The V Star 1300
from the cruiser fans at Star Motorcycles is among the early-release
2007 models.
First new models for 2007 begin breaking cover with
early releases from manufacturers
The big news always comes later in the year, when the
manufacturers start pulling the wraps off their newest models. But
running through the early-release press kits that start flowing this
time of year is a good way to warm up for what comes later.
And while the bulk of the early-release news consists of
continuing models, there are also several all-new motorcycles that just
happen to be ready for primetime before the rest of the lineup, such as
Star Motorcycles' new V Star 1300 and the new four-stroke motocrossers
from Suzuki, to name a couple of examples.
Here's a quick look at some of what's already been
unveiled for 2007.
Yamaha
Yamaha's cruiser division, Star Motorcycles, has rolled
out a new mid-sized cruiser called the V Star 1300 that features an
80-cubic-inch (1,304cc) liquid-cooled engine, fuel injection and
low-maintenance belt drive. The V Star Tourer adds sidebags, a passenger
backrest and a windshield as standard equipment.
-
 Dirty
news: Yamaha's WR250F and WR450F are both all new, with aluminum
frames, "wave" disc rotors, new radiators with bracing, and
full-function enduro race computers.
-
Scooter news: Need to combine maximum fuel
mileage with maximum carrying capacity? The C3 (left),
aimed at the younger crowd, hits the sweet spot with a
49cc, fuel-injected motor.
Suzuki
 For
2007, Suzuki has tinkered with its versatile DL650 V-Strom (right). Dual
spark plugs now light the mixture in each of the V-twin's cylinders, to
improve combustion and reduce emissions, and an anti-lock braking system
is available as an option. The do-it-all 650 is priced at $6,699 for
2007, or $7,199 with the ABS.
Also from Suzuki:
-
Motocross news: The 2007 RM-Z250 enters the
Motocross Lites battles with an all-new design from the knobbies up
to the titanium valves. For even more bling, try the 2007 RM-Z450
Carmichael Replica, styled to look like the first-ever four-stroke
to win the Amp'd Mobile AMA Supercross Series.
-
Scooter news: An all new Burgman 400 gets new
bodywork, a larger 14-inch front wheel, dual disc brakes up front
and an all-new fuel-injected DOHC engine.
-
Cruiser news: Last year's debut model, the Boulevard M109R
power cruiser, is slathered with new pearl white and deep red
color choices for 2007.
Honda
 Why should motocrossers have all the fun? Some features
from Honda's 2006 entry in the 250cc four-stroke class have been passed
on to the CRF250X (right), for the benefit of the competition enduro
crowd. The X gets new cylinder head porting, piston and rings borrowed
from the MXer, as well as changes to the carburetor, ignition mapping,
and lots of other details.
Also from Honda:
-
Cruiser news: Honda offers multiple low-cost ways to
get into the fun of the cruiser world with its 600cc Shadow VLX and
the 750cc Shadow Spirit and Shadow Aero.
-
Desert-racing news: The XR650R continues winning
trophies from Baja to Barstow. The 650cc racer is back for 2007 with
new graphics.
Kawasaki
Kawasaki just updated its motocrossers last year, but in
the world of whoops and doubles, the competition never sleeps. So for
2007, Team Green tweaked the engines in both the KX450F and the KX250F
for more low-end power.
 Also
from Kawasaki:
-
Cruiser news: The highway-ready, Vulcan 2000 Classic
LT (left), returns in a choice of two two-tone color schemes.
-
Dual-sport news: The KLR650, probably the most
common choice among riders planning a trip from Prudhoe Bay to
Tierra del Fuego, thumps into 2007 in your choice of Aztec red or
ebony.
-
Sport-commuter news: If you like to mix brisk
performance with thrifty gas mileage, Kawasaki offers multiple
middleweight options, including the return of the Ninja 500R.
KTM
The news so far from KTM focuses on the orange company's
XC line of off-road bikes.
Designed to handle both the rigors of motocross and the
rugged terrain of off-road, the XCs are built with versatility in mind.
Starting with the SX motocross line, KTM adds more compliant suspension,
an 18-inch rear wheel, a larger fuel tank, a CDI box with a smoother
ignition curve setting, an off-road-tuned exhaust and a high-output
stator (70 watts of lighting power).
 KTM
also has expanded its cross-country XC line for 2007. Additions include
the highly anticipated XC version of the 250 four-stroke motocrosser
(shown right;
read our
review). The full line includes 200cc, 250cc and 300cc two-strokes,
and 250cc and 450cc four-strokes with both close- and wide-ratio
transmission versions. There also are the 400XC-W and 525XC-W, which
only come in the wide-ratio versions.
© 2006, American Motorcyclist Association
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