Cayenne World announced today that they have been awarded 3 new blue chip brands from Italy’s Piaggio group, Aprillia, Moto Guzzi and Derbi we be added to their portfolio from January 2015. It has been the talk of the town over the last few months on who would get these brands in South Africa, previously owned by KMSA who were recently dropped by the Piaggio group.  When this all happened a few months back, most people in the know knew exactly who would be awarded the agency the general story from the motorcycle fraternity was it will go to Cayenne World.

“This made good sense for these brands to go to Cayenne as there are not many operations in South Africa that can really make magic for any brand, said Roger Mc Cleery. “One just needs to look at their track record and huge success’s with all their exotic brands they hold and how they have turned them around in this country, their outstanding sales plus their exclusive financial deals that have been unheard of in the industry before.” “The Cayenne Group has been known and recognized over the years for its pioneering of innovative and outstanding motorcycle finance packages.”

“Cayenne has also been the recipient of a number of awards for outstanding achievements. These include the Wesbank Awards for the best performing Leisure Dealer in South Africa, which they received seven years running, 2007 – 2013, winning the overall platinum award for the automotive industry again this year and for the 3rd time in a row, this is really no mean achievement.” said McCleery

Cayenne World will have the full popular model range of all these brands and some new models that have never made it to South Africa in the past; they will officially start trading on the 1^st of January 2015

“We are extremely excited about these new brands for the group and will run our normal strategy and mission with all 3 brands as we do with all our brands making motorcycle ownership more affordable to all,” said Craig Langton co-owner and sales director of Cayenne World.

“Our brand new FlexiFin package will automatically be included in the deal for these brands, we have also already extended the workshop and are looking at other new options, our technical team are no strangers to Italian superbikes as we already have the MV Agusta and Bimota brands in our stable, plus we have the famous TEXA agency whose equipment is solely used in our workshop,” said Langton

For more information about Aprillia, Moto Guzzi and Derbi call Cayenne on 011 244 1900

These are the first official images of the new BMW S1000XR, which combines the 160bhp from the S1000R but wraps it in an adventure bike layout to take on the likes of the Ducati Multistrada 1200 and Kawasaki Versys 1000.

BMW have confirmed that the new XR will be fitted with ABS and traction control as standard, but bizarrely owners will have to cough up extra money on top of the basic price if they want to use all of the electronic rider aids the bike is capable of delivering, by buying the optional ‘Pro’ riding modes. In standard trim, the XR has Rain and Road riding modes and a standard version of the firm’s Automatic Stability Control (ASC).

Road riding mode includes anti-wheelie and a direct throttle response while Rain is aimed at lower grip road conditions and has a softer throttle response along with the anti-wheelie control, too. Opt for the Pro settings and owners will be able to unlock the extra Dynamic and Dynamic Pro riding modes, along with ABS Pro – which works while the bike is braking and leant over in corners. The package will also add Dynamic Traction Control, which includes a lean angle sensor to detect and manage wheelspin while accelerating out of corners.

The engine is taken almost unchanged from the S1000R roadster, which was launched at the start of this year, which is an RR motor detuned to 160bhp from the 195bhp in the fully-faired superbike, and delivers a healthy 83lbft of peak torque. An optional Quickshifter Pro is also available on the XR, which will enable the rider to shift up and down the gearbox without using the clutch. The retuning of the RR motor was in the pursuit of nicer road manners, increased torque and this has been brought about thanks to redesigned cylinderhead porting, reduced valve lift and a reduction in maximum revs by 2000rpm.

New chassis and swingarm
Despite appearing very similar to the naked S1000R, the new XR model actually gets an all-new bespoke chassis and swingarm which have been designed to give a handling characteristic more suited to this type of crossover adventure-sports bike. 

The twin-spar aluminium perimeter frame is built from four sections to include the steering head, engine and swingarm mounts plus the two side sections. The subframe has been made stronger than those of S1000R and RR, so it can carry both luggage and a pillion more easily.

The steering head angle is less aggressive than that of the S1000RR and the trail is longer which, combined with the 65mm longer double-sided swingarm, has increased the overall wheelbase to 1548mm which is 109mm longer than the S1000RR as this bike chases calm road manners rather than track orientated sharp handling.

Styling
The links to the other models in the S1000 range in terms of styling are clear to see; the asymmetrical front lights aren’t immediately obvious but they are there inside the symmetrical shape of the housing to keep the same style as the other bikes in the range.

The side panels have hints of the superbike to the gills on the right side and the cutaway on the left side of the bike too. At the front is a beak, which almost certainly works to reduce front end lift at high speeds which can otherwise cause instability in these high-powered adventure bikes, and is shared with the 2015 RR. A separate low-mounted mudguard keeps road spray off the bike and a standard fit steering damper helps keep it all under control.

Practicality
BMW are promising the S1000XR is going to be a bike for all occasions, but despite the long-travel suspension and adventure styling of the model, it’s clear this bike has no pretensions of off-road ability, and is fitted with 17 inch wheels front and rear. If you want a true adventure bike, we’ve heard the firm’s R1200GS is pretty handy.

The XR does have up to 30mm more ground clearance than its S1000 siblings, and the riding position, handlebars and seat-to-pegs relationship is all about rider and pillion comfort rather than lap times. It has also been designed from the outset to accomodate hard-mounted luggage, including a topbox, panniers and a tankbag. The windscreen is height adjustable, too.

Dashboard
The LCD dash promises a mix of sporty and practical touches and has a lot of potential information on display including revs, speed, gear position, riding mode selected, mileage, two trip meters, fuel level, range, average consumption and speed, a lap timer, shift light (with adjustable brightness) and a clock. The cockpit also gets a 12v socket for charging accessories.

What happens when you have a Russian carpenter that has plenty of time on his hands due to a shortage of work? Well its seems that you end up with a wooden motorbike if that carpenter is Yuri Hvtisishvili.

Yuri Hvtisishvili wanted to do something to occupy himself when he ran short of work during a slow period. Along with having a passion for carpentry, he also has a love of Soviet motorbikes and so he gave himself the challenge of carving a full scale model of such a motorbike.

He chose the IL-49 due to its very distinctive seating and the gas tank and hand carved every part of the motorcycle himself, including all the small bolts and other intricate details. In short he made every single inch and part of the bike from scratch using beech and pine wood.

The project took the master carpenter four months to complete from start to finish and there is very little doubt that he is very skilled in his work. You can see in the pictures that he has carved everything from the spokes on the wheel to the tread on the tires, with the tank having a panel that opens on the top and a speedometer with needle.

Honda calls this a "prototype," but it really is their RC213V MotoGP racer with a license plate and a headlight. That's insane, and it's ready for production. 

Lucikly, that's all you really need to know, because this really is just an RC213V with road legal bits. Our Honda insider tells us that the bike is equipped with a 1,000cc V4 complete with the same bore and stroke as the racer — 81x48.5mm.

As a sign of how serious this motorcycle is, those remote-reservoir forks are SBK-level Ohlins FGR items. How fancy are they? Well if you tried to buy them yourself, they'd cost you $13,000. Yes, that comma is in the right place.

One of the most interesting features are the small headlights mounted inside the RC213V's distinctive "mouth" air intake. Apparently, these pop out for track use.

Expect to see full specs and an eye watering price announced soon. 

The new Honda CBR 300 R is a huge step up the Super Sport ladder for Honda there is heaps more power and torque, improved throttle response, all the new features following in line with its larger brother the CBR 1000 RR.

“It’s a true sporting lightweight that offers much of the excitement of a bigger machine and more with access to every last scrap of performance for maximum enjoyment. For the less experienced rider, it offers a great platform from which to hone riding skills and is much more affordable in every respect.” said Craig Langton co-owner and sales director of Cayenne Honda.

“To celebrate this new model we have an opening launch price of R 56 900 plus a free helmet to the first 10 customers”

Launched in 2011, the CBR250R has provided the perfect entry point into Honda’s CBR range. Its compact size, single-cylinder engine, and CBR family look, underscored by typically strong Honda build quality, have earned it a key position in Honda’s Super Sport line-up.

For 2014 though, Honda’s engineers returned to the drawing board, the result the all new Honda CBR300R.

The CBR300R was conceived with two major objectives, to provide the rider access to more power and torque as well as a much stronger CBR identity. The liquid-cooled engine is now 286 cc, which is achieved through a longer stroke. Increased capacity is only one part of the equation and the CBR300R has received a series of upgrades to take full advantage of this increased power and torque. Work centred on the engine’s throttle response and power delivery, while a new CBR500R-style exhaust on the 300 provides both an aesthetic and functional upgrade.

CBR1000RR served as the design inspiration for the CBR300R’s new look. Dual headlights closely mimic the bigger bike and aggressive styling for the fairing, fuel tank and seat are unmistakably CBR. Attention to detail remained important and the under cowl was also colour-matched to add a premium feel.

Compared to larger capacity twin-cylinder machines, the CBR300R is a more compact, lighter and more manageable package for both new and experienced riders, with significantly lower purchase and running costs complementing its flexible and accessible performance.

The CBR300R’s DOHC 4-valve engine retains its 76 mm bore, but stroke is increased 8 mm to 63 mm to create the larger 286cc capacity. Compression ratio remains 10.7:1 and peak power of 22.7kW arrives at 8,500rpm with peak torque of 27Nm at 7,250rpm. This is a significant increase over the CBR250R’s output readings of 19.4kW @ 8,500rpm and 23.8Nm @ 7,000rpm.

Countering extra vibration resulting from the longer stroke, the balancer shaft is heavier and the engine’s frame mounts are stronger. The PGM-FI fuel injection with its 38 mm throttle bore has been remapped to focus on crisp throttle response through the rev range. A new CBR500R-inspired muffler design with larger internal volume adds big bike style and a pleasing exhaust note.

The CBR300R’s single-cylinder power plant offers many benefits for any rider because the number of moving parts is kept to an absolute minimum. The engine is more fuel efficient, and small details like the low-friction piston rings and iridium spark plug help reduce running costs.

Acceleration is greatly improved thanks to the larger capacity, and the six-speed gearbox’s final drive ratio has been lengthened for more efficient highway speed cruising, it can cover over 390 km on one fill-up of the 13-litre fuel tank.

The mechanical simplicity of the engine also reduces servicing costs, which is another essential element in creating a problem-free ownership experience. The compact size also helps create a bike that is lighter and more manageable than a multi-cylinder, and allows it be positioned perfectly within the chassis for ideal front/rear weight distribution.

For the 2014 CBR300R, styling cues are taken directly from the Super Sport range-topping CBR1000RR with an angular silhouette and aggressive full fairing, colour-matched under cowl, dual headlights and steeply raked rear seat unit.

The riding position has been subtly altered – while seat height remains 785 mm, ground reach has been improved with a narrower, re-shaped seat. For a sleeker look both mirrors sit on shorter arms.

A steel diamond twin-spar frame provides the backbone of the CBR300R’s chassis and features a rigidity balance carefully tuned to provide both a sporty dynamic in corners and stability at speed. Rake is set at 25°05? with trail of 98 mm and wheelbase of 1,380 mm; kerb weight is a class-leading 164 kg.

The 37 mm telescopic forks and Pro-Link rear mono shock provide well-damped, reactive suspension that transmits plenty of feel to the rider. Cast aluminium wheels with a superb selection of rubber provide a good combination of grip and agility.

Stopping power for the 2014 CBR 300 R is provided by, 296 mm disc/two piston caliper on the front and 220 mm disc/single-piston caliper on the rear.

For more information on the new CBR 300 R call Cayenne on 011 244 1900 

Arriving soon in South Africa is the new breath taking MV Agusta Stradale 800 with its new approved race bred braking, awesome acceleration and lots more. Different situations that used to require different motorcycles, but not anymore, the MV Agusta 800 Stradale has re written the rules. As MV Agusta say it's the right motorcycle every time, whatever the road and conditions.

The new Stradale 800 combines the MV Agusta experience on various types of models to offer an original approach to riding, the ALS steel trellis frame is completed, in the single-sided swingarm

pivot area, with lightweight aluminium alloy plates. To ensure the Stradale 800 keeps going no matter what the obstacle is ahead, great attention has gone into the design of the suspension: the upside-down Marzocchi forks, adjustable in compression, rebound and spring pre-load which guarantees 150 mm of travel, the single-sided swingarm, connected to the fully adjustable monoshock, provides 150 mm of travel on the rear.

The chassis has been developed specifically for the Stradale 800, the 1460 mm wheelbase has been extended by 30 mm; consequently, the single-sided swingarm is also longer, improving the overall traction.

The riding position is completely new, with the new 870 mm high seat, making the bike easier to handle and improves the rider's stance on the vehicle to provide enhanced control and comfort.

The front end has been equipped with a protective Plexiglas screen featuring an on-the-go one-handed adjustment that merges perfectly with the unique Stradale 800 style. The fuel tank is now larger increased to 16 litres plus 4 litres of reserve.

Completing the package is the outstanding thermodynamic engine performance, ensuring plenty of kilometres between refuelling stops. The hydraulic clutch makes gear shifts fluid and even, for completely carefree riding.

The standard equipment includes two side panniers, perfectly in keeping with the Stradale 800 style, they also feature built-in turn indicators. This solution, which required specific type approval, gives an immediate advantage from behind; the entire width of the bike is clearly visible, as it is from the front and both sides, where the turn indicators on the hand guards serve the same purpose.

 The 798 cc three cylinder in-line engine was specially developed for this model the maximum power and torque ratings are, 115 hp at 11,000 rpm and 78.5 Nm at 9,000 rpm respectively, the power unit that combines elasticity with outstanding acceleration and exclusive solutions are abound, such as the counter-rotating crankshaft, which reduces inertia during directional changes and makes for a more agile, gratifying ride, the bike also has an integrated cooling and oil circuit to keep it compact, lightweight and appealing.

Electronic MVICS (Motor & Vehicle Integrated Control System) control is comprehensive: from the Ride by Wire accelerator to the Mikuni throttle bodies, from knock control to the availability of 4 new engine maps. These features offer specific logic and dedicated power-torque curves, the Sport map provides 115 hp, maximising performance and generating the classic buzz typical of any true MV Agusta. The Normal map offers 90 hp of power and a smoother throttle response, ideal for short range touring and commuting. Rain means safety first and foremost: The Stradale 800 puts the torque and power down on the tarmac as progressively as possible. The ABS has a Bosch 9 Plus unit equipped with RLM (Rear wheel Lift-up Mitigation): this technology prevents the rear wheel from lifting off the ground, effectively preventing one of the most dangerous riding situations.

Arrival of the Stradale 800’s is towards the end on the year and the price will be announced later

For more information call Cayenne on 011 244 1900 

In addition to the all-new R1 that Valentino Rossi wheeled onto the stage during Yamaha’s 2015 model unveil at the EICMA show in Milan, Italy, the Japanese manufacturer also introduced its limited-edition 2015 R1M. Much like the limited-edition R1 models of yesteryear, the 2015 R1M gets the Öhlins treatment and a long list of other upgrades aimed at increased on-track performance. The fun hardly ends at the front fork, however, as in addition to the Electronic Racing Suspension (ERS) you also get carbon fibre bodywork, higher-spec Bridgestone tires, and a Communication Control Unit (CCU).

The R1M’s Suspension Control Unit (SCU) makes adjustments to the Öhlins suspension based on the data it’s continually gathering from the bike’s six-axis IMU and various sensors. The goal, as is the case with the electronic suspension on BMW’s new S 1000 RR, is to provide added stability under braking and increased traction on corner exits through changes to the rebound and compression damping. The ERS has Automatic and Manual modes, and within each of these two modes there is a selection of three different base settings, which enables you to fine-tune the bike for different tracks or conditions. In Manual mode, the system does not make adjustments to the settings, but rather sticks to your predetermined setup. Seat height is 5mm taller than on the stock model, a result of the new suspension.

The R1M gets carbon fibre bodywork and a polished aluminium tank. Interestingly, it weighs the same as the standard R1.

Yamaha claims that you can even adjust suspension with its Communication Control Unit, a user-friendly interface that allows you to communicate with the Yamaha Ride Control (YRC) through an Android app. The CCU also has a data logging function that enables you to record your data (lap times, speed, throttle position, GPS, lean angle, and more) and review it after your riding session, on a wireless tablet.

The R1M’s bodywork is made entirely of carbon fibre, while its fuel tank has a polished aluminium finish, not unlike the Panigale R Ducati debuted two years back. The paint is a metallic-looking silver with racing blue accents, whereas the wheels are blue and wrapped in special-compound Bridgestone tires in 200/55-ZR17 size at the rear and 120/70-ZR17 size at the front.

Applications for the limited-edition YZF-R1M can be submitted starting on December 1, 2014 and while there was no official word of exactly how many models will hit US shores, it was said that distributors will use their discretion when managing the allocation of R1M models. Yamaha has of course sweetened the pot by inviting each R1M owner to one of its Yamaha Racing Experience (YRE) events (of which there are four in July 2015, all across Europe). Here, R1M owners will have access to on-track training and technicians who can provide race set-up advice.

http://www.sportrider.com/sportbikes/2015-yamaha-yzf-r1-first-look?dom=sri&loc=rightrail&lnk=IMG

http://www.yamaha.co.za/

German vehicles group Daimler is in advanced talks to take a minority stake in Italian motorcycle manufacturer MV Agusta, a source in Italy familiar with the situation said on Tuesday. The source said no deal had been finalised but it could involve Daimler buying a stake of 20 to 25 percent and helping the company expand outside Italy, where it makes one fifth of its sales, through an investment plan.

The source said MV Agusta was not looking for a financial investor but an industrial partner that can help it expand overseas. Daimler and MV Agusta declined to comment.

“This was mentioned in our talks with the Italian factory, said Craig Langton DP for MV Agusta SA and the Cayenne Group. MV Agusta is a very successful brand and grows its sales year after year; however the buy in from Daimler can only improve their current status and give them the edge over their competitor’s world wide”

German daily Sueddeutsche Zeitung said earlier on Tuesday that Daimler would buy a 25 percent stake via its AMG performance cars unit for around 30 million euros ($39 million), with an option to raise its holding in exchange for further investments, citing financial sources in Milan. A deal could be signed as early as next week, it added.

Buying a stake in Agusta would give Daimler access to a range of high-performance three-cylinder engines which the Italian company has developed for its superbikes.

Interest in these lighter gasoline-fuelled engines has increased as tougher anti-pollution rules force automakers to use lightweight technology, including for compact engines used in hybrid vehicles.

Earlier this month Daimler said it would introduce 10 new hybrid vehicles by 2017. Volkswagen's sports car unit Audi bought rival motorbike maker Ducati from Italian private equity investor Investindustrial in 2012, when Daimler denied media reports that it was also interested in buying Ducati.

Family-owned Agusta said last year it was seeking funding for an ambitious expansion plan which included the possibility of listing on the stock market. The Castiglioni family which owns Agusta hired Giorgio Girelli, a former chief executive of Banca Generali to help push expansion plans and a possible listing. Recent stock-market volatility has however made listing on the stock exchange more difficult.

A legendary name in motorcycling, MV Agusta won no fewer than 75 world championship rider and constructor titles before largely disappearing in the 1970 and making a comeback in 2014

Its rebirth in 1992 under motorcycle entrepreneur Claudio Castiglioni and renowned designer Massimo Tamburini created the F4 superbike, one of which belonged to King Juan Carlos of Spain and was loaned out to the Guggenheim Museum for an exhibit.

In the past 10 years, however, the brand has repeatedly come under financial duress and gone through several owners that included Harley-Davidson and Malaysian state-owned carmaker Proton. It was bought back in 2010 by Castiglioni shortly before he died, and is now run by his son.

Both MV Agusta and Ducati also compete with Italy's other major sports bike maker Aprilia, a unit of Piaggio. 

KMSA Distributors is to discontinue the importation and distribution of Aprilia and Moto Guzzi motorcycles and parts in South Africa.

The Italian brands have been part of KMSA’s product line since 2007 and 2012 respectively, while the company has been the sole importer of Kawasaki products in Southern Africa for 37 years, and took on the burgeoning Triumph motorcycle and accessory brand two decades ago.

“Earlier this year we also acquired the Sym scooter distribution rights and within six months, sales exceeded the best results of the previous importers over the twenty years Sym has been in the country,” says KMSA’s MD, Chris Speight. “With Kawasaki, Triumph and Sym all being well-established mainstream brands we felt that the Italian machines that appeal to a small niche market were tying up too large a portion of our resources.

On 5th June this year we informed Piaggio & C. SpA, who own both Aprilia and Moto Guzzi, of our decision to relinquish the brands, but undertook that we would continue honouring and managing warranties and providing parts for the bikes in South Africa until such time a successor has been appointed. In line with KMSA’s ethical business practices it was deemed that this would be the correct way forward without compromising Aprilia and Moto Guzzi’s brand integrity or customer confidence and expectations. No new South African distributor has as yet been appointed. 

by Ian Groat 

Tucked away in the race programme at Goodwood is the two part Barry Sheene Memorial race. It is set over sixteen laps per day and features two riders per team to contest the trophy and it has a Le Mans type start and last year South Africa was represented by Team Incomplete’ with Jimmie Guthrie and Peter Labuschagne who posted a mid-finish to the race. This years race however morphs into machines produced way back in the early fifties and with 31 teams set to do battle on long stroke Manx Nortons and early Triumph Twins as well as only one four cylinder Gilera came out to play.

This year it was the turn of Australian aces Beau Beaton and Craig McMartin who brought a super swift 1948 Vincent Rapide from KH?Equipment to put the cat among pigeons in the normal Manx Norton pecking order winning list.  There were also noteable world champions in the entry list in the form of Kevin Schwantz, Micheal Rutter, Troy Corser and Steve Plator.

Practice and race days were held in unusually balmy autumn weather conditions and the Vincent took pole for the first leg after a frantic start which saw Irish super star Jeremy Williams suffer a fall on the track to damage the 1952 Manx front forks irrepairably.  After the rider change the mighty Vincent which had an extra 50 horse power advantage over the competition disappeared into the blue yonder. With both riders overcoming the bikes refusal to brake well around any corner, Steve Plator, former TT winner and commentator rode a solid stint with Glen English to take second after a huge scrap with Scott Smart for the podium places. The motorcycle news tester, Adam Child scooped fourth on a Matchless C80 from 1954.

With the Vincent’s obvious superiority and despite its huge size and weight, the organisers let a later 1961 Manx into the second leg, ridden by Jeremy McWilliams and Duncan Fitchet. This machine was to produce the race scap of the weekend. Troy Corser struck trouble with the Sebastian Gutsch 1937 BMW R5 SS and was out of the first race. Also side lined was the Gilera of Brian Richards as all types of mechanical mayhem struck these old clunkers from 70 years ago

In the second leg the Vincent 1000 didn’t have it all its own way for the nimbler 1961 Barbour Norton Manx harassed and out rode the bigger machine time and time again to bring the crowds to their feet and despite winning by a wheel as they crossed the line for the checquered flag and ominous puff of blue smoke saw the Rapide blow up its gear box. However, despite that they took the overall win for the two part trophy race. Second was the Fred Walmsley Manx Norton from 1953 with Plator and English on board. While Child and Ling road a brilliant race to scoop the final podium position in another race where some  favorites fell by the way with mechanical failure in the least of  the moment.

The Schwantz/o’ Connor Manx Norton brought all the way from New Zealand by ace Turner MacIntosh took a well deserved fourth in the memorial final placings in a race that featured bikes that started their lives some 75 years ago and are still very fast, even by modern standards.