Major bike brands bring their standouts to Chicago
Here are some of the motorcycles the major manufacturers will be showing off at the Progressive International Motorcycle Show in Rosemont Feb. 9-11.
2018 Harley-Davidson Fat Bob
The all-new Softail models are up to 35 pounds lighter than 2017 models, delivering an improved power-to-weight ratio that provides quicker acceleration, better braking and enhanced cornering capabilities. Some models feature new longer-wearing tires specifically designed for the Softail chassis. New seat designs and materials provide an improved fit for a wider range of riders and greater comfort for cruising.
The Fat Bob can be ordered with your choice of the either the Milwaukee-Eight 107 or 114 V-Twin. With the 107 engine, 0-60 mph times are 10 percent quicker than those of the Twin Cam 103, and fifth-gear, 60-80 mph roll-ons are 16 percent faster.
2018 Harley-Davidson Sport Glide
The new Sport Glide is a quick-change artist — an aggressive, factory-custom cruiser outfitted with a detachable fairing and saddlebags. It's ideally suited for touring, cruising or commuting. Designed to be lightweight and stiff, the new Softail chassis delivers agility and performance, while the Milwaukee-Eight 107 V-Twin powertrain pumps out a mountain of torque for outstanding acceleration and passing power.
The fairing is secured to the fork tubes with quick-release clamps, making removal or installation fast and easy. The new locking, rigid saddlebags feature a sleek, clamshell design. The bags can be removed in seconds using an internal, quick-release mechanism.
2018 Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special
The popular Street Glide Special model has a new design direction for 2018, swapping chrome for black. Powered by a blacked-out, muscular Milwaukee-Eight 107 (1,746 c.c.) engine, the two new hot-rod baggers take the base level models and elevate them with a custom styling statement that is sinister in design and dark in its finishes.
Slick touches include a new 19-inch Talon front wheel and 18-inch rear wheel. Stretched saddlebags accentuate the long, low profile of the bike. Blacked-out front forks, handlebars, tank console and exhaust provide an aggressive, modern look. It boasts a premium audio system featuring Stage I Boom! speakers. All Milwaukee-Eight-powered models are fitted with an assist-and-slip clutch with improved hydraulics that reduces clutch-lever effort by 7 percent.
2018 Harley-Davidson Street Rod 750
The new Street Rod is a muscular middleweight built to blitz the city streets. The Street Rod is agile, powerful and tuned for maneuvering through traffic and congestion. Steeped in tough, “Dark Custom” styling, the Street Rod always looks ready for action.
The “High Output” Revolution X 750 engine produces 18 percent more horsepower and 8 percent more torque than the standard Revolution X 750 engine. The new single overhead-cam V-Twin features a larger air box, a new dual-throat throttle body, revised four-valve cylinder heads and high-lift camshafts. It connects to a higher-volume muffler. The new Street Rod chassis is engineered to match the performance of the High Output Revolution X engine, making this the most nimble bike in Harley's line.
2018 BMW F850GS and F750GS
These two completely new motorcycles replace F700GS and F800GS. The F750GS is a more entry-level model and the F850 is for more advanced riders. The F850GS and F750GS share the same engine, now an 853 c.c. parallel Twin. On the F850GS, the engine claims a peak output of 95 horsepower at 8,250 rpm and 67.8 foot-pounds of torque at 6,250 rpm. The F750GS engine is detuned to a tamer 77 horses at 7,500 rpm and 61.2 foot-pounds at 6,000 rpm. Twin counter-balancers help offset vibrations.
The F850GS and F750GS offer two engine modes, Rain and Road, with anti-lock brakes and automatic stability control as standard. The engines are mated to an anti-hopping clutch and six-speed transmissions. A gear shift assist pro option enables clutchless shifting.
The bikes receive a new steel bridge frame replacing the outgoing models' tubular steel space frame. The new frame incorporates the engine as a supporting element, allowing BMW to relocate the 4-gallon fuel tank from under the seat to a more conventional location in front of the rider.
The F750GS is equipped with a 41-milimeter telescopic fork offering 5.9 inches of travel and a preload-adjustable rear shock with 7 inches of travel. The more off-road capable F850GS uses a beefier 43-milimeter fork with 8 inches of travel and fender-mounted covers to protect the suspension from debris, and a pre-load and rebound damping adjustable rear shock with 8.6 inches of travel. The F750GS' seat height is 32.1 inches, while the F850GS' seat is 33.9 inches off the pavement. The F750GS has a curb weight of 493.8 pounds while the F850GS weighs 504.9 pounds.
2018 Indian Scout Bobber
The Scout Bobber pays homage to the mean, stripped-down builds of America's postwar past. With its tracker handlebars and pegs moved 1.5-inches closer to the rider, the Scout Bobber delivers a more aggressive riding position. Its knobby tires and blacked-out wheels keep the rider grounded, while a low-slung profile and 1-inch lower rear suspension deliver unfiltered feedback from every inch of blacktop. It also features a black headlight nacelle, minimal engine covers, bar-end mirrors and vented exhaust shields. The new block letter logo on the tank compliments the muscular look of the bike. Combining the Scout Bobber's raw styling with its American V-Twin engine and 100-horsepower rating enables the rider to fully embrace the thrill of twisting the throttle and enjoying the journey rather than the destination.
2018 KTM Duke 790
The Duke 790 is powered by KTM's first parallel twin engine, the LC8c, displacing 799 cubic centimeters. It features an eight-valve head, twin balancer shafts, dry sump lubrication, forged pistons, an aluminum crankcase to keep the weight down, and twin chain-driven camshafts. The parallel twin also has an uneven firing order to give it a throaty V-Twin-like roar.
The six-speed transmission comes with a standard fitment slipper clutch to deliver lighter clutch pull and reduced rear-wheel chatter under aggressive downshifts. The engine makes 105 horsepower and 64 foot-pounds of torque, so this middleweight has plenty of go.
The 790 has an all new chrome-molybdenum frame that uses the compact engine as a stressed member to increase rigidity. The new bike also has a cast aluminum rear subframe and the signature lattice-patterned swingarm, while the exhaust is tucked neatly behind the pillion pegs to follow the lines of the bike.
2018 Honda Gold Wing
Lighter, more agile, and more sophisticated, the 2018 Gold Wing and Gold Wing Tour sets a new standard for the touring category, with groundbreaking features that enhance the riding experience.
Still powered by Honda's liquid-cooled, horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine, this revised version is almost 14 pounds lighter, more compact and more fuel efficient.
The Gold Wing and Gold Wing Tour are available with both a new six-speed manual transmission or Honda's advanced, next-generation, seven-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission (DCT), which includes forward and reverse walking mode.
Now featuring a throttle-by-wire system with four riding modes (Tour, Sport, Econ and Rain), these Gold Wings offer Honda Selectable Torque Control, hill-start assist and a cruise-control system. A 7-inch color display screen demonstrates the model's premium feel. And it comes with Apple CarPlay to access all your smartphone's functionality. With an all new chassis and suspension, less weight and aerodynamic styling, this new Gold Wing will reset the bar for luxury long-distance touring.
2018 Yamaha Star Venture
The all-new Star Venture touring motorcycle combines a new level of power, technology and comfort features. Powered by an air-cooled 113 cubic inch (1854 c.c.) V-Twin fuel-injected engine, the Star Venture also has some nice features like “Sure Park” parking assist, dual-zone audio capability, drive mode settings that adjust throttle response, traction control, adjustable backrest; heated grip, seats and backrest; and an infotainment system.
The torque-rich, 113-cubic-inch (1,854 c.c.) air-cooled V-Twin engine generates 126 foot-pounds of torque. Its twin counter-balancers provide smooth and responsive power delivery even when fully loaded. A low center of gravity is aided by an engine that sits low in the frame.
2018 Suzuki V-Strom 1000XT
Suzuki applies new technology and practical experience to the 2018 V-Strom 1000XT ABS. The V-Strom's exterior has undergone a transformation with fresh styling and added functionality. Motion Track anti-lock brake system and other features bring rider-assist technology to a new group of adventure riders.
The liquid-cooled, 1,037 c.c. V-Twin engine delivers strong performance while achieving worldwide emissions requirements without any reduction in horsepower. A new five-axis “Inertial Measurement Unit” system provides spatial information to the innovative Motion Track braking system. New spoke-style wheels with tubeless radial, dual-purpose tires are featured, along with new, tapered, large-diameter handlebars.
A refined multifunction instrument panel delivers a wide range of vehicle information and aids in selecting the Suzuki Traction Control modes. Its sturdy chassis has mounting points for Suzuki V-Strom luggage that's easy to clip on and off, and keeps the motorcycle trim when ready for touring.
Kawasaki Z900 ABS
With a smooth powerband that becomes more exciting as the revs rise, a light and nimble chassis and distinctive Sugomi-inspired styling, the Z900 continues the Kawasaki legacy of creating legendary 900 c.c.-class machines whose performance surpasses that of many liter-class motorcycles.
The liquid-cooled, dual overhead cam, four-valve, transverse inline four-cylinder engine with fuel injection displaces 948 c.c.s and puts out 73 foot-pounds of torque at 7,700 rpm. The bike has an enhanced intake note. An Assist and Slipper Clutch makes shifting easy and sure. The lightweight trellis frame is stiffer and aids in outstanding handling.
A 41 millimeter inverted front fork features stepless rebound damping and spring pre-load adjustability in the left fork tube, with the adjusters conveniently located on the fork cap. The riding position is relaxed, yet sporty.
2018 Triumph Speedmaster
This authentic British classic custom brings a new dimension to the Bonneville lineup. It features a laid-back attitude, forward footpegs, sweptback beach bars and comfortable pillion. The new Speedmaster delivers a distinctive cruiser-riding style. Rider-focused technology provides a superior level of handling, comfort and control. Signature style cues and that all important Bonneville Bobber high-torque engine create its attitude. For greater touring capability, riders will enjoy Speedmaster's comfortable twin seat setup.
The Speedmaster features Triumph's 1,200 c.c. engine with category-leading torque with the Bobber tuning that delivers 77 horsepower and peak torque of 78 foot-pounds at 4,000 rpm — a massive 42 percent more than the 2015 Triumph Speedmaster and up to 10 percent more than the current Bonneville T120.
Standard features include switchable traction control with Road and Rain modes, ride-by-wire throttle control, torque-assist clutch, cruise control, a low seat height, twin Brembo front brakes, a 41-millimeter cartridge, an immobilizer and more.