BMW is now calling the six-cylinder tourers K 1600 B, GT and GTL into workshops worldwide because the reverse assist control unit can absorb moisture and overheat. As recently as spring, the manufacturer had ruled out a recall for Europe.
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Kawasaki is giving the KLE 500 a bigger sibling with 70 hp, and it is clearly focused on long tours rather than off-road sport. Even the base version comes with cruise control and traction control, while the SE adds a quickshifter, a colour TFT display and tubeless spoked wheels, among other things.
Ultraviolette has launched the X-47 Venom in India, the first motorcycle on the new 100-volt VX-100 platform. Compared with the X-47 Crossover, it is lighter, goes further and, despite lower wheel torque, sprints to 100 km/h 2.2 seconds faster.
Triumph has significantly reworked the Tiger 1200 for 2027: all four variants now run a 19-inch front wheel, Bosch radar and suspension that lowers itself at a standstill. The triple makes 8 hp more, and prices in Germany start at 21,395 euros.
Jorge Martin is fighting to start in Sepang after fracturing his radius, and Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi uses the case to voice clear criticism of the calendar. He also defends Marc Marquez in the dispute over the Qatar GP and gives his assessment of the title fight, which now also depends on Martin’s right wrist.
Italy has issued new rules for underride protection on crash barriers, which is meant to protect fallen motorcyclists from posts and edges. A single serious accident can trigger an obligation, but designers and road operators may opt out with a justification.
After a summer of many fatal motorcycle crashes in the northern Black Forest, authorities are relying on rumble strips, drones and more checks. A traffic psychologist thinks this is not enough and wants to tackle risky riding where he believes it starts: in the mind and on the smartphone.
Italy’s government wants to oblige drivers in traffic jams to clear a corridor for motorcycles and allow motorcycles onto the hard shoulder when traffic backs up. Nothing has been adopted yet, and the corridor will by no means be mandatory on every road.
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