Harley-Davidson's Dyna lDw Rider HARLEY-DAVIDSON Harley-Davidson mo~orcycles are distributed in NSW and WA by Nomm Fraser llmporters) P~y Ltd, 17-19 Parramatta Road, Homebush 2140, te~ (02) 764 3421 in Queensland by Morqan and Wacker P~y Ltd, 54 Ross Street Newstead 4006, te~ ~07) 252 5691, and in an other states by Peter Stevens Mobrcycles, 339 Elizabeth Street Melboume 3000, tel (03) 602 5833. Availabili~y and pricing of some models may vary from state to state. All models come with a 1 2-manth/unlimited km warranty. SP~I~ER MODEIS XLH883STD Sportster lAMCN Vol 42 No 15)....................................... $1 1,495 XLH883HUG Sportster........................................................... $1 1,995 XLH1200 Sportster IAMCN Vol 44 No 7).......................................... $13,495 1340ccMODElS FXD Dyna Superglide.................. z........................................ $17,500 FXDWG Dyna Wideglide .............................. ........................... $22,995 FXDL Dyna Lowrider ................................ ........................... $21,000 FXDS/CN Dyna Convertible........................... ........................... $21,500 FXSTC Sof~ail Custom............................... ........................... $22,500 FXSTS Springer..................................... ........................... $22,500 FLSTC Heritage Soflail Classic .................... ........................... $22,995 FLSTF Fat Boy (AMCN Vol 40 No 21 ) ................ ........................... $22,500 FLSTN Heritage Sohail Special ..................... ........................... $22,995 FLHTC Electra Glide Classic........................ ........................... $24,500 FLHTU Electra Glide Ultra IAMCN Vol 40 No 19)................................. $26,500 FLHR Road King lAMCN Vol 44 No 6)............................................. $23,995 HONDA Honda motorcycles are distributed throuahout Australia by Honda MPE, 1954-1956 Hume Hwy, Campbellheld 3061, tel ~03r 270 1 1 1 1. The ~our versions of Honda's NSR250 are only available from NSR Imports, PC) Box 887, Frankston 3199, tel (03) 776 9933. All road models over 600cc come with a 24-month/unlimited km warranty. Mcdels marked with ~ carry no ADR compliance. Note that the VT600 and 1 100 Shadows are available from Authorised Honda Cruiser Dealers only, while the GL1500 Gold Wing is available from Authorised Honda Gold Wing Deabrs only. R~AD SK50M......................................................... $2300 CB250N IAMCN Vol 41 No 25) ................................... $5200 CA250TS Rebel (AMCN Vol 44 No 14) ............................ $5999 V25 V-twin Custom lAMCN Vol 44 No 14)......................... $8500 NSR250R '93 .................................................. $9200 NSR250SE '93 ................................................. $9800 NSR250SE '94 (AMCN Vol 43 No 12)............................ $13,900 NSR250SP '94 Ispecial order onlY) .......................... $16,000 CB750F2R '94 lAMCN Vol 42 No 9/25) ........................... $9350 CB750F2S '95 ................................................. $9500 VFR750FS IAMCN Vol 44 No 3) ................................ $13,500 CBR600FR lAMCN Vol 42No 19)................................. $10,600 VT600CR '94 IAMCN Vol 43 No 16) .............................. $8999 VT600CS '95 lAMCN Vol 43 No 16) .............................. $9100 CBR900RRS IAMCN Vol 44 No 13) .............................. $15,200 CBR1 000FR '94 (AMCN Vol 44 No 6) .......................... $13,700 CBR1 000FS '95.............................................. $13,900 CB1 000FS Big One lAMCN Vol 44 No. 12) ..................... $12,900 ST1 100S IAMCN Vol 42 No 23)................................ $17,000 ST1 1 00AS ABS ............................................. $19,500 VT1 100CR lAMCN Vol 44 No 5) ............................... $14,999 GL1 500AS lAMCN Vol 43 No 6)................................ $25,500 DUAL-PURP05E QR50R~ ....................................................... $1450 Z50RS~ ....................................................... $1850 XR80RS~ ........................................ $27001$2304 exempt) XRlOORS'....................................... $3150 1$2688 exempt) XL1 85SP ....................................... $37501$3200 exempt) XR200RS........................................ $4500 1$3840 exempt) XR250RS lAMCN Vol 44 No 8) ..................... $65001$5547 exempt) XR600RS........................................ $7700 1$6572 exempt) NX650R lAMCN Vol 43 No 5) ....................... $76001$6486 exempt) MOTOCK)5S CR80RS~ ...................................................... $41 00 CR1 25RS~ ....:................................................ $7200 CR250RS~ .................. .................................... $7600 CR500RS- ...................................................... $7650 AGRICULTUR~L CT1 1 OP................... .................... $3 163 1$2700 exempt) CT200P..................... ..................... $4276 1$3650 exempt) ATVs TRX300FWS~ lfour-wheel-drive) ................... $90801$7750 exempt) TRX300S~ ........................................ $78501$6700 exempt) HUSQVARNA Husa,varna m-otorcycles are distributed throughout Australia by Husky Motorcycle Imports Ply Ltd, 123 Coreen Avenue, Penrith 2750, tel 1047~ 32 1655. Note that all models are for competition use and carry no warranty. Models marked with ù carry no ADR compliance. MOTOCROSS 1 25CR~..,...................................... $7795 1$6563 exempt) 250CR-....................... ................... $8495 1$7124 exempt) 61 OTC'' Four-stroke lAMCN Vol 43 No 8) ...... $10,295 1$8647 exempt) 1 25WR.......................................... $8295 1$6985 exempt) 250WR lAMCN Vol 43 No 16)................. ,..... $9095 1$7673 exempt) 360WR lAMCN Vol 43 No 16)..................... ... $92951$7838 exempt) KAWASAKI Kawasaki motorcycles are distributed throughout Australia by Kawasaki Motors Ply Ltd Unit Q, 10-16 South Street, Rydalmere 21 16, tel 102) 684 2585. Models marked with carry no ADR compliance. All road models come with a 1 2-month/unlimited km warranty. ~aAD GPX250R lAMCN Vol 37 No 16) .................. ................. $6699 Z-R250 lAMCN Vol 40 No 1 1)................... ................. $7499 EL250 lAMCN Vol 44 No 6) ..................... ................. $5899 Zephyr 550 lAMCN Vol 40 No 22)................ ................. $7899 Zephyr 750 lAMCN Vol 42 No 9) ................ ................. $9699 Z-R600 lAMCN Vol 42 No 19) ................... ............... $11,190 ZX-6R lAMCN Vol 44 No 15)..................... .............. $1 1,590 ZXR750 lAMCN Vol 43 No 13).................... ............... $13,990 ZX-9R '94 lAMCN Vol 44 No 13) ................ ............... $15,590 ZX-9R '95..................................... .............. $1 5,590 GTR1000 lAMCN Vol 44 No 3) ................... ............... $14,390 GPZ1100 lAMCN Vol 44 No 15)................... ............... $13,390 Z-R 1 100 (AMCN Vol 43 No 13) ................ ............... $15,990 VN- 15 (AMCN Vol 43 No 23) ................... ............... $13,790 DUAL-PURP05E KE1 00~ ...................................... ................. $2499 KLX250 (AMCN Vol 44 No 8) .................... ................. $6999 KLX250R~...................................... ................. $7099 KLX650 (AMCN Vol 43 No 4) .................... ................. $8199 KLX650R~ (AMCN Vol 43 No 7)................... ................. $8099 KDX200~....................................... ................. $6099 KDX250SR ..................................... ................. $7049 KDX250~ (AMCN Vol 41 NolO) ................... ................. $7199 KLR250 (AMCN Vol 42 No 21 ) .................. ................. $5399 KLE500 (AMCN Vol 41 No 20) ................... ................. $7499 KLR650 ....................................... ................. $6999 Kawasaki's sweet new 'old-shaped' GPZ1 100. ~r~ KX60~ ..................................... ~o99 lot8~ ......................... .............................................. $41 29 KX1 00~ ................................... $4349 10(125 ' lAMCN Vol 43 No 14) .............. $7199 KX250'' IAMCN Vol 43 No 14) ............... $7749 KX500' .;.................................. $7799 KLF220~....................................... $6099 1$5202 exempt) KU300''....................................... $7649 ($6530 exemptl KU30.0~ 4x4................................... $9099 ($7768 exempt) KU400~ 4x4......................................... $~ 80~9 exempt) KTM KTM motorcycles are distributed throuqhout Australia by KTM Motorcycles, Welshpool Road, Welshpool 6106, tel (09) 351 4-771 . Models marked with ~ carry no ADR compliance. Ra~D Duke 620 (AMCN Vol 43 No 12)............................... $12,997 125SX''........................................ $7396($6251 exempt) 250SX~........................................ $7996 ($6756 exempt) 620 LC4SX~ (four-stroke) ..................... $9796 ($8287 exempt) 440MX/C ...................................... $8496 ($7187 exempt) 550MX/C ...................................... $8496 ($7195 exempt) 1 25GS~ ...................................... $7597 ($6409 exempt) 250GS......................................... $8296 ($7021 exempt) 300GS (AMCN Vol 42 No 9)........ 7............. $8396 ($7104 exempt) 440GS~ ................................... .... $8496 ($7195 exempt) 400 LC4 (four-stroke)..................... .... $9752 ($8250 exempt) 620 LC4 lfour-stroke)..................... .... $9896 1$8397 exempt) MOTO GUZZI Moto Guzzi motorcydes are distributed throughout Australia by Moto Guzzi Holdings Australia. It has two major distribution centres - Pro Italia Motorcycles on the westcoast at 1022 Albany Hiqhway, St Jarnes 6102, tel 109) 470 2977, and Dennis Deguara on the eastcoast at 160 Jellicoe Street, Toowoornba 4350, tel (076) 38 2244. Prices quc~ted are ex-Perth and do not include freight. Strada 750................................ ................... $9990 Nevada 750 (awaitina ADR cornpliance) .................... $1 1,190 Quota 1000 EFI (AMCN Vol 42 No 1).......................... $14,990 Califomia 1 100 carb ...................................... $16,890 Califomia 1 100 EFI (AMCN Vol 42 No 24) ................... $17,890 Daybna 1000 Sinale seat (AMCN Vol 44 No 13)................ $18,990 Daytona 1000 Dua~l seat.................................... $19,390 Sport 1 100................................................ $16,990 PIAGGIO iiaagio rnotorcycles are distributed throughout Australia by Caesar Motorcycles, 160 OF THE REI AN OID FRIEND When rumours surfaced about a new Yamaha XJ900 in Australian Motorcycle News in the middle of 1994, the telephone rang hot for days. You see, the original XJ was 'that' sort of bike. By that I mean a motorcycle that won friends and kept them--over tens of thousands of kilometres and all sorts of usage. Now, after spending a couple of weeks in the 1 995-model's saddle I can reassure XJ fans out there that the famous initials are in safe hands. While you can't blame Yamaha for 'cashing in' on the XJ's reputation, in reality the new bike could just have easily worn a totally new nameplate. It shares little if anything with its predecessor. SAMENAME, DIFFERENTBIKE Still current as a model in some European markets until recently, the 'old' XJ900 was atypical 1980s UJM (Universal Japanese Motorcycle)--from its 1 8-inch front wheel to its dual-shock rear-end. What set it apart by mid-'80s standards was its ability to combine reasonable handling and performance with everyday practicality, thanks in particular to its shaft-drive. When creating an XJ900 for the '9Os, it seems Yamaha has stuck to the same design brief. Rather than head the more complex and expensive water-cooled 1 6-valve route, the 892cc powerplant that propels the XJ retains the original machine's R~den S~ree~, WestMel~oume 3003, k1~03~ 326 5057. A~ modek inc~vde l ~-f 1 2m~/un~m-1ted km warran~v. ~r-r Ci 50cc moped............................................................... $2250 Ciao 50cc morxd ............................................................ $1450 PX1 25E electric-start ..................................................... $3225 PX200E electric-start ...................................................... $3725 SUZUKI Suzuki motorcvcles are distributed in NSW, Victoria, Soutn Australia ancl Tasmania by Suzuki Austral'ia 7 Grand Avenue, Camellia 2142, tel 102) 638 771 1. Mayfairs Wholesale Ply Lid distributes Suzuki in Queensland, while Western Australian distribution is handled by Mortlocks Sales and Service Pty Ltd. Prices and model availability quoted are Suzuki Australia's and may vary between states. All road models come with a 1 2-month/unlimited km warranty. Models marked with ' carry no compliance. ROAD AE50KR ..................................................................... $21 99 GN250R (AMCN Vol 41 No 14).................................................. $4599 GSX250FR Across (AMCN Vol 40 No 24) .. :..... $7699 RGV-250R (AMCN Vol 43 No 12)............. ... $9499 GS500ER (AMCN Vol 39 No 14) ............. ... $6799 RF600RR '94 (AMCN Vol 42 No 25).......... . $10,700 RF600RS, '95............................. . $10,999 GSX750FR (AMCN Vol 41 No 9) ............. . $10,500 GSX1 1 OOGR (AMCN Vol 42 No 18) ......... $1 1,999 GSX-R750WS (AMCN Vol 43 No 20)........... . $13,999 RF900RS (AMCN Vol 44 No 13) ............. . $14,249 RF900RLES Manta Ray ..................... . $14,349 VS1 400GLPR (AMCN Vol 43 No 23) ......... . $13,999 VS1 400GLPS ............................. . $14,350 GSX-R1 1 00WR (AMCN Vol 44 No 13) ....... . $15,400 O~R~AD JR50S~ .................................. .. $1 425 DS80S''............................... $2199 ($1869 exempt) TF1 25X .............................. $3099 ($2634 exempt) TS1 85ERR ............................ $3049 ($2549 exempt) RMX250S'' (AMCN Vol 44 No 8).......... $6999 ($5948 exempt) DR250SR............................... $5999 ($5098 exempt) DR350SR (AMCN Vol 41 No 8) ........... $6899 ($5863 exempt) DR350S~ Enduro (AMCN Vol 43 No 11).... $6850 ($5822 exempt) DR650RER (AMCN Vol 41 No 1 ) ......... $7500 ($6289 exempt) wa MOTOCR05S RM80XR '94~ ........................... $4150 RM80XS '95~ ........................... $4250 RM1 25S'' ............................. $7250 RM250R~ ............................... $7599 RM250S~ ............................... $7750 ATVs C' LT50L-................................. $1899 Si LT80S~................................. $3550 X' lT-Fl 60R~ ............. $4800 ($3994 exempt) air-cooled two-valve-per-cylinder DOHC layout (and 68.5 x 60.5mm bore and ù stroke dimensions) albeit thrust into the '90s thanks to its use of downdraught- style inlet ports and more up-to-date engine architecture. In days when alloy chassis are old hat, the new Diversion--as the XJ is also known--features good old steel tubing in its double-cradle frame. Mind you, the dimensions and type of material, and the extensive use of computer-aided design mean that the new frame is streets ahead in overall performance. Yamaha has seen fit to adopt a rising-rate monoshock rear suspension set-up for the new bike, but at the business-end of the motorcycle it has resisted the temptation to over-equip the machine. While wide by the last decade's LT-F250S~ ............................................. $7059 ($5999 exempt) LT-F4WDXS King~ ......................................... $9149 ($m5 exempt~ TRIUMPH Triumph motorcycles are distributed by Peter Stevens Motorcycles, 339 Elizabeth Street Melboume 3000, tel (03) 602 5833. All models come with a 24-month/unlimited km warranty. The nostalgic Triumph Thunderbird has landed in Oz at $15,750. Trident 900 (AMCN Vol 41 No 24) .................................... $13,450 Sprint 900 (AMCN Vol 42 No 21 ) .................................... $14,950 Tiger 900 (AMCN Vol 43 No 3) ....................................... $14,950 Trophy 900 (AMCN Vol 43 No 13) ..................................... $14,450 Trophy 1200 (AMCN Vol 42 No 3) ..................................... $16,750 Daylona 900 (AMCN Vol 43 No 19)..................................... $16,450 Daytona 1200 (AMCN Vol 42 No 20) ........ 7.......................... $17,950 Speed Triple (AMCN Vol 43 No 15) ...................... ............. $15,450 Super 111 (AMCN Vol 43 No 19).......................... ............. $19,990 Thunderbird (AMCN Vol 44 No 18) ....................... ............. $15,750 YAMAHA Yamaha motorcycles are distributed throuqhout Australia by Yamaha Motor Australia 49 Bentley Street, Wetherill Park 2164, te~(O2) 757 001 1. Prices may vary slightly between states. All rwd mwels come with a 1 2-month/unlimited km warranty. Mwels marked with '' carry no ADR compliance. R~AD CY50G.................................................. .............. $21 99 SRV250G................................................ ............... $6999 XV250G (AMCN Vol 44 No 6) ............................. ............... $5699 XV535G (AMCN Vol 41 No 7) ............................. ............... $7999 standards, the XJ's 1 7-inch diameter wheels are narrower than the current crop of middleweight machines and the bike's brakes though more than adequate are not what one would call cutting edge. ON THEROAD 0ut on the open road, the new XJ offers riders honest performance. Yamaha claims around 90ps, with the emphasis on rideability rather than all- out performance. With a top-speed on the high side of 200kmh most riders won't be disappointed--although some may feel the need to drop back a cog or two for 17 XV750G (AMCN Vol 44 No 12) ....................... $9499 XJ600SG (AMCN Vol 41 No 14)....................... $8199 XV1 1 OOG IAMCN Vol 43 No 23) ................. $1 1,699 XJ900SG (AMCN Vol 44 No 1 1 ) ................. $1 1,999 FJ 1 200F (AMCN Vol 42 No 22) .................. $13,499 YZF600RG (AMCN Vol 43 No 25) ................... $10,999 YZF750RF (AMCN Vol 43 No 23) ................... $14,499 FZR1 OOOF (AMCN Vol 43 No 15) .................. $15,199 GTS 1 OOOE (AMCN Vol 43 No 13) ................. $22,687 VMX1 200G (AMCN Vol 42 No 2) ................... $16,950 ORF r~ PW50G ............................................ $1499 PW80G ........................................... $1 999 RT1 OOG'' ......................... $2589 ~$2203 exempt) DT1 75F............................ $3519 ($2992 exempt) DT200RG............................ $5569 1$4733 exempt) XT250G (AMCN Vol 43 No 16)......... $5199 ($4420 exempt) XT350G (AMCN Vol 42 No 4) ........ $5659 ($481 1 exempt) XT600EG ........................... $7149 ($6078 exempt) TT250RF............................ $7349 ($6249 exempt) TT350E~............................ $5399 ($4590 exempt) TT350F~............................ $5969 ($5075 exempt) TT350AE (includes ADR kit) ........ $5999 ($5096 exempt) TT350AF'(includes ADR kit)......... $6599 ($5610 exempt) WR200RG~ (AMCN Vol 40 No 24) ...... $6749 ($5741 exempt) WR250ZF~ (AMCN Vol 40 No 24) ...... $7599 ($6463 exempt) MoTOCROSS YZ80F~............................................ $4939 YZ80G- ........................................... $4999 YZ1 25F~ ......................................... $7049 YZl 25G- ......................................... $7199 YZ250F~ .......................................... $7549 YZ250G~ .......................................... $7699 TRI~US TY250ZF .......................................... $9999 AGRICULTURAL AG1 OOF~ .......................... $3099 ($2634 exempt) AG200F'1 .......................... $4169 ($3543 exempt) IW200EG ........................... $4849 ($4122 exempt) AT~/s ~GA,.,~........................ $_859 ($3281 exempt) YFB250FWG.......................... $7849 j$6673 exemptj YFB250G ........................... $6499 ($5525 exempt) YFM350ERG'' ....................... $7999 ($6802 exempt1 YFM350FWG''........................ $9249 j$7863 exemptj YFM350XG .......................... $8149 ($6931 exempt) YFU- 1 E~ ......................... $8999 ($7652 exempt) YFB250FWF~ ...................... $10,149 ($8629 exempt) YFZ350 Banshee~.................... $7990 ($6773 exempt) The newXJ's release was held in the wilds of Europe's Tirolean Alps. AMCN's Marton Peffendy was impressed. really rapid overtaking, particularly two-up. With a protective but not intrusive half fairing and a good wide and well-shaped saddle, there's no need to shirk longer days in the XJ's saddle either, as I found out after a day or two exploring the wilds of Gippsland and the New South Wales south coast. It's a part of ~the continent that has a wide variety of countryside and, by definition, roads--from virtual logging tracks up on the Errinundra Plateau to roads that put some of this country's racetracks to shame. And yes, the new XJ coped with the cross-section easily--actually passed with flying colours is a better description... At around $12,000 plus ORCs, the new Yamaha is the least expensive big- bore shaft-driven multi-cylinder bike on the Australian market and a worthy holder of the XJ name. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that in this case Yamaha may well have out-done the original. Mlke Sinclair Jilted by the l~ro~ ueen, you slunk back toward the door stunned, in pain, when your eye was caught by--haven't we met?--last year's prom queen: a brand-new, left-over '86 500 Interceptor, a beautiful, forlorn little waif that needed you. You rode it home cheap. The best part was, to carelessly mix metaphors, you'd never ridden this year's prom (7ueen and so didn't know you were missing anything! The Inter- ceptor was light years ahead of your old bike. It was love's first bloom. You never gave the Hurricane another thought, though the l ittle I nterceptor sti l l appears in the occasional nighttime reverie. On a similar dreamscape, the Yamaha FZR600, Kawasaki 600R Ninja and Suzuki 600 Katana have all been up- sta~ed by faster, better-handlin~, younger models that command premi- um prices--but they're still very compe- tent motorcycles upon which you should be able to drive a very hard bar- gain. If your current ride dates from the early-Reagan epoch, and if your self- esteem doesn't totally hinge upon being first with the latest, you could be very happy with one of these motorcycles. Kawasaki's 600 Ninja has the longest Price: $6099 Engine type: Liquid-cooled, transverse, four-stroke four Valve arrangement: DOHC, 16 valves Displacement: 599cc Bore x stroke: 59.0mm x 54.8mm Compression ratio: 1 2.0: 1 Carburetion: Four, 32mm Mikuni CV Clutch: Wet, multiplate Transmission: 6-speed Front suspension: 38mm telescopic, 5.1 in . travel Rear suspension: Single Kayaba damper; adjustment for preload Front brake: 2, four-piston calipers, 298mm discs Rear brake: Double-action caliper, 245mm disc Front wheel: 3.00 x 17 in.; cast aluminum Rear wheel: 4.00 x 17 in., cast aluminum Front tire: 1 1 0/70ZR17 Dunlop Sportmax radial Rear tire: 1 40/60ZR17 Dunlop Sportmax radial Rake/trail: 25 degrees/3.7 in. l94mm) Wheelbase: 55.9 in. (1420mm) Seat height: 30.9 in. p85mm) Fuel capacity: 4.8 gal (18L) Wet weight: 452 Ibs (205kg) Instruments: Speedometer, tachometer, odometer, tripmeter, coolant temperature gauge; lights for neutral, high beam, turn signals, low oil pressure Corrected best 1/4-mile acceleration: 11.62 sec.@ 118.2mph Measured top speed: 141 mph 32 MOTORCYCLIST ù Janu~ry 1 995 Price: $5699 Engine type: Air/oil-cooled, transverse, four-stroke four Valve arrangement: DOHC, 16 valves Displacement: 599cc Bore x stroke: 62.6mm x 48.7mm Compression ratio: 1 1 3: 1 Carburetion: Four, 33mm Mikuni CV Clutch: Wet, multiplate Transmission: 6-speed Front suspension: 41 mm telescopic, 5.1 in. travel; adjustment for rebound damping Rear suspension: Single Showa damper, ad- justments for preload and rebound damping Front brake: 2, four-piston calipers, 290mm discs Rear brake: Double-action caliper, 250mm disc Front wheel: 3.00 x 17 in.; cast aluminum Rear wheel: 3.50 x 17 in.; cast aluminum Front tire: 1 1 0/80V17 Dunlop K655F Rear tire: 1 40/90V17 Dunlop K655 Rake/trail: 24.3 degrees/3.9 in. (98mm) Wheelbase: 56.3 in. (1430mm) Seat height: 30.5 in. (775mm) Fuel capacity: 4.8 gal (18L) Wet weight: 493 Ibs (224kg) Instruments: Speedometer, tachometer odometer, tripmeter, fuel gauqe, liqhts for neutral, high beam, sidestand depl~oyment, turn signals, low oil pressure Corrected best 1/4-mile acceleration: 11.95 sec. @ 112.7mph Measured top speed: 134 mph Price: S5599 Engine type: Liquid-cooled, transverse, four-stroke four Valve arrangement: DOHC, 16 valves Displacement: 592cc Bore x stroke: 60mm x 52.4mm Compression ratio: 11 . 7: 1 Carburetion: Four, 32mm Keihin CV Clutch: Wet, multiplate Transmission: 6-speed Front suspension: 38mm telescopic, 5.6 in. travel Rear suspension: Single Kayaba damper; adjustments for air pressure and rebound damping Front brake: 2, single-action calipers, 260mm discs Rear brake: Single-action caliper, 230mm disc Front wheel: 2.50 x 16 in., cast aluminum Rear wheel: 3.00 x 16 in.; cast aluminum Front tire: 1 1 0/80V16 Dunlop K205 Rear tire: 1 30/90V16 Dunlop K205 Rake/trail: 27.3 degrees/3.6 in. (91 mm) Wheelbase: 56.1 in . (1425mm) Seat height: 30.0 in. (762mm) Fuel capacity: 4.7 gal (18L) Wet weight: 457 Ibs (207kg) Instruments: Speedometer, tachometer, odometer, tripmeter, fuel gauge, coolant temperature gauge; lights for neutral, high beam, turn signals, low oil pressure Corrected best 1/4-mile acceleration: 11.93 sec. @ 111.6mph Measured top speed: 134 mph ONDA AGNA ~L~X~ Honda's own cruiser is still Honda's best cruiser f Honda has a soul, it flows not from the stag- gered duals of anA.C.E. V-twin, but from the quartet of bologna-cut chrome pipes of the Magna Deluxe. From the first 1982 V45 Magna to the cartoon cool of the 1987 700 to the tonecl- down 1994 re-style, the Magna has always been, well, the Magna: quick, singular, ancl unquestion- ably Honda. From the be- ginning, the Magna proved that the same 16- valve V-four that powered its Interceptors could slip into a little chrome evening wear an~ swjpe the heart of Saturclay night just as easily. On that front, very liHle has changed. Except this year, the plain-wrap Magna is joinecl by our Magna Deluxe, distinguished by a bar-mounted bikini fair- ing and new duo-tone paint. Un~ler the paint, however, the same 16-valve, liquid-cooled V-four compresses mixture from a quartet of 34mm carbs at 10.8:1 Iversus the VFR's slightly headier 1 1.0:1 figure), sending it forth throuqh a five-speed ~ec rbox an~l more cost-effective chain final ~rive. Less radical, chain-driven cams contribute to a power de- livery that is smoother ana! more linear than even the emi- nently tractable VFR's. Power buil~s with the linearity of a motor running on elec- tricity rather than internal combustion. The V-4 pulls from 2500 rpm past its 76.6-hp peak at 9000 rpm till the rev lim- iter pulls the plug just past 10,000. ~nough power to tally mid-1 2-second quarter miles near 1 10 mph and stomp the life out of V-twins displacing hvice its 748cc. That potent, flatline power lets the Magna pull fihh gear from 25 to 130 mph without a shuclder: just the brand of easy-access muscle you want for plying the boulevorcl. The 65-inch wheelbase and 32-degree rake favor stability over agility. But the Magna carries its weight low enough in the pipe-rack steel frame to allow easy urban maneuvering. Unlike most of its urban-bred v-twin cousins, the Magna's low center of mass and acres of instant-on horsepower make it Big Fun on the backroads, too. Spirited progress fades the sin- gle 316mm clisc in a hur- ry, and then grinding footpegs signal the onset of Too Much Fun. Grind- ing header pipes follow shortly thereafter, signal- ing the onset of Big Trou- ble, segueing into the Emergency Ward if you don't slow down and play nice. Once everything calms down, that long, low pro- flle allows a pavement- skimming 28-inch seat height that accommodates both creatures bi~ and small in equal comfort. A soft, well-shapecl seat wears into the gluteus maximus after about hvo hours or 150 miles, whichever comes first. Relatively short gearing lets the V-4 get a bit buzzy past 65 mph. Still, the cute li~le fairing turns enough wind around your upper torso to make the Magna a good light-duty tourer. The only problem ~here is a 3.6-gallon fuel tank ~hat enforces fuel stops every 1 66-odd miles. The Magna Deluxe has qreat power and goo~ handling man- ners given its mission in life. Unlike its V-hvin brethren, the M~gna is an original--not an adaptation. Most im- portant, the Magna is a motorcycle First and a fashion plate second, which makes it Honda's best cruiser in our book. --Tim CcJrrithers ù A surprisingly effective bikini fairing and two-tone paint bump the Deluxe's price to $7399, $400 above the standard Maana. ù The V-4 has long been Hon- da's signature engine. The Magna uses a torque-tuned ver- sion of the 748cc VFR engine, cranking out 76.6 rear wheel horsepower at 9000 rpm. Honda Magna Deluxe Suggested retail price: $7399 Warranty: 12 months, unlimited mileage Engine type: Liquid-cooled, transverse, 90-clegree, 4-stroke v-4 Displacement: 748cc Carburetion: 4, 34mm Keihin clownclrah cv Front suspension: 41 mm Showa, 5 9 in travel Rear suspen~ion: Dual Showa dampers, 4.0 in. travel; acljust- ment for spring preloacl Wheelbase: 65.0 in. ( 1 652mm Seat height: 28.0 in. p1 0mm~ Fuel capacity: 3.6 gal ( 1 3.5L) Wet weight: 540.5 Ibs Fuel consumption: 36 to 49 mpg; 46.1 mpg avg. Avg. touring range: 166 miles Corrected best 1/4-mile acceleration*: 12.55 sec. @ 108 mph lanuary 1995 ù MOTORCYCLISl 4~ BMW K755 Price: $10,790 (w/ABS) Engine type: Liquid-cooled, longitudinal, in- line, four-stroke triple Valve arrangement: DOHC, 8 valves Displacement 740cc Bore x stroke: 67 0 x 70.0mm Compression ratio: 10 5:1 Carburetion: Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection Clutch: Dry, single plate Transmission: 5-speed Front suspension: 41 mm Showa, 5.3 in. travel Rear suspension: Single damper, 4.3 in. trav- el; adjustable for sprin~ preload Front brake: 2, two-piston calipers, 284mm discs Rear brake: Two-piston caliper, 284mm disc Front wheel: 2.50 x 18 in., cast aluminum Rear wheel: 3.00 x 17 in., cast aluminum Front tire: 100/90V18 Metzeler ME33 Laser Rear tire: 130/90V17 Metzeler ME99 Metronic Rake/trail: 27.5 degrees/3.98 in. (lOlmm) Wheelbase: 59.7 in. (1516mm) Seatheight: 31.9 in. (810mm) Fuel capacity: 5.2 gal (20L) Wet weight 548 Ibs (249kg) Instruments: Speedometer, tachometer, odometer, tripmeter, digital clock, digital gear indicator; warning lights for low fuel, low oil pressure, coolant temperature, low batter,v charge, ABS malfunction; lights for neutral, high beam, turn siqnals Corrected best 1/4-mile acceleration: 13.25 sec. @ 100.8 mph Average 200-yard top-gear acceleration from 50 mph: 74.4 mph Measured top speed: 122 mph Price: $8599 Engine type: Liquid-cooled, transverse, 90-de qree, tour-stroke V-four Valve arrangement: DOHC,16 valves, adjust- ing shims under buckets Displacement 748cc Bore x stroke: 70.0 x 48.6mm Compression ratio: 11.0:1 Carburetion: 4, 34mm Keihin downdrah CV Clutch: Wet, multiplate Transmission: 6-speed Front suspension: 41 mm Showa, 5.5 in. travel adjustment for spring preload Rear suspension: One Showa damper, 5.1 in. wheel travel; adjustments for spring preload, rebound damping Front brake: 2, single-action calipers, 296mm cliscs Rear brake: Single-action caliper, 256mm disc Front wheel: 3.50 x 17 in.; cast aluminum Rear wheel: 5.00 x 17 in.; cast aluminum Front tire: 120/70ZR17 Dunlop D202 radial Rear tire: 170/60ZR17 Dunlop D202 radial Rake/trail: 26 degrees/4.0 in. (102mm) Wheelbase: 57.9 in. (1471 mm) Seat height: 31.5 in. (800mm) Fuel capacity: 5.5 gal (21 L) Wet weight: 525 Ibs (236kg) Instruments: Speedometer, tachometer, odome- ter, tripmeter, fuel gauqe, coolant tempera- ture gauge, digital clock; lights for neutral, high beam, turn signals, low fuel level, low oil pressure Corrected best 1/4-mile acceleration: 11.67 sec.@115.2mph Average 200-yard top gear acceleration from 50 mph: 75.3 mph Measured top speed: 145 mph SUZlJlCI GS)~F7513 IC~NA Price: $6799 Engine type: Air/oil-cooled, transverse, in- line, four-stroke four Valve arrangement: DOHC, 16 valves threaded adjusters Displacement: 748cc Bore x stroke: 73.0 x 44.7mm Compression ratio: 10.9: 1 Carburetion: 4, 36mm Mikuni flat-slide CV Clutch: Wet, multiplate Transmission: 6-speed Front suspension: 41 mm Showa, 4.9 in. travel; adjustment for rebound damping Rear suspension: One Showa damper, 5.2 in. wheel travel; a~justments for spring preload, rebound amping Front brake: 2, four-piston calipers, 290mm discs Rear brake: Two-piston caliper, 250mm disc Front wheel: 3.00 x 17 in., cast aluminum Rear wheel: 3.50 x 17 in., cast aluminum Front tire: 110/80V17 Metzeler ME33 Laser Rear tire: 150/70VB Metzeler ME55A Metronic Rake/trail: 25 degrees/4.0 in. (102mm) Wheelbase: 57.9 in. (1470mm) Seat height: 31.7 in. (805mm) Fuel capacity: 5.3 gal (20L) Wet weight: 517 Ibs (235kg) Instruments: Speedometer tachometer odometer, tripmeter, fue~gauge; lights for neutral, high beam, turn signals, low oil pressure Corrected best 1/4-mile acceleration: 11.95 sec.@ 112.7mph Average 200-yd. top gear acceleration from 50 mph: 75.3 mph Measured top speed: 142 mph BMW's K75S triple immigrated to the U.S. market in 1987, a well-bred, emi- nently civilized and smooth-running motorcycle that happened also to be one of the sharpest-handling and sporti- est ever to come from Munich. Since then, not a lot has changed on the S. In '93, the bike got an upgraded Showa fork. A year later, the 700-watt alterna- tor from the new R259 motor replaced the old 480-watter, allowing use of a smaller, 19 amp-hour battery. The Katana enters '95--its seventh year--with the same rambunctious GSX-R-derived engine and comfy- sporty chassis that won our hearts way back then. Shame Suzuki didn't also stick with the original paint scheme. Honda's VFR, of course, is the spring chicken of the group, first tested in our February '94 issue. Powered by a torquey, third-generation Honda V-four powerplant, the VFR might be the most competent do-all streetbike you can al- most afford. (According to Honda, 1995 models will be identical to our 12,000- mile '94 test unit pictured here.) Character? Each of these bikes has its own, with none of the me-too or fastest- in-class hype to detract from overall per- formance and balance. BMW's 740cc liquid-cooled triple was created by sub- 36 MoT()RCYCLIST ù Fe~ruary 1 995 tracting one cylinder from the originalK-bike motor. Though not particularly powerful, it provides plenty of torque and enough urge on top to propel the S past 120 mph. How much more do you need in the real world? The torquey, sensuous VFR engine traces its roots back to the original V-four Interceptor of 1983, and the Katana's rev-happy in-line four carries on the grand tradition of the venerable Universal Japanese 750cc Motorcycle, a niche largely abandoned by the Big Four in the rabid quest for Superbike dom i nation . Flexibility? Five hundred miles of su-