Steve Parker Motoring / The Car Nut: MV AGUSTA, YAMAHA, BMW, HONDA ALL WITH NEW BIKES

Lots of new motorcycle news, including one bit which heralds the end of an era. Honda is ending the manufacture of motorcycles at their Ohio plant, and you can read more about that at the end of this posting. At the same time, Honda has just recently announced the sale of their DN-01 model in Japan, their all-new automatic transmission-equipped two-wheeler, a production model of a vehicle we first saw at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show (see, sometimes these things do make it into production). What follows are the photos and PR releases made available to us by Honda, BMW, Yamaha and the legendary MV Agusta, all about their new bikes. Enjoy!

Remember now, we're posting most of this using the manufacturer-supplied copy ... So keep that in mind when things get a bit too "hypee".

BMW K1000R

It's been long-rumored that BMW is considering a campaign in the Superbike racing world with a machine inspired by the bikes from Japan. In fact, test mules have been seen lapping racing circuits with Yamaha R6 bodywork, meaning that the chassis and engine are quite compact for this class. BMW has made liter-bikes (1000cc and more) before, but none have used the industry-standard chassis layout placing the four-cylinder engine transversely between the frame rails with chain-drive and upside-down forks. It will be interesting to see what engineering details BMW chooses to utilizes, because they never do anything exactly like everybody else. In point of fact, they usually do it before anyone else! The bike should make 190 horsepower or more to do battle in Superbike racing if they want to be competitive. Like the Aprilia RSV-4, the BMW will give riders, racers and spectators a few interesting story-lines when World Superbike starts its 2009 season.

2008 YAMAHA YZ-F R6

Light, powerful and bristling with knowledge gained from years of racing, the YZF-R6 is the most advanced production 600cc motorcycle Yamaha—or anybody else—has ever built. The YZF-R6 was the ﬁrst production motorcycle with a ﬂy-by-wire throttle system—for ﬂawless response under all conditions. YCC-I, Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake, introduced in 2007 on the R1, is now used on the R6 to vary intake tract length for excellent cylinder ﬁlling and a broader powerband. On the higher-revving R6, its beneﬁts are even more pronounced. Slipper-type back torque-limiting clutch greatly facilitates braking/downshifting from high speed.

New for 2008:
Over 50 friction-reducing strategies have been employed inside the engine, including the use of wider crank bearings. Upgraded fuel injection mapping for the YCC-T dual-injector system complements the higher compression ratio for great throttle response and reduced engine braking. A magnesium subframe removes weight from the rear of the motorcycle for increased mass centralization. All-new frame takes handling to the next level, allowing more precise turn-in, greater corner speed, and tighter exits. Thicker headpipe-headstock and swingarm pivot area walls, and elimination of the frame crossmember, help achieve perfect balance. New swingarm has internal ribs added, and extruded section is now forged to work with the new frame. Revised outer fork tubes, a new lower triple clamp, and increased fork offset provide highly tactile front-end feedback.

Moving the rider and bars forward and slightly lower enhances braking and turn-in performance. Clip-ons are also lower and re-angled. Front discs are 310 x 5mm instead of 4.5mm for increased cooling qualities. Increased fork height adjustability and rear ride-height adjustment range accommodate a greater range of riders and tires. Revised bodywork results in even greater aerodynamic efficiency.

MV AGUSTA BRUTALE 910R SPECIAL EDITIONS

Italian Motorcycle manufacturer MV Agusta is to add two new limited addition versions of its new Brutale 910 R naked bikes in conjunction with two of Southern Europe’s most stylish design companies. The already announced Hydrogen Brutale 910 R, in conjunction with clothing manufacturer Hydrogen will be joined by a Wally Brutale 910 R, both with stunning visuals and a LOT of mid range. When we first saw the name: "Wally", well, we had our doubts. We first thought someone at another website or blog was having a bit of a joke on everyone, but then remembered that no one at any other blog or website is smart or funny enough to think that up.

But apparently there is indeed an outfit called Wally, based in Monaco, and it makes custom-to-order yachts for ex-F1 drivers, failed royalty and all the other Euro-trash regularly dropping anchor (and who knows what else) in Monte Carlo. Only 100 of each model (Hydrogen, Wally) will be produced, offering a degree of exclusivity and to help retain the value of the machines. Thank goodness.

HONDA DN-01 MOTORCYCLE WITH HTF (HUMAN-FRIENDLY TRANSMISSION)

Honda Motor, Co., Ltd. announced that sales of the DN-01 large sports cruiser will begin in Japan on Friday, March 7.

The unique, low-styling body features a liquid-cooled four-stroke 680cc OHC V-twin engine that resonates power and a new automatic transmission, the Human-Friendly Transmission (HFT), that delivers superior throttle response for comfort even on long rides, and simple operation with no need for clutch use, allowing sporty riding.

Featuring Honda's innovative lockup-equipped, infinitely variable hydraulic mechanical transmission the HFT is claimed to deliver superb throttle response and a direct drive feel.In short, the DN-01 offers totally new sensations in sports riding unheard of in conventional sports models. The relatively low 690 mm seat height offers a relaxed riding position, along with a comfortable passenger seat. Ownership satisfaction comes from the elegant styling and the overall high-quality fit and finish. The DN-01 is a sports cruiser with new value aimed at the discriminating adult rider.

The DN-01 takes its name from the phrase "Discovery of a New Concept," after Honda’s desire to develop a new concept motorcycle. Since its exhibition as a concept model at the 39th Tokyo Motor Show in 2005, Honda has been working toward the market launch of the DN-01, efforts that resulted in the machine being exhibited at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show in 2007 as a model scheduled for release. (Photo below - Flat 6-cylinder GL1800 Honda Gold Wing; and yep, it has a reverse gear).

AND FINALLY ... IT IS TRULY THE END OF AN ERA ...

It was Honda's first production facility in the USA; boy, how things have changed since then! Honda is moving its Ohio motorcycle production to Japan, but vows to retain all 450 employees that work in its Marysville, Ohio, motorcycle plant; Gold Wing touring machines were made there. Those bikes, with their Flat 6-cylinder engines, left nothing to chance. Yes, even a "reverse" gear was (a necessary) part of the fun. The Ohio motorcycle plant opened in 1979 and was updated in 2006. Honda has made no decision on what it will do with that plant when production stops in spring 2009. The plant workers represent about 3 percent of Honda’s total work force of 15,000 in Ohio.