TRAVERSE Issue 07 - August 2018 | Page 8

GUZZI'S 'CLASSIC ENDURO' R evealed at the Milan International Motor- cycle Show as a concept, Moto Guzzi has wasted no time putting the V85 adventure bike into production. The new bike will replace the Stelvio that was shelved last year, leaving a huge hole in the Moto Guzzi range. The V85, yet to be named, is what Moto Guzzi call 'classic enduro' and is based on the Paris Dakar models of the past. It's not yet known when the new Guzzi will be released however, if the concept version is anything to go by it will be a fast seller. KTM 790 ADVENTURE R REVEALED The 2019 KTM Adventure R has been revealed at the European Adventure Rally event. The bike billed as a mid-weight rally capable road bike was oput through it's paces in preproduction form with a planned full release at EICMA in November. More details and exclusive pics on page 106. TRUMP THREATENS THE BEGINNING OF THE END President Donald Trump has lashed out at one of his favourite American manufacturers, Harley Davidson, stating the iconic motorcycle builder has 'surrendered' by announcing that it will move some of it's manufacturing offshore in response to an European annoucement that taxes will rise on imported motor vehicles. Trump threatened, via Twitter, that if HD go ahead with the move "it will be the beginning of end" for them, and that he will hit them with taxes. "We're looking at a range of mitigation plans." Polaris seem to be watching the ciriticism of HD closely before making a firm decision about its own move. HD say the new tarriffs will place an extra US$2,200 on the price of a bike sold in Europe, one of their largest markets. Polaris are already looking at their manufacturing costs which are predicted to be the highest in the companies history, something that European tarriffs will add to. The United States has imposed tarriffs on all imported motorcycles with a capacity over 750cc since the 1970's. This was an attempt to save the future of Harley Davidson something they are now trying to overcome. INDIAN TO FOLLOW HD? While Harley Davidson announced it will be moving production of some of its bikes to Europe to beat new European tarriffs, the same could be happening at HD's major rival, Polaris Industries, manufacturers of Indian motorcycles. "Nothing is definitive," Polaris spokesperson, Jess Rog- ers explained. TRAVERSE 8