KIA ORA: 'DESTINATION PARADISE'
New Zealand has been announced as the location for
the next BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy and
comes with the motto, 'Destination Paradise'.
As with the last two events (2016 & 2018) there will be
18 international teams based around each countries qual-
ifying events plus an all female team comprised of riders
selected in the next few months.
"BMW Motorrad were again looking for a location that
offers perfect ‘GS terrain’," explained Ralf Rodepeter, Head
of Marketing and Product Management BMW Motorrad.
"Lots of legal off-road kilometres are required, with de-
manding route profiles, passing through fascinating land-
scapes and with plenty of exotic flair. New Zealand is a
perfect fit on those terms."
He went on to say that BMW believes to be a perfect
choice for procviding a multitude of exotic locations.
"We think will be one of the most exciting Int. GS Tro-
phies ever held."
Qualifying events will start in the coming months al-
lowing each nation to pick its team. Further information
can be found at gstrophy.com
BIG DR?
Rumours abound that Suzuki are planning to release a
large capacity DR.
The bike is said to have a 1000cc powerplant and to be
much more off-road orientated than the current V-strom
1000.
It's thought the DR's frame will be the same as the
V-strom and probably the engine however, off-road ca-
pabilities will be bettered through a 21 inch front wheel,
greater ground clearance, and greater control of the ABS
capabilities.
Suzuki have not confirmed the bike although it would
certainly be a welcomed competitor to the mid-size adven-
ture range.
pacity will be increased from 998cc to 1080, it's a move
similar to how BMW have dealt with the issue including
introducing shift-cam technology.
The larger AT will also see a number of other changes
that perhaps will make it an even better world traveller, in-
cluding an extra 2 litres of fuel with a suggested 20 litre tank.
It's unknown at this stage how much more weight the AT
will gain and what it will mean for pricing.
SPREADING A HERO
The world's largest manufacturer of two wheeled vehi-
cles, Hero Motocorp out of India has announced that it will
spread its research and development arm to be more glob-
al and be based at the Hero Tech Centre Germany GmbH.
Located at Stephanskirchen near Munich the new divi-
sion will work in tandem with the Center of Innovation
and Technology (CIT) in Jaipur, in the northern Indian
state of Rajasthan.
The centre will be setup to focus on new vehicle con-
cepts and future designs. It will also house the Hero Moto-
corp Motorsports team, the same team that again finished
in the top ten of the Dakar.
AFRICA TWIN ALSO GROWS?
Honda has more or less confirmed that there will be a
significant update to Africa Twin for 2020.
To meet Europes Euro 5 emmissions standards the ca-
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