On your bike!

The latest international launches combine eye-catching style with excellent performance in a covetable line up of cruisers, tourers, sportsters and sport tourers. Here are some 2012 models that are worth waiting for:

Yamaha YZF-R1 50th Anniversary Edition
Yamaha's ‘WGP 50th Anniversary' motorbikes and scooters celebrate 50 years of success in Grand Prix.

The anniversary edition is equipped with a powerful 998cc engine, liquid-cooled four-stroke DOHC 16 valves and six-speed transmission with multi-plate slipper clutch. The R1 kicks out high levels of linear torque for superior traction with its innovative cross-plane crankshaft and an uneven firing interval. While a compact aluminium Deltabox chassis delivers precision handling, the new front cowl ensures optimised high speed performance. The model's most striking feature is undoubtedly its special livery based on the famous red and white ‘speedblock' design, debuted on the YZR-M1.

Ducati Diavel AMG Special Edition
The 2012 flagship model of the Diavel family is a tribute to the AMG luxury-sports brand, and a pleasure for connoisseurs of technology, engineering detail and exclusive style. Based on the Diavel Carbon, the AMG Special Edition features signature five-spoke wheel styling, carbon fibre lateral radiator grilles and aluminium trim, engraved end-caps on the exhaust system, and horizontally ribbed seats. Meticulous attention to detail also means that every engine has its Desmodromic cam-timing set by hand, and the name of the engine technician engraved on the engine casing. As a final tribute to exclusivity, every motorcycle features a numbered plaque on the fuel tank.

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R Special Edition
Not only is the newly R-designated Ninja ZX-14R Special Edition new, but also immensely more powerful, with more character and finesse. The biggest revisions are an increase in engine displacement (1352cc to 1441cc), and the addition of KTRC Traction Control and a slipper clutch. The engine's dual gear-driven counter-balancer set-up has been optimised to work with the new mill's longer-stroke dimensions and crankshaft changes. There is plenty of polish and panache in the revamped suspension, brakes and bodywork. Combustion chamber shapes are surface-milled, intake ports are reshaped for maximum flow, and the intake valves are longer and more durable.

Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS
2012 marks the tenth anniversary of the V-Strom series since its introduction, and Suzuki's new and improved V-Strom 650 ABS is being touted as ‘The Comfortable Adventure Tourer'. Featuring a styling update, retuned engine and 13-pound (about 6kg) weight reduction, the model could easily live up to its epithet.

While enhancing the proven running performance and versatility of the current model, riding comfort has increased greatly. The new V-Twin 645cc engine features improved overall performance in the low-to-mid rpm range, and the revamped bodywork means better wind protection. Fuel economy and environmental performance have also been given a big boost. The most recognisable change is the refreshing styling, with finned black resin side cowlings anchoring the front end.

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure Triple Black
With three differing black tones, this bike can look stylish both in a corporate car park and mountain village. Combining the rugged looks of the R 1200 GS Adventure with the classic styling of Triple Black, the three understated colours — sapphire black, granite grey and asphalt grey — transform the appearance of the Telelever forks, DOHC Boxer engine, rear frame, Paralever swinging arm and iconic opposed cylinder head covers. The new model has a huge 33-litre fuel tank, higher windshield, an impressive arc of engine protection, spoke wheels and larger suspension travel making it ideal for on- and off-road expeditions. The new seat without the GS logo is also a premiere feature.

Harley-Davidson VRSCDX V-Rod Tenth Anniversary Edition
As a tribute to the original 2002 V-Rod, the tenth anniversary edition has a brilliant silver pearl bodywork with colour-matched frame, and extra chrome on the engine, exhaust and speed screen. It is powered by the latest version of the Revolution engine, a 1250cc liquid-cooled V-Twin with dual overhead camshafts, four-valve cylinder heads and electronic sequential port fuel injection (ESPFI). The power train is equipped with an assist and slip clutch, five-speed transmission and carbon-fibre drive belt.

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WEB CHECKLIST

Yamaha

Al Yousuf Motors

www.aym.ae
 

Ducati

Ducati UAE

www.ducati.ae
 

BMW

ADM Abu Dhabi Motors

www.bmw-abudhabi.com

AGMC Dubai

www.bmw-dubai.com

Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson, Abu Dhabi

www.harley-davidson-abu-

dhabi.com

Harley-Davidson, Dubai

www.harley-davidson- dubai. com

Kawasaki

Liberty Autos

www.libertykawasaki.com

Suzuki

Autosport LLC

www.uaesuzuki.com