2017 will be interesting for Mv and Aprilia to see what they do. Some of the models are getting long in the tooth, 7 years in the case of the RSV4. The Aprilia was due to be superseded a few years ago (Biaggi was originally to race a new model in 2014) but the money was not there to make it happen. The Aprilia range and MV range in general is quite old (with a few exceptions). I do wonder whether they will want to put money into some of the older designs to meet the regs rather than develop new models. If it's new models how will the design process be hindered by regs. The Rsv4 motor is not a quiet engine so would likely gain similar weight to the 959 to quiet it down. And that 4 outlet exhaust on the MV 1000, would that ever meet new regs etc etc.
Good points made by spoons and lucozade. Bike manufacturers are constrained by rampant bureaucracy and it's ever more restrictive legislation and that forces change. Maybe, come 2017, I'll be waxing lyrical about the 2014 monsters in the face of whatever comes along next. At the moment it's mostly environmental legislation that's interfering. Just pray the health and safety zealots don't get to shape motorcycle legislation.
They already are doing. All bikes now have to have ABS and other compulsory electronic safety are sure to follow. There is EU legislation afoot to force all manufacturers to design their safety aids so that the system defaults to the safest setting every time the ignition is switched off. That is why KTM made their 1290 that way and simultaneously brought out a dongle to by-pass the legislation. We thought they made an idiotic design error but in fact they were merely anticipating upcoming legislation. If type-approval zealots get their way the dongle will be illegal too and owner modification will be outlawed. You won't even be allowed to change from OE tyres or brake pads.
Not really. BMW have been making motorcycles for as long as they've been making cars. Motorcycles are in their DNA and their commitment to their biking heritage is clear. VAG have never been motorcycle manufacturers. They have acquired a famous marque and are running it as a subsidiary of their car group.
I'm starting to dribble its getting so good ... We have potential barresters on here now! That is how you spell bar resters isn't it.. Amazing stuff.. One and all..
They were defiantly in WWll.. I believe one as such dear old Steve McQueen was supposed at least to be riding in his failed jump to freedom.. Mind you I'm sure if we all just watch it one more time... He will... Fall, once again sadly into the hands of them Germans.. "Kooler" once again Mr McQueen.
Didn't know that. I knew they started out making planes, hence the logo which is supposed to represent a spinning propeller. Moto Guzzi started out making dumper trucks... I think...
Mercedes-Benz have bought a stake in MV Agusta, and may well buy the rest. If they do, finding money for new MV bike designs will be a drop in the ocean for M-B.
That bike was an interesting design from BMW. Apparently Steve McQueen insisted on riding Triumphs & this was included in his film contracts:
It's ironic don't you think ( and a little worrying) we're talking about all the legalisation over emmisions etc and Ducati are now owned by ...VOLKSWAGEN/A/G... We have not one but two VW Golfs in our family.. Both of which saw their emissions figures change overnight not very long ago don't you know..
I guess it's all personal opinion but interestingly I'm put off of the Aprilia because it it looks so chav like with the horrible tracksuit paint job. Otherwise I was just about sold as the ride was amazing and the sound like a star wars tie fighter but the lack of sexiness that you feel with a Ducati put me off. That desirability is what convinces me to pay the extra cash as you might as well get the cheaper Jap or German machines otherwise. My biggest complaint about all the manufacturers just now is that everything seems to be civilised and aimed at the out of shape middle aged rider as those are the people with money.
Yes I thought I'd heard something on those lines.. I'm sure I read where someone was planning to build a short run of replicas of it.. If that bike was just a little bit..... He would have made it over that fence don't you know and would have ridden into the arms of Julie Andrews .. That would have made a great sequel.. " The Hills are alive, with the Sound of little McQueens" Starring Julie Andrews, Steve McQueen, Benny Hill, several Swiss cheeses and a family of little BMWs... "Nurse"
The 2015 Tuono 1100 right? This is why I still have my 2014 in matte white. However, I do maintain that the Tuono is amongst the best of the super-nakeds. It's desirable. Though currently dressed as super-chav. Besides, as others have pointed out, the Rsv4/Tuono platform is old now. I predict new bikes presently.
