... as reported all over the internet.

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BMW K1600R rumors start

Concept 6 may become a reality.
It was always inevitable that, having released the K1600GT and GTL, rumors would begin suggesting that BMW is planning more machines based on the new six-cylinder engine. And now those rumours are up and running at full speed on various web forums.
The six cylinder motor was first shown in the naked Concept 6, so it's no surprise that the most heavily suggested follow-up to the K1600GT is an unfaired “R” version, effectively replacing the K1300R. When the Concept 6 was originally shown two years ago, its designer David Robb admitted he'd like to see something similar in production but that there were no plans to build it at that time.
However, since concept bikes are made specifically to provoke a reaction from potential customers, giving their makers a steer about future model direction, it makes sense that such a machine should be in the firm's thoughts.

Certainly the straight-six engine would appear to suit a naked bike that could flaunt its cylinders more openly than the demure K1600GT and GTL, and the motor's torque-heavy state of tune would also work well in a naked machine.
However, since the new six is actually less powerful than the older four-cylinder “K” engine (160bhp in the K1600GT vs 173bhp for the K1300R), it might need re-tuning to beat its predecessor should a six-cylinder naked machine become avalilable.
Of course, if there was to be a K1600R, then it would make sense to create a K1600S as well, leaving no room at the inn for the old 1300cc four-cylinder motor.

But... The K1600GT starts at £15,300, a full £1800 more than the old K1300GT (which it effectively replaces, as well as superseding the mammoth K1200LT). Would it be possible to make a six-cylinder machine that could match, or even come close to, the K1300R's £10,450 price? And would the bigger engine offer a significant advantage over the existing four? Finally, could a six-cylinder BMW out-pose and out-muscle the Ducati Diavel that's scrambled the “big naked” market this year?

Rumours or not, the chances are that should a naked six cylinder appear it won't be until 2013 at the earliest. BMW already has a full plate when it comes to new projects, with a 700cc scooter and a new R1200GS in the works for 2012, plus plans to re-enter the cruiser market that it deserted seven years ago when the R1200C was discontinued.

Source: www.visordown.com

Husqvarna reveals new 900cc parallel twin road bike engine

Husqvarna has unveiled a new 900cc engine based around the BMW F800 engine that will power the first of five new road bikes being launched in the next five years.
Husqvarna revealed the bold new road bike plans to MCN just three weeks ago and revealed the firm was already well underway with road bike development thanks to the backing and finance of parent firm BMW.
The 900cc engine (exact capacity is not being revealed) is almost certainly a longer stroke version of the 798cc parallel twin which produces a claimed 85bhp in the F800. Husqvarna isn’t letting any other information out at this stage other than claiming a 'reasonable increase in power and torque' but we would expect around 100bhp to be the claimed engine power.

Husqvarna's statement reads: "Husqvarna has reached a significant milestone in its long history by developing a street bike that will create an innovative new riding concept. This will focus on a unique combination of performance and versatility, with the pleasure and fun of riding the machine.

"For this ambitious project to be successful, selecting the best engine set-up had to be of primary importance. The joint decision taken with BMW’s engine development team in Munich was to go for the highly reliable and technologically advanced BMW F 800 R's  800cc twin-cylinder engine. This would then be adapted to the specific needs of Husqvarna’s new bike concept.

"The engine capacity has been upgraded to 900cc and many of the main components have been reworked to meet specific needs. This allows a reasonable increase in power and torque, which translates into an outstanding and fun riding experience."

Source: www.motorcyclenews.com

MV Agusta Brutale 990R for 150 Years of Italian Unification

MV Agusta is helping Italy celebrate the 150 year absence of Italian city-state fiefdoms with, you guessed it, a custom-painted limited edition motorcycle. A fairly standard operation procedure from old MV Agusta that seemingly has found its way into new MV Agusta, it’s things like this that make us weary as to whether the Italian motorcycle manufacturer has a little bit of a history re-repeating problem.

Now that we’ve gotten that rant out of our system, the MV Agusta Brutale 990R that the company has done up with a special 150 Year Unification paint job is quite stunning, and all the appropriate drool-worthy remarks should be made about its tri-color aesthetic.
If you’re interested, one of 150 can be had for the tidy sum of €15,890, which is only a €350 premium over the standard MV Agusta Brutale 990R — the limited edition plaquered on the steering column is totally worth it though. Just joking, but the tri-color paint decals might be though, and come on a red, white, or black painted Brutale 990R.

Source: MV Agusta / www.asphaltandrubber.com

Changes in Ducati North America Management

More management changes at Ducati North America, as Dominique Cheraki has taken on the newly created position of General Manager, to help CEO Cristiano Silei in the day-to-day duties of running Ducati’s US, Canada, and Mexico operations.
It’s been our understanding that Silei has been filling-in with his interim-CEO duties from Italy, so Cheraki’s appointment should put some direct leadership on US soil, and help fill the day-to-day operations at Ducati North America. This announcement also means that Cristiano Silei will be DNA’s full-time CEO, and no longer an interim role for the Italian.
“It is an honor to arrive in my new position with the company I have loved for so many years,” said Cheraki. “I look forward to settling into my new position and further contributing to the tremendous success story that our North American business has been through these past few quarters.”
Cheraki had been Ducati’s Managing Director in the Ducati West Europe subsidiary before this engagement. With Ducati since 1998, Charaki first got his start with the company at Ducati France. From there, Cheraki oversaw the brand operations in Benelux and Scandinavia, and was part of the process in merging those subsidiaries in January 2010 to form the new Ducati West Europe organization.
Ducati North America is also announcing other new strategic hires to help fill its Cupertino office. Fifteen-year motorcycle industry veteran Christopher Pearson has joined Ducati North America as Commercial Director for Canada, and will lead Canadian sales & marketing activities.
Tom Buttleman has been appointed as the North American Network Development Manager, and has been tasked with further strengthening the dealer network and managing the brand’s retail identity. Lastly, Ryan Speer has taken on the role of Dealer Marketing Coordinator , and will be working with the dealer network in order to directly support their Ducati marketing activities.

Source: Ducati North America