If you’re in the market for a new motorcycle in 2015, you’re going to be spoiled for choice.
Arriving in Australian showrooms throughout January is a range of dirt, dual-purpose and long-haul touring machines from Suzuki and KTM. Kawasaki’s all-new LAMS approved Vulcan S will also arrive, providing Australia’s newest riders an even wider choice of quality two-wheeled machinery.
Kawasaki’s Vulcan S
At a Glance:
Engine: Liquid-cooled, parallel-twin
Capacity: 649cc – LAMS approved
Power: Not given
Torque: Not Given
ABS brakes: Standard
Seat Height: 705mm
Weight: 226kg (wet/claimed)
Colours: Pearl Crystal White or Metallic Royal Purple
Price: $9,999 (+ORC)
Warranty: Two years, unlimited kilometres
KTM 690 Enduro R
KTM’s 690 Enduro R was born and bred in the dirt, but it carries and headlight and numberplate, allowing it to be ridden around town. Powered by a 690cc single-cylinder engine, it combines the classic enduro concept with the latest technology.
At a glance:
Engine: Liquid-cooled, single-cylinder
Capacity: 690cc
Power: 49kW (66hp)
Torque: Not given
ABS brakes: No
Seat Height: 910mm
Weight: 143kg (dry/claimed)
Colours: Standard KTM orange and black
Price: $14,395 (+ORC)
KTM 1190 Adventure and Adventure R
The bike most often described as an oversized enduro bike once again returns in two variants. The V-twin powered1190 Adventure was the first motorcycle to be fitted with the Bosch Stability Control (MSC) system with lean-sensitive traction control and lean-sensitive cornering ABS.
At a glance:
Engine: 75 degree V-twin
Capacity: 1195cc
Power: 110kw (148hp)
Torque: Not given
ABS brakes: Bosch combined – Standard
Seat Height
Adventure: 860mm/875mm
Adventure: R 890mm
Weight: Adventure: 217kg (dry/claimed)
Colours: Standard KTM orange and black
Price: Adventure $19,995 (+ORC)
Price: Adventure R $22,995 (+ORC)
Warranty: Two years, unlimited kilometres
Suzuki V-Strom 650XT and 650 XT LAMS
The V-Strom 650XT and 650XT LAMS become the newest members of the V-Strom range in January, joining the V-Strom 650 and V-Strom 650 LAMS. The XT variant has a more rugged adventure look, with a front beak, belly pan, integrated air ducts, aluminium reverse spoke wheels and engine protection bars. The LAMS model is not fitted with engine bars, handguards or belly pan.
At a glance:
Engine: 90 degree V-twin
Capacity: 645cc
Power: Not given
Torque: Not given
ABS brakes: Standard
Seat Height: 835mm
Weight: 215kg (wet/claimed)
Colours Matte Grey or Pearl White
Price: Cross Touring $11,490
Price: LAMS $10,990
Warranty: Two years, unlimited kilometres
SUZUKI RMX450Z (ADR)
A direct descendant of Suzuki’s championship winning RM-Z450 motocross machine, the RMX450Z, is fitted with an almost identical frame, suspension and bodywork. The main difference is that the RMX450Z is ADR approved, allowing it to be registered for the road.
At a glance:
Engine: Single-cylinder
Capacity: 449cc
Power: Not given
Torque: Not given
ABS brakes: No
Seat Height: 955mm
Weight: 123.5kg 9wet/claimed)
Colours: Yellow and black
Price: $12,490
Warranty: Six months
