TEN NEW MOTORCYCLES WE’RE DYING TO RIDE IN 2013

TEN NEW MOTORCYCLES WE’RE DYING TO RIDE IN 2013Large press conferences from Honda and Ducati held right before EICMA 2012 may have stolen a bit ofthe thunder from Milan’s annual motorcycle show, but we still came away impressed with the variety ofsignificant new bikes on display. Although finding the 10 motorcycles that we’d most like to ride in 2013certainly qualifies as a tough task (hey, only Bruno dePrato speaks Italian), that’s the reason we’re here.1. Aprilia Caponord 1200This adventurer-tourer, developed from the supermoto-inspired Dorsoduro 1200, is a versatile machine, funin the city yet big enough for a two-up ride into the country, aided by good wind protection and that large, 1197cc V-Twin. In addition to a ride-by-wire...

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NEW IDEAS: KNOX TRACK VEST

NEW IDEAS: KNOX TRACK VESTBritish-designed and manufactured Knox Track Vest ($189.95; sizes S to 2XL) offers comfort and protection beyond that of a traditional CE-approved back protector. The snug-fitting vest is made of breathable, moisture-wicking Meryl Lycra, has a padded, ventilated chest and can be machine-washed when the zippered-in-place Aegis protector is removed. As for the spine protection itself, Knox uses a series of “flex channels” that follow the contour of the wearer’s back. The vertical channels contain energy-absorbing rubber honeycomb filler that also provides ventilation. Raised ribs and perforations in the padded lining create paths for cooling airfl...

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2014 HONDA GROM 125

             2014 HONDA GROM 125As expected, American Honda announced that the Taiwan-built, fuel-injected, 125cc Grom will be for sale in the U.S. as a 2014 model, priced at $2999.The Grom, known as the MSX125 in other markets [read our post on the MSX125 here], looks like it will be a blast to ride, offering what Honda says is “all the excitement of a full-sized motorcycle but in a package that just about anyone old enough to have a license can handle.”It is clearly a modern interpretation of the 1969 CT70, and, like that long-running get-started-riding motorcycle, the Pearl Red or Metallic Black Grom 125 promises broad accessibility and charming approachability, coupled with a price that is hard...

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2014 HONDA CTX700/CTX700N

2014 HONDA CTX700/CTX700N Honda is taking the bull by the horns and doing all it can to ensure motorcycling’s future. Over the past three years, Big Red has developed multiple points of entry into motorcycling. The first wave started with the CBR250R, which was followed by the NC700X and a three-bike, 500cc lineup that includes the CB500F, CB500X and CBR500R. Wave two begins now with the new CTX shown here, plus some additional models we’ll learn more about soon.If these bikes don’t inspire you to run down to your Honda dealership and slap a down payment on the counter, that’s fine. Not all bikes are intended for a seasoned, possibly jaded, motorcyclist like you. Remember, Honda still builds everything from its potent CBR1000RR,...

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2014 HONDA MSX125

        2014 HONDA MSX125Rolling burnouts in a parking garage? Dirt-track slides through construction zones? Wheelies that would impress Travis Pastrana? What’s gotten into Honda? The future of motorcycling, maybe. This is the Taiwanese-built MSX125, known as the Grom 125 in Japan. Launched overseas early this year, the MSX (Mini Street Xtreme) is rumored to be coming to the U.S. as a 2014 model.Honda says development of the MSX125 resulted in four patent applications “focused around the split-structure tank cover and frame.” To keep the package desirably small, components for the PGM fuel injection are housed inside the cover of the 1.45-gallon gas tank. Despite scooter-size 120/70-12 front and 130/70-12 rear rubber,...

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