2012 - Honda Rune

It’s very rare that a concept bike captures the heart of riders the way the Honda Rune did when it was introduced into the market. As a bike that draws its ancestry from the original Valkyries and the Gold Wings, the Rune’s introduction had a significant impact on the motorcycle market.


Taking all the set-up characteristics of the two bikes and combining them to form one package, Honda essentially made the Rune one of the most important bikes of its line-up. Its cutting-edge design and expansive powertrain capabilities took the model into uncharted territory, establishing new directions that no other manufacturer had ever attempted.


Suffice it to say, Honda accomplished that and more with the Rune. It’s not enough that it’s inspired by some of the most popular bikes Honda has had in the past, but it also takes all of the company’s technologies and wraps them up into one scintillating piece of touring awesomeness.

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2011 - Triumph Bonneville T100

Triumph’s Bonneville ruled the roads during the 1960s and no modern motorcycle replicates so closely the style and experience of those golden years than the modern day Bonneville T100. With its traditional wire wheels and coachlined two-tone paintwork, the Bonneville T100 looks like it could have been built in 1969. But look closer and you will see a modern machine dripping with authentic touches only Triumph can deliver.

The bike is powered by a 865cc parallel twin-cylinder engine that delivers 66 HP at 7500rpm, with peak torque of 69Nm delivered at 5800rpm.

The 2011 T100 features peashooter silencers, classic two-tone color options and spoked steel wheels. The two-tone color options complement the traditional Bonneville styling and have the added touch of gold or silver coachlines, painted by hand just as they always have been. Three regular options are available: Phantom Black with Fusion White, Forest Green with New England White and the new Vintage Cream and Chocolate. The popular single color Jet Black option is also available and comes with matching black-finished engine cases. The popular single colour Jet Black option is also available and comes with matching black-finished engine cases.

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2012 Yamaha Raptor 700R SE

Sometimes, you don’t need to be a rocket scientist to be able to judge an ATV’s capabilities. The 2012 Yamaha Raptor 700R SE is one of those vehicles that just fits the mold. All you need to do is know that this one packs a wallop for an engine and you’re all set.

It’s hard to argue against a 686cc Yamaha fuel-injected engine, especially if it’s considered as the most powerful powertrain fitted into a Yamaha ATV. Dual counter-balancers and a 44mm throttle body get fuel into the thumping engine, making for a far smoother ride than most ATVs. On top of that, the Raptor 700R also has a Yamaha Fuel Injection (YFI) system that provides excellent engine performance in a wide range of conditions, as well as a competition-spec dry-sump lubrication system that boosts usable horsepower and keeps overall engine size more compact.

More than just its superb performance traits, the Raptor 700R SE also paints a pretty stellar picture. It’s not pretty, but it catches your attention. The low-slung, aggressive styling is a definite head-turner, as is the number of design features that make this ATV a useful off-road companion. It has a long, YZ-style seat that allows maximum rider comfort, a thumb throttle lever, a large-capacity, 2.9-gallon fuel tank, multireflector 30-watt Krypton headlights, an LED taillight, and a digital meter with all the information a rider needs for his adventures. Since this model is characterized as a special edition, the bike was outfitted with some nifty add-ons, including Pro Armor Nerf Bars, a Pro Armor Bumper and Radiator Cover, and special graphics and colors.

As an off-road conqueror, the Raptor 700R also comes with upstanding handling capabilities, highlighted by a state-of-the-art chassis featuring a steel front section with an aluminum rear section and detachable subframe to create a super-strong structure and the ideal wheelbase for light, quick, super-accurate steering.

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2012 - Yamaha FZ1

The 2012 Yamaha FZ1 is coming back with nothing more than a face-lift, but that doesn’t appear to be a problem for fans of the bike, especially considering that it already has impressive performance numbers.

As the largest naked sportbike in Yamaha’s current lineup, the FZ1 has a lot of expectations to meet up to. Fortunately, it’s got a lot going for it that shouldn’t be a problem as far as meeting and exceeding these expectations.

For starters, the FZ1 retains its sculpted bodywork which is indicative of the half-cowl fairing design featuring an aggressive eye-catching naked bike profile. The FZ1 also offers a two-piece seat that serves up great comfort while passenger grab-rails provide passenger comfort and maintain an aggressive appearance. A dual 12V 60/55-watt multireflector headlight features a sleek, profile for superb aerodynamics and great visibility. Lastly, the bike also has a high-tech instrument display that features an analog tachometer, digital speedometer, a dual trip meter, and an odometer, among other things.

Inside the FZ1’s chassis lies a powerful 998cc DOHC 20-valve engine - it’s an earlier version of the R1’s 998cc motor - that’s been tuned for tremendous mid-range bite and massive top-end power. The bike comes with a fuel injection system that has computer-controlled sub-throttle valves, providing precise fuel and air mixture for superb power delivery across the entire rev range. Handling is also a breeze for the FZ1, thanks in large part to its fully-adjustable suspension, allowing the rider to tune the test the limits of the FZ1’s versatility without having to worry about compromising its performance capabilities.

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2011 Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC Special Edition

Aprilia has brought a new limited edition RSV4 to the US market. Called the RSV4 Factory APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) Special Edition, this special edition was developed using data from this year’s Superbike Championship and is equipped with a new electronic management system that includes traction control, wheelie control, launch control and quick shift.

The new bike is powered by a water cooled, 999cc, 65° V4 engine that develops 180 HP and 115 Nm of torque. The APRC package uses an automotive inertial platform with two turn meters and two accelerometers that enable the ECU to track dynamic conditions and adjust engine control consequently. The rider can adjust any component of the APRC system independently at will.

Also, the RSV4 Factory APRC SE is the first Aprilia bike that comes with the Aprilia Quick Shift as standard. Basically, the quick shift shortens spark advance for an instant and then gradually restores it, making for super-fast shifting with no need to close the throttle or use the clutch. The system works hand in hand with the new closer spaced gearbox to limit RPM drop during shifting for faster lap times.

Press release

For riders with a need for speed and agility, Aprilia offers four new models to its intense lineup of powerful motorcycles. Derived from the bike that won the coveted 2010 World Superbike Championship Triple Crown - Manufacturer’s Title, Team Title and Rider Title with race pilot Max Biaggi – the RSV4 – Aprilia unleashes the RSV4 Factory Special Edition (SE) with the exclusive Aprilia Performance Ride Control package (APRC), which offers superbike race technology to professional and recreational riders alike.

Aprilia also applied its knowledge gained on the track to the Dorsoduro 1200, an explosively powerful and extremely agile, twin-cylinder motard, offering riders a balance of performance, precision and excitement. Both the RSV4 Factory SE APRC and Dorsoduro 1200 will be in dealerships in the spring of 2011. Aprilia also designed a bike that novice riders could enjoy — the RS4 125. It is the successor and most advanced evolution to date of the RS 125, the bike that dominated the 125cc sports class for years and remains the most highly sought after machine among riders competing in the Sport Production Category.

The Aprilia RS4 125 introduces the highly advanced, all-new 4 stroke powerplant to the sports segment, while adopting styling and technical solutions inherited from the RSV4. The much anticipated Tuono V4R was also shown at EICMA and, along with the RS4 125, is planned for arrival in the U.S. at the end of 2011.

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