Triumph accouncing a number of new and special edition models for 2010.

Triumph Motorcycles celebrated its 15th year since returning to North America by accouncing a number of new and special edition (SE) models for 2010 that will be offered in limited numbers.

Thunderbird SE: The 1600cc (98 cubic inch) Thunderbird SE comes standard with new Carnival Red paint, ABS, a quick detach touring windshield with wind deflectors, leather saddle bags, touring seat, quick detach passenger back rest with luggage rack, and rider and passenger floor boards. MSRP is $14,999.

Thunderbird 1700: The optional “big bore‟ 1700cc (104 cubic inch) engine upgrade, which increases peak power from 85bhp to 99bhp, and ABS come standard and features a stunning Phantom Red Haze paint that is exclusive to this model. MSRP is $14,799.

Bonneville 1960 Anniversary Edition: Only 600 units of this commemorative edition of the 1960 Bonneville will be built, 100 of which will come to North America. Each motorcycle features two-tone Meriden and Caspian Blue paint, a numbered handlebar clamp plaque and a certificate of authenticity. MSRP is $8,999.

Bonneville T100 Black: The “Bonnie Black” was created in response to customer requests for an all-black Bonneville with spoke wheels and a tachometer. MSRP is $8,599.

Speed Triple SE: The original „streetfighter‟ motorcycle receives special Tornado Red paint with a Crystal White center stripe, seat cowl and flyscreen. MSRP is $11,299.

Daytona 675 SE: The Pearl White bodywork over a Sparkle Blue chassis was so successful in 2009 that the bike returns with a striking new graphics package and carbon fiber trim. MSRP is $10,299

Source [Triumph]

Honda Introduces their Automatic Motorcycle to the U.S. Market

For the motorcycle purist out there, the idea of riding a motorcycle without a clutch is unimaginable. However, Honda is taking a gamble and introducing the Honda DN-01 to the American Marketplace this week. The Honda DN-01 uses a hydromechanical transmission, which allows riders to bypass the usual hand clutch and foot shifter. The DN-01’s hydromechanical transmission, or HFT, uses fluids to push a series of swash plates back and forth for seamless and buttery movement between the gears.

Autos have almost completely transitioned from the manual transmission to automatics. According to WardsAuto.com, 93% of all 2008 cars and light trucks sold in the U.S. were equipped with automatic transmissions. That’s a 14% increase from 1990 when 79% of vehicles sold in the U.S. had automatic transmissions. Will motorcyles follow the trend of their four wheel cousins? Honda seems to think so. “Five years from now, you’d be amazed how many automatic and semiautomatics you’re going to see in the two-wheeled world,” said Jon Seidel, assistant manager of motorcycle press for American Honda in Torrance.

2009 Honda DN-01
Base price: $14,599
Powertrain: Liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, 52-degree V-twin, SOHC, four valves per cylinder, shaft drive, hydromechanical two-mode automatic transmission with six-speed manual mode, anti-lock brakes
Displacement: 680 cc
Seat height: 27.2 inches
Curb weight: 595 pounds
Road test MPG: 48 (based on 356 miles traveled)

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[Source: LA Times]