Five bikes to watch out for at Intermot 2014
Initiated in 1964, the International fair for scooters, motorcycles and E-bikes, or INTERMOT as it is popularly known is a biennial motorcycle show held in Cologne, Germany. Home to all major two-wheeler launches, this show is closely watched by the motorcycle industry. We give you the dope on five of the most important launches.
Kawasaki Ninja H2R
Probably the most anticipated bike at Intermot, Kawasaki revealed images and details of the H2R hyperbike. The big figures are 296bhp from a supercharged inline four probably making it the fastest production bike on the planet. Other interesting bits are carbon fibre aero winglets, trellis frame and a single sided swingarm. Kawasaki plans to make two variants — a road-going H2 and a track only H2R (featured)
BMW R 1200RS
BMW’s newest offering in the sports touring segment gets a 125bhp liquid-cooled boxer-twin from the R 1200GS. Chassis parts are new — a new tubular steel frame with upside-down forks in front and a paralever rear suspension which accommodates the shaft drive. Design cues borrowed from the S 1000RR ensure styling remains sharp and crisp for a sports tourer. Expect electronic aids like ABS, Automatic Stability Control and an optional Pro riding pack that adds Dynamic Traction Control and two extra riding modes — Dynamic and User.
Ducati Scrambler
Ducati finally unveiled the Scrambler, a retro-modern motorcycle with a 803cc heart borrowed from the Monster 821. The engine has been worked on and develops 75bhp and 68Nm of torque. Add that to a tiny, minimalist and lightweight package and you have a guaranteed fun machine. And a low price of 8,000 euro (6,22,414 INR converted) make the marque more accessible to the masses. If the standard bike does not do it for you, you can choose from a three-bike range of pre-customised scramblers that are available, or you can create your own using the wide range of customisable parts.
Suzuki GSX-S1000
The streetfighter from Suzuki borrows its heart from the 2005 GSX-R 1000 but comes in a milder state of tune to put out better low-end and mid-range performance. The all-new frame is lighter than the GSX-R while the swingarm is borrowed from the current model. Electronic aids include a 3-stage traction control with Sport, Road and Wet modes, and if you feel like it, TC can be completely disabled. Braking is courtesy radial-mounted Brembo monobloc calipers from the 2014 GSX-R 1000 with optional ABS.
KTM 1290 Super Adventure
The 1290 Superduke had all of us hooked and now KTM has gone forth and unveiled the 1290 Super Adventure . The adventure tourer is significantly bigger than the 1190 Adventure with a 1301cc liquid cooled V-twin heart that pumps up close to 160bhp and a massive 30-litre fuel tank. The equipment list consists of windshield, heated grips and heated seats, electronic cruise control, tyre pressure monitoring system, LED cornering headlights and optional hill hold control. An optional off-road pack includes a multi-mode electronic WP semi-active suspension system, multiple riding modes, traction control and a slipper clutch.
