As we write this the Tokyo motor show has been history for months, and the eicmA show in milan closed awhile back, too. But the international motorcycle show is in the thick of its u.s. run, so we culled the highlights of them all here.
At tokyo, Honda pimped a nearproduction-ready version of the sleek DN-01 tourer, first presented as a concept bike two years ago. the heart of the technically complex 680cc V-twin is a stepless variable-ratio transmission that uses hydraulic pressure to transfer the power.
Past the starship enterprise styling you'll see glimpses of a fairly run-of-the mill sport-tourer, with cruiserish elements like forwardmounted position-adjustable floorboards and a fairing. An lcD/leD instrument panel gives the cockpit a high-tech feel, and ABs bolsters the safety quotient along with what Honda says is a low center of gravity and a long 63.2-inch wheelbase. in fact Honda's touting the low 27.2-inch seat height to appeal to less experienced riders. the only question is, will u.s. riders ever see it?
Meanwhile in milan, moto Guzzi let everyone get a look at the new Griso roadster, the first Guzzi to receive the italian firm's virtually all-new and potent eight-valve version of its transverse V-twin powerplant. the engine is 80 percent new, up to 1151 cc from 1064 cc, and features newly styled cylinders and head covers. there are also small tweaks to the exhaust and brakes, and the handlebars are narrower and the seat reprofiled, but the Griso's classy, bullish, heavyweight character still comes through.
Retro lovers will also find the new V7 a refreshing sight, even if its 50-hp Breva 750 powerplant doesn't really do it justice. the original '67 Guzzi V7 was one of italy's first musclebikes, while this model is pretty much an entry-level machine
Yamaha has taken the retro path as well. its sakura concept is a beautiful upright-style "standard" powered by a classically configured 1000cc V-twin. The cylinder heads have a traditional shape reminiscent of older Brit bikes, and the dual rear shocks, tubular steel frame and wire-spoke wheels continue the theme. yamaha claims the machine is lightweight and easy to handle with a low seat height, and we've heard folks speculate that the sakura should have a torquey powerband as well.
Back in the u.s. at the international motorcycle show in southern california, yamaha-er, star-unveiled the latest step on the road toward the next V-max. star says this artistic representation signifies the continued development and progress on the next generation of the iconic V-max model (originally released in 1985). the cast-metal concept rendering is based on the theme "Awakens," a symbol of the determination to bring the new V-max to life, which the firm assures us "is closer to becoming a reality than you think." see more details at motorcyclecruiser.com
-Andrew Cherney
Yamaha Sakura |  |  Guzzi's new eight-valve V...  Guzzi's new eight-valve V-twin |