Page 14 - Australian Motorcycle News (January 2020)

the

w

Kawasaki

ups vehicle

detection ante

LATE LAST YEAR Kawasaki on-board computer as soon as they
confirmed it’s working with Bosch detect a flash of brake lights ahead,
around radar-assisted safety and while a radar is blind to that early
cruise control systems, and now it’s warning. In future, vehicle-mounted
filed patents showing even more cameras will also be able to look out
ambitious technology. for things like traffic light colours.
The documents show a sports- Of course, there are also
style bike with cameras, either advantages to radar-based systems.
working alongside a radar unit or as They work regardless of visibility
an alternative – in fog or
system to darkness – and
monitor traffic don’t require as
ahead. The much on-board
design incorpora mputing power
cameras into nterpret the
Kawasaki’s nals. THE KTM-OWNED Husqvarna may have dumped
trademark fairin ideal world, its proposed plans for a big-bore range.
lights, continuin ki would make As well as the withdra
long-running des hnologies work prototypes from its usua
theme that can b r. test routes, corporate GUESS
traced back deca BEN PURVIS documents show a shift
Another variat focus between October WHAT?!
shows the twin and November 2019, The documents also
cameras incorpo with the larger 1301 confirm GasGas is
models missing.
into the hand gua The document launching a roadbike range,
on an adventure- illustrates several including 800cc adventure
and naked models
bike, but that loo models yet to be officially and a 250-class

vulnerable to us. launched, which include nakedbike!
Using two cam a 501 range using KTM’s
instead of a radar forthcoming 500cc paral
one is already com twin, as well as a selection of upcoming
in cars. Cameras electric bikes and scooters. BP

V4SUPERLEGGERAREVEALED

DUCATI’S HIGH-PRICED Superleggera powerful than the R.
version of its V4 Panigale has been It weighs 173kg ready-to-ride – 11kg
snapped during a presentation to less than the base model, thanks to a
dealers. carbon-fibre frame, wheels, swingarm

It boasts even more extensive aero and bodywork.
wings than its siblings Inevitably, it features
which are said to add It weighs 173kg the highest-spec Brembo
50kg of downforce at ready-to-ride brakes and Öhlins and,
270km/h, a 67 percent equally inevitably, there’s
increase on the V4 R. – 11kg less an eye-watering price tag,
Technical specs than the base possibly $A145,000, with
we’ve already reported 500 set to be made. The
were also confirmed; model, thanks WorldSBK price cap means

it’ll use the high-revving to a carbon-fibre there’s no intention to race
998cc V4 engine from the Superleggera – the
the Panigale V4 R rather frame, wheels, V4 R will remain Ducati’s
than the 1103cc version, swingarm and showroom racer.
but with a homologated Production is due to
165kW it’s even more bodywork start in April. BP

14 amcn.com.au