TRAVERSE Issue 13 - August 2019 | Page 8

TEENIE, TINY, HARLEY H arley Davidson has taken another step in re- branding. The American big cruiser manufac- turer has announced that it will partner with Chinese manufacturer Qiangjiang Motorcycle Company to produce a 338cc bike for the local market. HD say this forms a part of their "Roads To Harley Da- vidson" strategy and is a perfect way to enter the world's second largest motorcycle market. Asia is HD's third largest market and see the small bike as a way of growing this. It's an interesting move given the USAs current trade tariff war lead by the Trump Administration. NEW KLX FROM KAWASAKI The 2020 line-up from Kawasaki sees something for the adventure purists. The newly designed and built from the ground up KLX230 won't replace the KLX250 for 2020 and for how long this remains we don't know. The difference being the 230 is air-cooled as opposed to the water-cooled 250. On paper the 230 looks like a fantastic bike, aimed at new riders or those who prefer something small and light. LONG WAY UP ... CONFIRMED! It's long polarised those who ride the world; the adven- tures of Charley Boorman and Ewan McGregor. Are they really adventurers? Regardless of your views the duo have done a lot for the adventure bike market and now their back. Boorman recently confirmed that the old team has been brought back to produce a television series that will see them riding the length of the Americas ... well, South America to the USA. Why not the full length? Filming will begin in the next few months according to Boorman. POWER BOXER BMW Motorrad has released information and render- ings of a concept electric motorcycle that encapsulates the essence of the boxer engine. The BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster features the latest electric technology while maintaining the heart of the brand, a boxer engine, at least in looks. While a great looking motorcycle it's not known wheth- er the concept will ever see the light of day. One thing is clear, BMW is serious about the future of sustainable motoring. NO MORE BIKES AT PIKES? As a result of Carlin Dunne's fatal accident at the fa- mous Pikes Peak Hill Climb organisers are considering dropping motorcycles from the event. Dunne's accident occurred just near the finish line in the June event and immediately sent shock waves through the Pikes community. Organisers are still assess- ing the future of the bike categories. Many riders say that it would be a great shame as they acknowledge the risks and don't want to see the future of the event in jeopardy, including Dunne's own family. GOLD FOUND IN ROCKY CREEK Rocky Creek Designs has won gold in the catergory of Product - Sport and Lifestyle at the recent Good Design Awards for their Motopressor Puncture Repair tool. The award was recognised for the tools compact and simple design and what it offers the user. TRAVERSE 8