RIDES
Honda NM4
If you’re the kind of rider who yearns for a motorcycle that looks a little
outside the ordinary, then the limited edition NM4 from Honda may just
be what you’re looking for. This uniquely styled Touring bike has already
drawn some comparisons to the iconic red motorcycle in Akira, although
we rather envision this all-matte black two wheeler as being the ride of
choice for Judge Dredd. This hulking Tourer weighs in at 255 kg, and
as such requires a sizeable engine to get it moving. Luckily, Honda has
obliged with a 670cc twin-parallel engine that produces 40.3 kW of power
and 68 Nm of torque, resulting in a top speed of 180 km/h.
Not only large and powerful, the NM4 is fitted with a range of modern
accessories such as an LED lit instrument display, which features 25
different colour options to choose from. Added to this, is a front mounted
utility box with a 12 power socket to charge one’s smartphone or GPS
while cruising.
Engine:
670cc twin-parallel
engine
KTM RC 390
--
km/h
Top Speed:
180 km/h
Cost:
$11 000
Austrian motorcycle manufacturer, KTM has built a solid reputation over
the years for their all conquering Touring bikes, many of which are the
first port of call for Dakar competitors. Their new lineup of Supersport
bikes therefore pose an interesting proposition, considering it’s an area
that KTM is not famed for. The Supersport lineup in question is KTM’s
RC series, with the RC 390 sitting atop the range, giving local riders a
welcome addition to mull over.
Would be RC 390 riders may come to it for its looks, but they’ll stay
for its performance, with KTM fitting a single cylinder, 4-stroke watercooled engine, that produces 32 kW. That may seem on the modest
side, but should prove more than enough, given the RC 390 only weighs
147 kg (without fuel). Furthermore, it features a six speed, claw shifted
transmission system and Wet multi-disc clutch to ensure gear changes
are quick and seamless. Yet to hit local dealers, the KTM RC 390 will cost
in excess of R150 000, so now is as good a time as any to start saving.
Engine:
1-cylinder,
4-stroke engine
--
km/h
Top Speed:
185 km/h (estimated)
Cost:
R150 000
(estimated)
Husqvarna FS 450
The latter half of 2014 has seen Swedish manufacturer, Husqvarna, make
a welcome return to Motocross, with its newly unveiled FS 450 series.
This new offering makes use of a lightweight chromium molybdenum
frame and cast aluminium swing arm to bring its dry weight down to
only 110.5 kg. This will certainly prove of some benefit when throwing
the FS 450 into tight turns, as its WP suspension and monoshock shock
absorber system work to keep you balanced while exiting the apex.
Similar to the KTM RC 390, the FS 450 features a 1-cylinder, four-stroke
engine, which incorporates a water cooled system and five speed,
claw shifted transmission. This setup yields a maximum power output
of 45 kW at 11 500 rpm, bringing its top speed to roughly 180 km/h.
Husqvarna’s FS 450 is the newest motorcycle featured on this list, with
the Swedish manufacturer scheduling its release for early 2015. No
local pricing is detailed at this stage, but the FS 450 will cost European
customers €9 990 (R138 500). [RLC]
Engine:
1-cylinder,
4-stroke engine
October 2014 | TechSmart
--
km/h
Top Speed:
180 km/h (estimated)
Cost:
$138 500
(estimated)
31