving at 7000 rpm. This indicates a relatively broad and torquey powerband. For comparison, Kawasaki’s Ninja 250, which has had this class virtually to itself, makes its torque and horsepower peaks at 9500 and 10,250 revs, respectively.

Honda CB1000R

Despite the 1000R’s retuned motor, it is no slow poke. Our Canadian correspondent says it was still pulling at an indicated 150 mph when he sampled it on a racetrack earlier this year. The CB’s chassis behavior was also judged to be good, as it uses an aluminum frame, a fully adjustable 43mm inverted fork, and a shock adjustable for rebound damping and spring preload.

“Turn-in is quick enough to give the impression we were riding a middleweight roadster,” reported our Canuck tester.

Ducati Diavel

Despite the cruiser analogies, those at Ducati who have ridden the Diavel say it doesn’t really share any cruiser qualities. They promise a level of handling far beyond anything with a cruiser label, including a respectable 41-degree lean angle. And with a retuned version of the strong 1200cc V-Twin from the Multistrada, expectations are for a unique and stimulating ride.

BMW K1600GT and GTL

the sporty-ish K16GT will replace the 4-cylinder K1300GT, and the K1600GTL becomes the luxury-touring wagen of the reputable German brand. Both are available with a gamut of technology and luxury options, including electronically adjustable suspension, traction control, heated seats and grips, and multi-mode engine mapping, among a host of other options that should deliver a truly regal ride. And the engine sounds delicious, as we heard when we saw the K16 revealed at Jay Leno’s garage last month.

Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200

The 750cc Shiver and Dorsoduro are very appealing in their own right, yet performance from their three-quarter-liter V-Twins have been a little underwhelming. But after years of rumors about larger-displacement version of the same engine, Aprilia has finally delivered with the Dorsoduro 1200.

Aprilia Tuono V4R

Aprilia is on the gas for 2011, giving us several strong possibilities for selection to our list, including the sporty tiddler RS4 125. Parent company Piaggio, like Euro rivals Ducati, Triumph and BMW, continues an unabated stream of new product while Japanese brands are being much more cautious.

2011 Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC SE

The brakes are the well-known Brembo monoblock radial type which stops the 395-lb (claimed dry-weight) with great authority. The only way to improve these items further is to fork out around 15,000 Euro or so for the items Max Biaggi uses on his superbike. The chassis is fully adjustable as you’d expect and nimble as a 250GP racer.

The 999.6cc V-4 engine feature state of the art technology such as independently controlled throttle bodies. Max power is still 180 horsepower at 12,250rpm and 115Nm at 10,000rpm but with improved torque delivery and acceleration in the three lower gears. The new exhaust also helps to improve power delivery.

2011 Kawasaki Concours 14

2011 Kawasaki Concours 14 Specifications:

Engine Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, inline-four with VVT
Displacement 1,352 cc
Bore x Stroke 84.0 x 61.0mm
Maximum Torque 102.0 lb-ft @ 6,200 rpm
Compression Ratio 10.7:1
Fuel System Digital Fuel Injection w/ 40mm throttle bodies
Ignition TCBI with Digital Advance
Transmission 6-Speed

2011 Kawasaki KLR650

2011 Kawasaki KLR650 Specifications:

Engine Four-stroke, DOHC, four-valve single
Displacement 651cc
Bore x Stroke 100.0 x 83.0mm
Compression ratio 9.8:1
Cooling System Liquid
Carburetion Keihin CVK40
Ignition Electric CDI
Transmission Five-speed

2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager ABS

2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager ABS Specifications:



Engine Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, SOHC, four valve per cylinder, 52° V-twin
Displacement 1,700cc / 103.7ci
Bore x Stroke 102 x 104mm
Compression ratio 9.5:1
Maximum Torque 108 lb-ft @ 2,750 rpm
Cooling System Liquid, plus cooling fins
Ignition TCBI with Digital Advance
Induction Digital fuel injection, dual 42mm throttle bodies

2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero

2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero Specifications:


Engine Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, SOHC, four valve per cylinder, 52° V-twin
Displacement 1,700cc / 103.7ci
Bore x Stroke 102 x 104mm
Compression ratio 9.5:1
Maximum Torque 108 lb-ft @ 2,750 rpm
Cooling System Liquid, plus cooling fins
Ignition TCBI with Digital Advance

2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager

2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager Specifications:


Engine Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, SOHC, four valve per cylinder, 52° V-twin
Displacement 1,700cc / 103.7ci
Bore x Stroke 102 x 104mm
Compression ratio 9.5:1
Maximum Torque 108 lb-ft @ 2,750 rpm
Cooling System Liquid, plus cooling fins
Ignition TCBI with Digital Advance
Induction Digital fuel injection, dual 42mm throttle bodies

2011 Kawasaki Vulcan® 1700 Classic

2011 Kawasaki Vulcan® 1700 Classic Specifications:

Engine Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, SOHC, four valve per cylinder, 52° V-twin
Displacement 1,700cc / 103.7ci
Bore x Stroke 102 x 104mm
Compression ratio 9.5:1
Maximum Torque 108 lb-ft @ 2250
Cooling System Liquid, plus cooling fins
Induction Digital fuel injection, dual 42mm throttle bodies
Ignition TCBI with Digital Advance
Transmission Six-speed with overdrive and positive neutral finder

2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT

2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT Specifications:

Engine Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, SOHC, four valves per cylinder V-twin
Displacement 903cc / 55.1 cu.in.
Bore x Stroke 88 x 74.2 mm
Compression Ratio 9.5:1
Maximum Torque 58.2 lb.-ft. @ 3,500 rpm
Cooling System Liquid
Fuel System DFI® with dual 34mm Keihin throttle bodies

2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 costum

2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom Specifications:

Engine 4-Stroke, Liquid-Cooled, SOHC, 4-Valve Cylinder Head, V-Twin
Displacement 903cc / 55.1 cu. in.
Bore x Stroke 88 x 74.2 mm
Maximum Torque 58.2 lb.-ft. @ 3,500 rpm
Compression Ratio 9.5:1
Cooling System Liquid

2011 Kawasaki Ninja& ZX-6R

2011 Kawasaki Ninja& ZX-6R Specifications:

Engine Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, inline-four
Displacement 599 cc
Bore x Stroke 67.0 x 42.5mm
Compression Ratio 13.3:1
Fuel System DFI® with four 38mm Keihin throttle bodies, oval sub-throttles, two injectors per throttle body
Ignition TCBI with digital advance
Transmission 6-Speed
Final Drive X-Ring Chain
Rake/Trail 24 deg / 4.1 in.

2011 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R

2011 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R Specifications:

Engine Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, inline-four
Displacement 998cc
Bore x Stroke 76.0 x 55.0 mm
Compression Ratio 13.0:1
Fuel System DFI® with four 47mm Keihin throttle bodies with oval sub-throttles, two injectors per cylinder

2011 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ABS

2011 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ABS Specifications:

Engine Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, inline-four
Displacement 998cc
Bore x Stroke 76.0 x 55.0 mm
Compression Ratio 13.0:1
Fuel System DFI® with four 47mm Keihin throttle bodies with oval sub-throttles, two injectors per cylinder
Ignition TCBI with digital advance and Sport-Kawasaki Traction Control (S-KTRC)

2011 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14

2011 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14 Specifications:

Engine Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valve per cylinder, inline-four
Displacement 1352 cc
Bore x Stroke 84.0 x 61.0 mm
Compression Ratio 12.0:1
Fuel System DFI® with four 44mm Mikuni throttle bodies
Ignition TCBI with Digital Advance
Transmission 6-Speed
Final Drive X-Ring Chain

2011 Kawasaki Ninja® 250R

2011 Kawasaki Ninja® 250R Specifications:

Engine Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, parallel twin
Displacement 249 cc
Bore x Stroke 62.0 x 41.2mm
Compression Ratio 11.6:1
Carburetor Keihin CVK30 x 2
Ignition TCBI with digital advance
Transmission Six-speed
Final drive O-Ring Chain

2011 Kawasaki Ninja 650R

2011 Kawasaki Ninja 650R Specifications:

Engine Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-valve, parallel twin
Displacement 649 cc
Bore x Stroke 83.0 x 60.0 mm
Compression Ratio 11.3:1
Cooling System Liquid
Fuel System Digital fuel injection with two 38mm Keihin throttle bodies

2011 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 Picture & Specs

2011 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 Specifications:


Engine Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, inline-four
Displacement 1,043cc
Bore x Stroke 77.0 x 56.0 mm
Compression Ratio 11.8:1
Fuel System DFI® with four 38mm Keihin throttle bodies, oval sub-throttles
Ignition TCBI with digital advance
Transmission Six-speed
Final Drive X-ring Chain
Rake/Trail 24.5deg / 4.0 in.

2011 Kawasaki Z1000 Picture & Specs

Engine Type Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, inline-four
Displacement 1043 cc
Bore & Stroke 77.20 x 50.9 mm
Compression Ratio 11.8:1
Fuel Injection DFI® with four 38mm Keihin throttle bodies, oval sub-throttles
Ignition TCBI Digital Advance
Transmission 6-Speed
Final Drive X-Ring Chain
Frame Type Aluminum Backbone
Rake/Trail 24.5 deg. / 4.1 in.

2012 Ducati 1199 Panigale

We're still a few months away from 2012, but Ducati looks to be taking hold of the title for most anticipated new bike of the year with the successor to the 1198, the company's flagship superbike.

2012 Ducati 848 Streetfighter

Nearly identical in appearance to the larger 1098 Streetfighter, the new 848 is meant to provide motorcyclists a more affordable and less extreme option to the superbike-powered S model, which is the only other Streetfighter available for 2012 as the standard Streetfighter is being discontinued.