Honda Motor Europe Ltd. exhibited the World Premiere V4 Concept Model at Intermot Cologne. The V4 Concept Model proposes a new, sensual design direction based on Honda’s trademark 4-cylinder V- engine.

This year Honda celebrates its 60th anniversary as a company and next year the 50th anniversary of its participation in road racing, as well as the 30th anniversary of racing with an innovative 4-cylinder V-engine with oval pistons. Considering these milestones, Honda chose “The New Beginning” as its exhibition theme leading into 2009 and exhibited the V4 Concept Model which signifies the beginning of a new era.

Conceived around the trademark 4-cylinder V-engine, the V4 Concept Model expresses functional beauty as well as a more sensual image to appeal more to the emotions of people. Embodying Honda’s passion for motorcycle development, the V4 Concept Model expresses the unique characteristics of Honda for a new era with its futuristic design. Something we would love to see on the road someday.

Ducati today unveiled 2009 GT 1000 Touring Edition and 2009 Monster 1100 at the Intermot show in Cologne, Germany. With powerful 1000cc twin cylinder oil cooled engine and classic styling, the GT 1000 is a favorite of the Ducati Sport Classic line. The arrival of the Touring model means the bike will now come standard with many of the accessories which many owners have been upgrading their bikes with for years.

“Ducati is excited to bring the Touring edition of the GT 1000 to the North American motorcycle travel market. The GT 1000 has always been an exceptional touring bike with the addition of these Ducati performance accessories, so it only made sense to deliver a bike with them pre-installed,” said Jason Chinnock, National Sales Manager for Ducati NA.

Featuring a new black livery, the GT 1000 Touring gets numerous upgrades from the standard GT 1000. This includes a luggage rack, windscreen, and chrome front and rear fenders.

The GT 1000 touring edition will be priced at $11,995 and will be available from March of next year.

At the Intermot exhibition in Germany, Royal Enfield has introduced its first Fuel Injected motorcycle, The Royal Enfield Bullet Classic 500 EFI.

The Royal Enfield Bullet Classic 500 EFI is the most technologically advanced Bullet to roll out of the Royal Enfield factory at Chennai. Featuring a fuel injected, 499cc, single cylinder UCE (Unitary Construction Engine) four stroke engine. The Bullet Classic 500 also happens to be the most powerful Bullet in production, producing 27.2bhp at 5250rpm and a whopping 41.3Nm of torque at 4000rpm.

The new engine is also Euro III compliant, something which Royal Enfield needed to do in order to continue selling motorcycles in the European market.

While the styling of the Bullet Classic has received subtle touches, it still retains the quintessential classic British style that is inextricably linked to the Royal Enfield name.

Bullet Classic would be first launched in Germany next month, followed by a pan European launch early next near. There is no word yet on when it would be introduced in India, though going by Royal Enfield’s record, we don’t expect it to be any time sooner!

Royal Enfield Bullet Classic 500 EFI Specifications:

Engine: Single Cylinder, 4 stroke, air cooled OHV
Capacity: 499cc
Bore x Stroke: 84 x 90 mm
Compression ratio: 8.5: 1
Fuel system: Electronic Fuel Injection
Ignition: Digital Electronic ignition
Starting: Electric start
Maximum power: 20.3KW (27.2bhp) @ 5250rpm
Maximum Torque: 41.3Nm @ 4000rpm
Clutch: wet multiplate (7 plates)
Primary drive: 3/8” duplex chain (102 pitch) and sprocket
Gear box: constant mesh 5 speed
Battery: 12v, 14 AH
Headlamp: 12V, 60/55W
Frame: tubular steel
Suspension (front): telescopic, hydraulic dampers
Suspension (rear): swingarm with gas filled shock absorbers
Brakes (front): disc brake single 280mm disc with 2 piston caliper
Brakes (rear): drum brake (152mm)
Tyre (front): 90×90-18”
Tyre (rear): 110×80-18”
Length: 2160mm
Width: 800mm
Height: 1050mm
Wheel base: 1370mm
Fuel tank capacity: 14.5liters
Weight (kerb): 187kgs