D. Brent Miller

October 7, 2012

Oh, oh! A 2014 V-Strom DL1000 concept

It must be the turning economy for the manufacturers to be putting out new motorcycles. BMW is producing a water-cooled boxer engine and now, when everyone thought the Suzuki DL1000 was history and they were just cleaning out inventory, the company announces a concept bike for 2014 … with pictures at the German motorcycle show Intermot.

Here is their press announcement and photos from Global Suzuki.

Concept model V-Strom 1000 Concept

The V-Strom 1000 Concept is a reference exhibit model based on the spirit shared with the Sport Enduro Tourer, the V-Strom 650 ABS which is favored especially in Europe and North America. It is equipped with a newly designed 1000cm³ V-twin engine, aluminum chassis, radial mount front brake caliper, ABS, traction control, and specially designed side and top cases. The styling design of the V-Strom 1000 Concept is inspired by the 1988 DR750S, Suzuki’s first big on/off-road machine. With plan to launch it as a 2014 model, it will offer some of the best parts of the adventure bike such as the versatility, the fun of riding, and comfortable long distance travel.

Pressekonferenz: Suzuki, Neuheit: V-Storm 1000, Motorrad, Halle 7

Intermot

Intermot is one of the biggest global motorcycle shows. It will be followed next month by EICMA held in Italy. All the new models show up at these shows, whether the motorcycles come to North America or not.

Is the 2014 V-Strom 1000 a game changer?

See you on the highway.

Brent

October 6, 2012

Breakfast at the Hangar Cafe

Whenever, I’m in the Phoenix area, I like to get at least one breakfast at the Hangar Café at the Chandler Airport. The food is great. The view is fantastic with all those airplanes tied down or taxiing by, and the planes taking off and landing. We landed a table on the patio in near perfect weather. Yes, it’s a destination I managed to take in on our last day in Phoenix. Our flight leaves from that bigger airport to the north in a few hours.

It will be good to get back home and onto the motorcycle.

See you on the highway.

Brent

October 2, 2012

1st look at the 2013 Moto Guzzi V7 Stone

I have been waiting anxiously for the 2013 Moto Guzzi V7s to arrive in dealerships, and as luck would have it, the local dealer here in the Phoenix area, just took one—their first one—out of the crate.

Arriving first are the V7 Stone models. The Specials will arrive next January or February. The V7 Stone is the base model differentiated by solid color, matte black or glossy white, and cast aluminum wheels. Frankly, the white looks absolutely gorgeous—a sharp looking standard.

Visiting Arizona, I also met up with Doug Klassen, publisher of 40 Years on 2 Wheels. After lunch, we ventured over to the Guzzi-Ducati-Triumph-KTM dealer, Arizona Superbike. Doug, who has owned many different motorcycles, was impressed with the Guzzi, and said it sat better than the comparable Triumph T100 Bonneville. If Doug says it, it must be true.

The bike is smaller in stature than my V-Strom 650, but it feels very comfortable. The seat height and handlebar ergonomics seem just right for my 5’10” height and 30” inseam. The seat is firm, but no one knows whether a seat needs “tweaking” until you’ve ridden on it for a couple of hours at a time. Distance and “break-in” is the biggest factor in knowing whether a change is needed. It’s nice to know that If needed, I can send that factory seat to Sargent Seats for a makeover, and I love my Sargent on the V-Strom.

Doug and I stood there talking about the V7 and other motorcycles for quite a while. It is a very impressive motorcycle, and one worth a long look. The drawback is the lack of dealerships across the country. It’s a wonderful motorcycle, so it’s comforting to know they are easy to work on, and there is a large Guzzi community to give assistance. If you don’t live near one of those dealers and want a Moto Guzzi, you’ll be doing most of your own maintenance. The closest dealer to my home is 180 miles away.

I’m hoping to take a test ride soon. Very soon. Stay tuned.

See you on the highway.

Brent