MOTOR-CAR SPORT

TEN NEW MOTORCYCLES WE’RE DYING TO RIDE IN 2013 Large press conferences from Honda and Ducati held right before EICMA 2012 may have stolen a bit of the thunder from Milan’s annual motorcycle show, but we still came away impressed with the variety of significant new bikes on display. Although finding the 10 motorcycles that we’d most like to ride in 2013 certainly qualifies as a tough task (hey, only  Bruno dePrato  speaks Italian), that’s the reason we’re here. 1. Aprilia Caponord 1200 This adventurer-tourer, developed from the supermoto-inspired Dorsoduro 1200, is a versatile machine, fun in the city yet big enough for a two-up ride into the country, aided by good wind protection and that large, 1197cc V-Twin. In addition to a ride-by-wire system with three maps (Sport, Touring, Rain), the Caponord 1200 boasts ABS and traction control, both of which can be defeated. The available Travel Pack offers active suspension damping, cruise control and color-matched p...

NEW IDEAS: KNOX TRACK VEST British-designed and manufactured Knox Track Vest ($189.95; sizes S to 2XL) offers comfort and protection beyond that of a traditional CE-approved back protector. The snug-fitting vest is made of breathable, moisture-wicking Meryl Lycra, has a padded, ventilated chest and can be machine-washed when the zippered-in-place Aegis protector is removed. As for the spine protection itself, Knox uses a series of “flex channels” that follow the contour of the wearer’s back. The vertical channels contain energy-absorbing rubber honeycomb filler that also provides ventilation. Raised ribs and perforations in the padded lining create paths for cooling airflow.

             2014 HONDA GROM 125 As expected, American  Honda  announced that the Taiwan-built, fuel-injected, 125cc Grom will be for sale in the U.S. as a 2014 model, priced at $2999. The Grom, known as the MSX125 in other markets [ read our post on the MSX125 here ], looks like it will be a blast to ride, offering what Honda says is “all the excitement of a full-sized motorcycle but in a package that just about anyone old enough to have a license can handle.” It is clearly a modern interpretation of the 1969 CT70, and, like that long-running get-started-riding motorcycle, the Pearl Red or Metallic Black Grom 125 promises broad accessibility and charming approachability, coupled with a price that is hard to argue with. Expect the Grom in dealers this August.     SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE Engine type 124.9cc air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke Bore & stroke 52.4mm x 57.9mm Compression ratio ...

2014 HONDA CTX700/CTX700N  Honda is taking the bull by the horns and doing all it can to ensure motorcycling’s future. Over the past three years, Big Red has developed multiple points of entry into motorcycling. The first wave started with the CBR250R, which was followed by the NC700X and a three-bike, 500cc lineup that includes the CB500F, CB500X and CBR500R. Wave two begins now with the new CTX shown here, plus some additional models we’ll learn more about soon. If these bikes don’t inspire you to run down to your  Honda  dealership and slap a down payment on the counter, that’s fine. Not all bikes are intended for a seasoned, possibly jaded, motorcyclist like you. Remember, Honda still builds everything from its potent CBR1000RR, CBR600RR and CRF450R models to its flagship Gold Wing. And now, for the new, re-entry or female rider, the CTX is represents an unintimidating option designed to get these people on two wheels. Honda had three primary goals w...

        2014 HONDA MSX125 Rolling burnouts in a parking garage? Dirt-track slides through construction zones? Wheelies that would impress Travis Pastrana? What’s gotten into Honda? The future of motorcycling, maybe. This is the Taiwanese-built MSX125, known as the Grom 125 in Japan. Launched overseas early this year, the MSX (Mini Street Xtreme) is rumored to be coming to the U.S. as a 2014 model. Honda  says development of the MSX125 resulted in four patent applications “focused around the split-structure tank cover and frame.” To keep the package desirably small, components for the PGM fuel injection are housed inside the cover of the 1.45-gallon gas tank. Despite scooter-size 120/70-12 front and 130/70-12 rear rubber, this entry-level machine said to use “full-size motorcycle parts.” Claimed curb weight is 224 pounds. Seat height is 30.1 inches, .4 shorter than a CBR250R. Like the littlest CBR, the MSX125 is equipped with big-bike features...